Recap of the MISA Ontario Event: Spotlight on Female Leadership in Technology
Our team had the pleasure of joining attendees at the MISA Ontario 2024 Annual Conference and Trade Show. It was great to connect and re-connect with friends old and new.
One of the highlights for us was that our Vice President and Specialist in Digital, IT Strategy, Smart City and Innovation, Susan Chase, participated on a panel discussion titled "Technology Leadership - Strategies for Success for Women and non-technical leaders."
Moderated by Morgan Calvert, Susan was joined by municipal technology leaders Becky Jamieson, Commissioner of Corporate Services & Town Clerk for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and Nicole Cooper, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Ajax. The discussion covered two main themes: managing technology teams as non-technical leaders and the evolving landscape of female leadership in technology.
The turnout was impressive - indicating strong interest in the topic, with over 100 attendees, including a significant number of men. The panel shared their experiences and strategies for effectively managing IT teams and departments without being technologists themselves highlighting the importance of building credibility and trust within the team, emphasizing authenticity, effective communication, transparency, and the courage to ask questions. The panelists stressed the value of having trusted advisors to navigate complex technical issues, the necessity of pushing back against technical jargon to ensure a solid understanding of the problems at hand, and the importance of investing in your team’s continued education and professional development. Panelists also shared approaches to securing necessary support and investments into the technology portfolio by framing these investments in terms of their benefits to the organization and the community rather than just focusing on costs, being open to creative and non-traditional staffing, resourcing, and funding solutions,
The conversation also touched on the experiences of women in technology and how traditionally 'feminine' traits can be powerful assets in leadership and the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive team environment. The panelists shared experiences of dealing with gender biases, such as being labeled the "hatchet lady" after making tough decisions for which male counterparts were praised.
A significant part of the discussion also revolved around encouraging male allies in the workplace. The panelists stressed the importance of recognizing qualities like empathy and passion as strengths, which are often undervalued in professional settings. They emphasized that these traits are not only beneficial for fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment but are also crucial for effective leadership. The panel pointed out that normalizing and supporting men showing vulnerability and emotion at work can break down harmful stereotypes and contribute to a healthier, more balanced workplace culture. Anecdotes were shared by these leaders who have successfully integrated these qualities into their management style, resulting in more cohesive and motivated teams. The panelists agreed that promoting these values among male colleagues is essential for creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
We believe that this is a critically important topic, and the "Spotlight on Female Leadership in Technology" panel at MISA Ontario highlighted the importance of inclusivity and empathy. We were super proud that Susan, Becky, and Nicole's insights provided valuable lessons on navigating and leading in a predominantly male industry, emphasizing the power of collaboration, trust, and respect.
The overwhelmingly positive response from the audience shows that our community agrees that this continues to be an important issue, and that there is a need for ongoing work to ensure that we have ever-increasing diversity in municipal technology leadership. But, with brilliant women like Susan, Becky and Nicole leading the charge - the future is bright indeed.