30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 70
What unique perspectives do
women bring to the data centre
昀椀eld?
How do you view the landscape for
women in tech moving forward?
omen bring unique strengths to the data
centre 昀椀eld, often offering perspectives
that complement the industry’s demands.
While I hesitate to generalise, research shows that
women frequently excel as strategic thinkers, capable
of seeing the bigger picture and anticipating future
challenges. We tend to take calculated risks and excel
in planning—qualities that are invaluable in a 昀椀eld
requiring precision and foresight.
hope to see continued growth in diversity and inclusion
across the sector. While the challenge of increasing diverse
STEM graduates remains, there are ample opportunities to
bring diversity into different areas of the industry. For instance,
many of us in the 昀椀eld—including myself—didn’t come from
engineering backgrounds but have found meaningful roles that
contribute to the sector’s success.
W
Additionally, women often feel the need to prove
ourselves in male-dominated spaces, which can drive
us to deliver exceptional results. This determination
allows us to contribute innovative ideas and effect
positive changes, whether in company culture or
operational strategies.
Despite the initial appearance of being a maledominated industry, I have found the data centre
industry to be incredibly welcoming. It’s often down
to the individual and company, but really it is about
valuing the expertise. If you’ve proven yourself you’re
in. Once you’re in the team, you’re in the team and
you’ll stay regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, etc.
Success is a shared victory regardless and creates a
camaraderie that helps women thrive and lead in this
critical 昀椀eld.
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Looking forward, I would love to see more women in top
leadership positions, including CEOs. Currently, there are only a
few women in these roles, largely due to historical factors—there
simply weren’t many women in the industry decades ago to rise
through the ranks. However, as more women enter tech, this
dynamic can and should change.
It’s true that some roles, like those on construction sites or
involving unsociable hours, may naturally appeal less to women
due to logistical or personal considerations. But advancements
in technology, such as assisted robotics in construction, are
breaking down physical barriers, making these jobs more
accessible to women. As workplace cultures evolve and tools
improve, the potential for women to take on these roles
increases signi昀椀cantly.
Overall, I’m optimistic about the future. Women bring
enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and diverse skills to the table,
and the industry is starting to recognise the value of these
contributions. The journey toward greater inclusion is just
beginning, but the momentum is promising. Why wouldn’t we
want to tap into all the potential that women bring to the
tech world?
