The Real Problem With Diversity in Tech: Chelsea Slater

What does it really take to build a social impact business in tech?In this episode, I sit down with Chelsea Slater to talk about women in tech, diversity, leadership, AI, inclusion, and why “hope” might be one of the most underrated leadership skills.Chelsea shares her journey from North Wales to Liverpool’s tech scene, how she founded Innovate Her UK, and her mission to get girls ready for the tech industry. while also getting the tech industry ready for girls.Chelsea also explains how companies can partner with Innovate Her, become ambassadors, and help inspire the next generation into technology careers.If you’re interested in tech, leadership, startups, diversity & inclusion, AI, social impact, or building meaningful businesses, this episode is packed with insight.▶︎Follow Chelsea Slater on LinkedIn and learn more about Innovate Her UKhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-slater-ab548131/https://www.innovateher.co.uk/▶︎Subscribe for more conversations on Agile, product, and delivery https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@EverydayAgile⁩ ▶︎Our Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & meeting Chelsea Slater00:39 – Why “hope” matters in leadership01:37 – The book that inspired Chelsea’s thinking02:08 – Running a social impact business is hard03:08 – The reality of leading a small social enterprise04:23 – Chelsea’s “folder of joy” mindset05:42 – Chelsea’s route into tech from North Wales06:25 – Creativity, media studies & early work ethic07:09 – Discovering the Liverpool tech scene08:38 – Why tech felt inaccessible growing up09:42 – The spark behind Innovate Her10:52 – From Liverpool Girl Geeks to Innovate Her11:57 – “Get girls ready for tech, and tech ready for girls”12:20 – How Innovate Her works as a social enterprise13:19 – Teaching AI, cyber security & tech skills in schools14:12 – Why office visits change young people’s perspectives15:18 – The hidden tech careers inside football clubs16:26 – Using sport, music & fashion to inspire girls into tech17:31 – What companies are getting right about inclusion18:10 – Why Co-op stands out on diversity & inclusion19:15 – Monzo, Channel 4 & open-source workplace policies20:32 – Where organisations still need to improve21:13 – The diversity problem in AI & Silicon Valley22:17 – Why diversity of thought creates better products23:20 – Being the only woman in the room24:22 – What men can do better in meetings24:49 – The importance of facilitation & inclusion26:44 – Why structure helps quieter voices contribute28:07 – Why Liverpool’s tech community is special29:34 – Creativity, culture & the Baltic Triangle30:50 – How people can support Innovate Her31:17 – Partnerships, ambassadors & tech education32:24 – How to get involved with Innovate Her33:38 – Final thoughts & outro