Women Love Tech’s first-ever event at SXSW Sydney on Tuesday, October 15 proved to be among the week’s most popular. (And, not just because we had cupcakes!). Held at the Novotel in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, the WLT x SXSW panel discussion and Happy Hour networking session focused on the theme of “Empowering Women in Tech: Mentorship for Innovation and Leadership.” And, brought together a remarkable panel of industry leaders who shared their insights on innovation, career development, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Emceed by Women Love Tech Founder Robyn Foyster, the discussion featured Chiara Longhi, Innovation Strategy GTM for Asia-Pacific & Japan at Amazon Web Services (AWS); Rebecca Zeus, CEO of BizCubed; and Myles Lawlor, General Manager of Technology and Product at Alternaleaf. Plus, a fireside chat with the Queen of Cupcakes Elise Strachan.
Our panellists engaged in deep, thought-provoking conversations about the skills necessary to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech industry. And, shared personal stories, highlighting the challenges they’ve faced and the lessons learned along the way.
Chiara Longhi: Sponsor v coach v mentor
Chiara Longhi, the first employee of Amazon Australia, emphasised the transformative role of curiosity in driving personal and professional development. “Curiosity is not just a skill; it’s a mindset,” she explained, highlighting its importance in fostering deeper connections and encouraging innovative thinking.
Reflecting on her journey, Chiara shared several inspiring anecdotes including recollections of her time at Amazon’s Melbourne Fulfilment Centre. While there, she found herself googling “snake hunter” to deal with an unexpected visitor of the serpentine variety – showcasing her commitment to exploration and learning in all aspects of her work. This mindset not only propelled her career but also boosted her confidence, allowing her to approach challenges with a sense of wonder.
Chiara reinforced the significance of mentorship in navigating one’s career path, noting, “The three different roles are: the sponsor talks for you, the coach speaks with you, and the mentor speaks to you,” she said. This distinction underscores the multifaceted nature of mentorship, emphasising the need for various forms of guidance throughout one’s career. Her insights served as a powerful reminder to attendees that being open to learning and exploration can lead to significant breakthroughs both personally and organisationally.
Rebecca Zeus: Finding the right mentor is essential
As the CEO of BizCubed, Rebecca Zeus advocated for building supportive networks for women in technology, emphasising that mentorship is crucial for navigating the complexities of the industry.
“Knowing what your goal is, and what you are looking to get out of your mentoring session is essential,” said Rebecca. “Remember, everyone has a different journey. Mentorship can be intentional, accidental, or anywhere in between.”
Rebecca also highlighted the importance of finding the right match between mentor and mentee, likening it to a psychology session where understanding your needs is crucial.
She recounted how she wished she’d had more access to mentors in her earlier career to provide her with guidance and insights. Rebecca also stressed the importance of setting up a culture of innovation, and shared BizCubed new sustainability reporting initiatives.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she said she benefited from being a member of Women on Boards, saying it opened her eyes to leadership and the significance of giving back. By creating a robust mentoring environment at BizCubed, she aims to ensure that others benefit from the support she found essential.
Myles Lawlor: Embracing opportunity and overcoming fear
After addressing the elephant in the room (“I’m clearly not a woman,” he revealed to a giggling crowd) General Manager of Technology and Product at Alternaleaf, Myles Lawlor brought a unique perspective to the panel, discussing how curiosity and a willingness to embrace discomfort have shaped his diverse career journey. “A life open to curiosity is a life well lived,” he said, emphasising that true growth often arises from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Growing up in Dublin without formal education in his family didn’t deter his quest for knowledge. He shared that when he moved to Australia, the best piece of advice he received was to ‘find a sports team.’ Taking up martial arts not only helped him build a social network but also encouraged him to embrace challenges in a supportive environment.
Myles addressed the notion of anxiety as a natural part of learning, saying: “Make yourself uncomfortable. Having a sense of anxiety is a good thing; it means you’re learning something new.” He encouraged the audience to view discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth, advocating for a mindset that embraces exploration and curiosity.
Myles also shared anecdotes about his career, illustrating how a willingness to ask “What if?” can lead to extraordinary innovations. He stressed that asking questions opens doors to new opportunities, reinforcing the importance of a curious mindset in achieving success. So far his career has taken him to the desert in Chile and working in the oil fields in the North Sea.
Elise Strachan: Sweet endings
Elise Strachan, the global YouTuber behind My Cupcake Addiction, shared her remarkable journey from air hostess to digital media sensation during a fireside chat with Robyn Foyster. Introduced by Robyn’s mother, Elise found mentorship in Robyn, a leader in mainstream media. Their collaboration proved mutually beneficial, as Elise sought to expand into traditional media while Robyn embraced the digital landscape.
Elise’s story is one of innovation and resilience. When early sponsorship attempts with brands like Nestle and Foxtel fell through, Elise took the bold step of moving to the U.S. There, she secured a global consulting job with Nestle, which was a significant leap compared to earlier opportunities in Australia. This move allowed her to thrive, appearing on platforms like the Today Show in the US and establishing her brand internationally.
Both Elise and Robyn emphasised the importance of mentorship in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Elise remarked on the necessity of finding creative solutions, such as writing and pitching her own TV concepts when opportunities didn’t materialize. They are now on a mission to create a mentorship connection platform that pairs individuals across diverse backgrounds, aiming to empower people in their professional journeys.
Elise highlighted the emotional support that female mentorship provides, sharing experiences of lifting each other up during challenging times. “A mentor will remind you who you are when the chips are down,” she said, reflecting on the transformative power of their relationship.
Excitedly announcing the launch of Women Love Tech’s upcoming mentoring platform, Elise encouraged participants to share their expertise and connect with others who are at similar or complementary points in their journeys. And, expressed her desire for diverse voices in tech and entrepreneurship to participate – emphasising that everyone can both mentor and be mentored.
Key takeaways for effective mentorship
The insights shared during the Women Love Tech x SXSW panel serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace challenges in the tech industry. Each speaker’s unique experiences highlighted that mentorship is not a one-size-fits-all journey; it is an evolving process that benefits from intentionality, diversity, and meaningful connections.
The panel offered several actionable insights for both mentors and mentees. Namely, the importance of clarifying your needs by understanding what type of support you require – mentor, coach, or sponsor – and seeking the appropriate person for that role. Vulnerability also plays a crucial role, as being open about your challenges fosters deeper connections and more effective guidance. Expressing gratitude to your mentors for their time and sharing your progress reinforces the value of the relationship. Encouraging informal connections in the workplace can enhance collaboration and innovation. As can prioritising individual growth in professional development programs, by focusing on personal goals alongside company objectives.
As the panel wrapped up, Robyn reminded the audience that empowering women in tech is not solely about individual achievements; it’s about fostering an inclusive ecosystem where everyone can thrive – undoubtedly inspire attendees to cultivate their curiosity, seek mentorship, and support one another in their journeys, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and empowering community in the tech industry.
To conclude, Robyn shared a memorable piece of advice she received: “Remember, you’ve got two ears and one mouth, and they need to be used in proportion.” It was a timely reminder about the critical role of listening in mentorship and professional relationships.
