Tech Leadership and Language: Overcoming Bias and Building a More Inclusive Future

Connected Conversations | October 3, 2024

The world of technology is ever-evolving, yet one thing has remained constant: the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. In our latest Connected Conversations podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Masha Sharma, Co-founder and CTO of RealAtom, to explore her journey as a female leader in tech. Masha’s story is filled with both challenges and triumphs, offering a compelling look at the hurdles women face in the tech industry—and the steps we can take to foster a more inclusive future.

Masha’s Journey: From Engineer to Entrepreneur

Masha’s path to leadership began in the early 2000s when she started as a hands-on software engineer. Working for a company led by both male and female founders was an experience that shaped her expectations early on, though she didn’t fully realize how rare it was at the time. It wasn’t until later in her career, after witnessing the stark lack of women in leadership, that Masha truly appreciated the value of seeing women in charge.

From her early engineering days to leading the tech team of Millennial Media through an IPO, Masha consistently found herself pushing boundaries. But it wasn’t enough. She knew she had to strike out on her own and carve her own path as an entrepreneur. Masha went on to co-found two startups, joining prestigious programs like Y Combinator and 500 Startups—spaces that prioritize diversity and inclusion, where female founders aren’t just supported but celebrated. Despite this, Masha encountered the harsh realities of bias in the tech industry, particularly in FinTech.

The Harsh Reality: Bias in FinTech

FinTech is notorious for its gender disparities, and Masha was no stranger to these challenges. She shared with us an alarming statistic: only 2.12% of female-founded companies in FinTech receive funding. This number reflects a deeper issue within the industry, where women are often judged on their results, while men are judged on their potential.

In meetings with clients and venture capitalists—many hailing from the finance world—Masha saw the "glass ceiling" firsthand. It wasn’t just bias; it was a deeply entrenched system that made it harder for women to succeed. Yet, despite these obstacles, Masha continued to push forward, using her experience and resilience to create opportunities for herself and other female entrepreneurs.

Addressing the Gender Gap in Tech Leadership

The gender gap in tech leadership is not a new problem, but the numbers tell a troubling story. In 1984, women made up 45% of tech leadership roles, but by 2022, that number had dropped to 42%. Even more concerning, women of color account for only 1% of tech leadership positions. Instead of moving forward, the industry seems to be backsliding.

Masha believes that change starts with hiring practices. She advocates for companies to ensure that they review an equal number of resumes from female candidates as they do from male candidates. For true diversity and inclusion to take root, organizations need to be proactive, not passive.

AI: A Tool for Empowerment—and Bias

In today’s world, technology—specifically AI—offers new ways for women to break into the tech industry. Masha highlights how tools like GPT provide accessible advice, coaching, and mentorship to women entering the field. The power of AI is in its ability to democratize information, giving women the resources they need to thrive.

However, Masha also warns of the biases inherent in AI. The data that fuels AI models is often biased, and this bias is reflected in the outputs. For women and underrepresented groups, this can reinforce existing challenges instead of solving them. Masha reminds us that while AI can be an empowering tool, it must be developed with inclusivity in mind.

Overcoming Bias: What Can Be Done

One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation with Masha is the importance of early intervention. Neuroscience has shown that there is no difference between the brains of males and females, but societal treatment of girls often limits their interest in tech from a young age. Changing how we treat girls and encourage their involvement in STEM is key to closing the gender gap.

At an organizational level, Masha emphasizes the need for inclusive hiring, training, and mentoring practices. It’s not enough to say that your company supports diversity—you have to actively create opportunities for women to rise.

Final Thoughts: A Future Full of Potential

Despite the challenges she has faced, Masha is optimistic about the future. She finds hope in the growing number of female entrepreneurs and leaders, like Maria Shriver, who are championing change. Every issue, Masha says, is an opportunity for transformation—and the more we discuss these issues, the more progress we will see.

Her advice to young women in tech? Stay curious, keep learning, and use the tools available to you. With AI and other resources at our fingertips, there has never been a better time for women to step up and lead in tech.

Conclusion

Masha Sharma’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of pushing through barriers. Her story reminds us that while there are still significant challenges to overcome, the future is bright for women in tech. By advocating for diversity, addressing bias, and creating pathways for female talent, we can build an industry that welcomes everyone.

If you’d like to hear more about Masha’s inspiring journey and insights, tune in to her episode on the Connected Conversations podcast.

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