Why Technology Needs Gender Diversity with Kylie Woods

This episode of The Leadership Standard podcast with host Gair Maxwell features an inspiring conversation with Kylie Woods, empowering voice for women in tech and Founder of Chic Geek—a welcoming non-profit organization and community for women exploring technology and entrepreneurship. Named one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, Metro News’ “Calgary Heroes”, and Alberta Venture’s “Need to Know”, Kylie is an avid learner, a tenacious question-asker, and an empowering voice for women in STEM. Where did Kylie’s goal to build gender diversity in tech stem from, you might wonder? Well, not only are there not enough women in tech, the industry is losing the ones it does have—women are 2X as likely to quit the tech industry as men. If this attrition could be reduced by even just a quarter, 220,000 women would be put back into STEM. Sitting at the intersection of retaining the current women in tech to create leadership positions and building role model opportunities to encourage the recruitment of more women, Chic Geek is creating an inclusive space where women’s careers and lives can thrive. Throughout this episode, Kylie provides insight on: How to raise capital for your small business Her biggest mistake as an entrepreneur and why it still brings her shame Why investing in relationships is critical Kylie’s experience in “The Messy Middle”—the moment when you realize you have come too far to turn around and look forward to see an impossibly long journey The impact Chic Geek has made on women in tech Sitting on the advisory committee for the Chiu School of Business Dean’s Strategic Advisory Committee at the Bow Valley College, The51 Community Council, the Calgary Innovation Coalition Board, and the Women’s Economic Recovery Advisory Committee with the Status of Women, Kylie is a thought leader in the technology gender diversity space. ABOUT CHIC GEEK Chic Geek exists to build gender diversity in technology. Through programs, events, services, and partnerships, they create connections that help intermediate women in technology achieve thriving and meaningful careers. Learn more on the Chic Geek website here! About The Leadership Standard Podcast The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum. Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.