Last June, we had the immense privilege of sponsoring the European Women in Tech conference in Amsterdam. This iconic event gathered thousands of developers and engineers worldwide around one common goal: to celebrate and support women in the technology sector.
The European Women in Tech conference is one of the most significant gatherings in the industry. Over 4,500 participants from more than 50 countries attended the event, showcasing its international scope and growing reach across the industry.
The objective here was to highlight the exceptional achievements of women in the IT sector, convey knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen professional connections between emerging talent and seasoned leaders. Throughout these few days, attendees had the opportunity to attend inspiring keynote speeches, practical workshops, and enriching networking sessions, providing them with a unique chance to grow both professionally and personally.
As sponsors of this prestigious event, we could contribute to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. We take pride in supporting women in their professional journeys and promoting equal opportunities in the technology field.
This year, European Women in Tech once again proved its significance as a platform for discussing current issues, inspiring new generations of women in IT, and creating fantastic career opportunities. We are thrilled to have witnessed these remarkable moments, and we hope this article provides you with a glimpse of this exceptional experience.
Takeaways from Criteos
Marina Altés’ notes
Attending the European Women in Tech conference in Amsterdam has been an exciting experience. The opening talk emphasized our role as catalysts of change in achieving a more diverse tech industry, inspiring us to break down barriers and create an inclusive environment.
On the first day, Melanie McGrory talked about the possibilities of generative AI, with its transformative potential that allows us to create new content and ideas that can reshape the world. On the second day, Natalia Beliaeva talked about the importance of data-driven decisions across team roles, urging us to leverage data over personal biases and establish clear goals and metrics for software development.
Lastly, a talk on comprehensive testing strategies for modern micro-service architectures, by Adelina Simion, highlighted the crucial role of rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure reliability and stability.
But above all, it was wonderful to spend time with my female colleagues at Criteo. They are such a source of inspiration! EWIT 2023 left me feeling motivated and equipped to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
Estelle Thou’s highlights
I could not have wished for anything better than to give my first public speech at the EWIT. Why is that? Because of the undeniable kindness of the audience, the sensation of sharing common values and experiences as women in tech, and belong to an inspiring community that gives us even more courage to assert ourselves. I feel grateful to have shared my career transition experience; Perhaps it will inspire others to take the plunge. In addition to the quality of the presentations, there was a genuine exchange of views on future perspectives and levers for action.
The speech I found most impactful was ‘Speak With Intent’: Hannah Dauncey (Sales Director for Verizon Business in EMEA) gave us new ways to maintain attention and concisely convey our messages in day-to-day communications in our increasingly digital world. As she put it perfectly, “Technology is here to support the ways we work and increase collaboration, not to replace tried and tested ways of communicating”.
Agnès Masson-Sibut’s points
Being part of a minority is uncomfortable in any situation, let alone at work, where you spend most of your time between the ages of 25 and 65-ish. The European Women In Tech conference allowed me to see that I am not part of a minority because there are a lot of women with bright minds working as developers, software engineers, project managers, engineering managers and product managers in the tech industry, for crazy awesome companies such as Booking.com, Ikea, ESA and Criteo.
EWIT2023 was about getting together and learning how to sponsor each other, but also about AI and testing strategies. It was about feeling excluded sometimes but learning to accept that we belong. It was about women, but first and foremost, it was about the tech industry. I didn’t have a specific talk that I preferred, but I’d like to share some key takeaways from different speakers:
- From Maja Borota-Nedic (Senior Director of Engineering @ Booking.com): Don’t change who you are to fit; find the place where you fit as you are.
- From Elizabeth Theophille (ex-Chief Technology Transformation Officer @ Novartis): Don’t let ambivalence hold you down.
- From Maite Zubiaurre (Chief Product Officer @ bol.com): Feel the fear and do it anyway.
It is now up to everyone in the Tech industry to help women stop feeling like a minority.
Kudos to the wonderful Criteo female colleagues I met during the event, Estelle and Pooneh, who gave an impactful talk, and everyone who came to the booth to discuss our tech experiences. You are truly remarkable.
Shelja Anand’s takeaways
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to attend an event that bought together two words not typically seen: Women and Tech. The European Women in Tech (EWIT) event showcased the extraordinary combination of women and technology.
The presentations at EWIT covered a wide range of topics, from technical discussions on AI data, blockchain, crypto, and machine learning to subjects like product-led transformations, career transitions, future-proofing the tech industry, and leading with a human touch. However, the common theme that ran through most of these presentations was the emphasis on the vital roles that women can play in all these areas.
I was truly amazed by the magnitude of participation and its potential to influence aspiring women. Witnessing women in influential positions, shaping the path of companies and making a tangible impact was captivating.
Several talks resonated with me during the event and left a lasting impact. Here are a few highlights:
- In “Future-proofing Tech Through Inclusion & Diversity”, Kristin Shulman, Maja Borota-Nedic, Molly Stevens, and Lalli Varadh stressed the importance of sharing diverse perspectives irrespective of who is at the table, thinking big without compromise, and acknowledging that we have earned our seat at the table. They also emphasized the significance of sponsoring women and transitioning with them as they return to work after a family break and parental leaves for non-birthing parents.
- Elizabeth Theophille’s talk on “How To Prepare Yourself for Big Career Decisions” reminded us that personal growth often occurs outside our comfort zones and encouraged us to follow the paths that nourish our souls.
- In Lisa Pickett’s “Building World-Class Products,” she emphasized embracing failures while building products, testing ideas with a small percentage of the population, fostering a learning culture, and seeking feedback from the target audience.
- Maite Zubiaurre’s talk on “Product Led Transformation” urged us to confront fear and do it anyways, take charge of our development, and trust our inner instincts.
- Lastly, Nidhi Chopra’s presentation on “Leading In A Human Way In the Era of AI & Emerging Technologies” taught us to lead ourselves and then others, identify our roles, organise priorities, manage our energy, leverage technology, and tap into available support systems.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation for my female colleagues at Criteo, with whom I got acquainted during the event and whose unique contributions enhance the value of our company. Special recognition goes to Estelle Thou and Pooneh Mokariasl for their impactful and inspiring speech representing us at the event.
Sponsoring the European Women in Tech conference in Amsterdam in June 2023 was an enriching and rewarding experience. By supporting this key industry event, we all contributed to promoting equal opportunities, inclusion, and diversity in our field. We take pride in being associated with an event highlighting exceptional women who have made significant breakthroughs in the IT sector.
On top of that, the inspiring talks and workshops led by renowned experts allowed us to leave with new knowledge, innovative ideas, and valuable contacts. We thank all the organizers, speakers, and all the participants who made this event a resounding success. We hope that European Women in Tech will continue to thrive and inspire more and more women to pursue careers in the technology industry. Together, we build today a more inclusive future for tech tomorrow!
