In this episode, Samuel Kasumu and Kristy Merson dive into the nuanced art of navigating career transitions, with a particular focus on entering the tech industry. Kristy shares her fascinating career journey, offering a candid look at the role curiosity, resilience, and networking played in her success. From her diverse experiences across startups to Salesforce, she reveals actionable strategies for leveraging your unique strengths to stand out in competitive spaces.

They discuss Salesforce’s dynamic culture, which Kristy describes as "a giant startup" that fosters creativity while championing diversity. A key highlight is the creation of the Women’s Network at Salesforce, which has successfully influenced policies to support and empower women in the workplace. The conversation also addresses practical strategies for business optimisation, emphasising the importance of prioritisation and not overextending resources. This applies to both organisational success and personal career growth.

Tune in for a conversation filled with actionable insights and inspiration that will resonate with anyone navigating career transitions or seeking growth in the tech industry.

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In this episode, Samuel Kasumu and Wendy McPherson discuss the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) in organisations. They explore the need to adapt EDI practices to societal changes, balance diversity with cohesion, and emphasise leadership’s role in fostering inclusion. Through the case study of Dagenham Council, the episode highlights community engagement and the integration of EDI into organisational culture as essential for success. A must-listen for leaders aiming to drive belonging and social justice within their teams.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Diversity evolves with each generation: EDI practices must adapt to remain effective and relevant.
• It’s about people, not just policies: Diversity reflects the varied needs of individuals.
• Cohesion is key: Without it, diversity can unintentionally alienate.
• Empathy leads the way: Understanding others' perspectives is essential for impactful EDI practices.
• Community engagement matters: Real change begins by connecting with the communities organisations serve.
• Lived experience adds depth: Voices with firsthand experiences bring unmatched value to EDI strategies.
• Integration is non-negotiable: EDI must be woven into organisational culture, not treated as a superficial trend.

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In this episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu interviews Dr. Raffaella Ocone, Vice President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and an academic leader with a career spanning Italy, the USA, the UK, and beyond. Raffaella shares her journey into chemical engineering, the challenges she faced as one of the few women in her field, and her vision for a more diverse and ethical engineering profession. This conversation explores Raffaella’s journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming a leader in engineering, discussed the challenges she faced and how she transformed obstacles into opportunities, with a focus on gender diversity and inclusion in the engineering field.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship is vital for building confidence and navigating challenges.
• Diversity and inclusion drive innovation in engineering.
• The pandemic has impacted teamwork skills among students, creating new challenges for educators.
• Engineers must embrace their ethical responsibilities in addressing global challenges.

From her early academic days in Naples to her leadership role in global engineering, Raffaella’s story is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the power of education.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.