Recently I gave a lecture at Stanford University in California. My chosen topic was creating inclusive ecosystems.
And, as we were in the heart of Silicon Valley, my talk was specifically geared towards the high-growth ecosystem that surrounds the beautiful campus. However, the original invitation extended to me by Stanford was for me to discuss women in technology – and specifically the dearth of them and the why behind the low numbers in high-growth technology start-ups. Towards the end of my talk I asked for a show of hands for those who would have attended my talk had it been titled “women in tech”. The answer was sadly predictable. Of the nearly 200 male and female students in the lecture, only two-thirds of the women and maybe three or four of the men raised their hands.
When – and how – did this become a conversation among women? The predictable yet nonetheless sadly disappointing response from the students actually reminded me of a Ted Talk I watched by Jackson Katz – Violence against women: it’s a men’s issue. The Ted page calls the talk “a clarion call for us all – women and men – to call out unacceptable behaviour and be leaders of change”.
What could be learned from Jackson’s talk? And what was the clarion call that would encourage entrepreneurs and investors everywhere once and for all to take on the underlying issues of the ecosystem, rather than leaving the topic of the paucity of women and minorities to the very people most marginalised?
Maybe more surprising to me than the response from the students in the room was that much of the follow-up after the lecture has been from individuals asking me what they can do? And get this – the great majority of them have been men.
So, in response, I decided to start a list. A specific call to action, for men and women – an attempt at a clarion call for the high-growth ecosystem.
1 Go to breakfast, lunch, dinner, drink, or for a run with at least one person of the opposite sex every week. Dare to make it a different person every week. Much of the work of entrepreneurship and investment is networking – change the way you do it and you will be amazed at how your world will change. Trust me, this one is easier said than done. And as with most things that are difficult, it is the journey of this exercise – as much as the breakfasts and lunches – that will provide the gifts of insight that will serve you well as you find your own voice in this conversation, because finding your voice is key to this endeavour. You have been silent too long.
2 Stop telling women how to function in a man’s world. As recently as last week a respectable Harvard academic published yet another list of ways that women can succeed in a man’s world. When is the last time we asked men to make such ridiculous efforts as learning to watch the TV shows women like? It simply does not work that way. Interests vary – as well they should. Spend your energy instead identifying ways that you can personally use your power to change the dialogue. Instead of advising others on how they can behave like you, ask questions about what motivates and enables others to succeed. Asking questions is key to understanding. You have not been listening.
3 Make room for others. Instead of hosting a single panel or keynote on the topic of women entrepreneurs, make certain you have invited women entrepreneurs and women investors to speak on whatever topics that are relevant for your audience. Integrating women and minorities into the broader conversation validates and affords exposure in a more powerful way than these ghettoised conversations ever could. Mainstream the conversation by making room on the main stage.
4 Use your voice and your presence. All too often those of us in positions of power attend events and programmes only where we are the speakers. Dare to use your presence as the powerful voice it can be. Attend the conversations that you have been opting out of. Sit in on the sessions that include women and others you do not hear on a regular basis. Validate their perspective and voice with your attendance. Your physical being is a force that has been on the sidelines for too long. This is just the start of a list. I welcome your contributions to it. Whatever you do, get on with it. The time has arrived – people are listening.