Microsoft Leader: If Women Don’t Act Now, They’ll Be Left Behind by AI – Francesca Salvo

“If women don’t act now, they’ll be left behind by AI.” - Francesca Salvo, Microsoft The AI revolution is here, and the gender gap is already widening. In this must-listen episode of Career Confidence, Georgie sits down with Francesca ‘Chess’ Salvo, Industry Solutions Account Director and Melbourne Branch Leader at Microsoft, to explore the urgent need for women to take their seat at the table in tech and AI. Chess shares her candid, unexpected journey into the tech industry—from aspiring journalist to EA to senior leadership at one of the world’s biggest tech companies. With over two decades in IT, she opens up about the skills that truly matter, why hybrid work is changing the game, and how AI can either accelerate equity or deepen the divide. If you're a woman wondering how to pivot into tech, embrace your transferable skills, and stay future-fit in a rapidly evolving digital world, this episode will change the way you see your career. Whether you’re leading teams, navigating a transition, or curious about AI’s real-world impact, Francesca brings grounded wisdom, insight, and energy to help you take bold, confident action—right now. 📢 Ready to lead the next tech revolution? Your moment is now. __________________ 👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club – Website: https://www.sisterhoodclub.io/ 🔗 Connect with Georgie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiehubbard/ 💼 Thanks to our sponsor – CH Talent Solutions: https://ch.solutions __________________ Connect with Francesca Salvo 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescasalvo/ __________________ 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🔸 Why listening with empathy is the most underrated tech skill 🔸 How women can avoid being left behind in the AI revolution 🔸 The truth about hybrid work and what great companies are doing now 🔸 How to turn your transferable skills into a thriving career in tech 🔸 What Microsoft is seeing in the market—and why the time to act is now 🔸 Why diverse voices must shape the future of AI ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Francesca Salvo 02:00 – How Chess accidentally fell into tech—and stayed 05:50 – Early career lessons from sitting in executive rooms as an EA 08:20 – Why empathy, learning, and listening are essential skills 11:45 – What Francesca does at Microsoft (and why she loves it) 14:30 – The future of hybrid work: risks, rewards & what’s next 18:20 – How Microsoft partners with Coles to unlock real-world AI 22:40 – The dangerous narrative of AI replacing jobs vs. enabling people 27:15 – Why some companies are stalling—and how to build with purpose 32:40 – Bias in AI tools: what’s happening behind the scenes 37:50 – Why women (and girls) must shape the next wave of technology 41:10 – The recruitment reality: why diversity in AI is still lacking 44:20 – How Francesca personally stays ahead of the tech curve 47:30 – The one thing everyone should start doing today 50:00 – How to connect with Francesca & join the conversation