Podcast - Ad Astra

Ep.10| Female Founders in Tech: Overcoming Bias & Leading| Masha Sharma

Written by Connected Conversations | Oct 2, 2024 9:00:00 AM

How can women in tech overcome bias and lead in a male-dominated industry?

In this episode of Connected Conversations, we speak with Masha Sharma, a serial entrepreneur and thought leader in EdTech. As a member of the Forbes Technology Council and 500 Startups alumna, Masha shares her personal journey in the tech industry, from starting as a software engineer to leading multiple successful startups.

Key Highlights:

  • The Gender Gap in Tech: Masha delves into how societal treatment of girls impacts the gender gap in tech leadership, and how companies can improve their hiring practices to support female candidates.

  • Bias in Fundraising: Learn about the challenges female founders face in securing funding, especially in industries like FinTech, where only 2.12% of companies get funding.

  • The Importance of Mentorship: Masha emphasizes how having a female mentor early in her career shaped her expectations and inspired her journey.

  • AI and Bias: Discover how bias in AI reflects societal issues and how it affects female representation in tech.

  • Advice for Aspiring Women in Tech: Masha offers practical advice for young women entering the tech industry, including how to stay updated with trends and use AI to level up their career paths.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the future of female leadership in tech and what we can do to promote diversity and inclusion.

Connect with Masha Sharma:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about tech, leadership, and fostering gender diversity in the workplace.