56. Women, Work and the Future of AI: Sheridan Ash and Tech She Can

In this episode of the UKI Women in AI podcast, Sheridan (Founder & Co-CEO of Tech She Can) tells the story from “Well Rough” (Wellingborough, as lovingly rebranded by its own sign-vandals) to global consulting, to launching a charity that’s reached hundreds of thousands of children with tech-for-good education.You’ll hear:How an undiagnosed dyslexia and leaving school with few qualifications didn’t end the story—it started itThe early rebellion: campaigning at school so girls could do metalwork and welding (because stereotypes deserve to be mocked, not obeyed)Why curiosity and preparation beat “having a perfect plan” (spoiler: plans rarely survive contact with reality)Lessons from Accenture and PwC—and how Sheridan helped move the needle on women in tech inside a major UK firmThe research that exposed why many girls don’t choose tech (hint: it’s not “lack of ability”—it’s lack of invitation and visibility)Building Tech She Can through the pandemic, scaling resources, and focusing now on work experience, apprenticeships, and pathways—especially for young people without easy access to “who you know” networksLeadership habits that actually work: relentless note-taking, diverse teams, and staying coachable (even when your ego wants a throne)Sheridan also talks about the power of storytelling—personally and structurally—and shares how role models (from Wonder Woman to Lyra) can widen what young people believe is possible.If you care about AI, skills, education, and the pipeline into tech that isn’t quietly rigged for the already-privileged: this one’s for you.#WomenInAI #AI #TechForGood #DigitalSkills #Education #DiversityInTech #Leadership #Apprenticeships #Careers #UKTechAI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co