Insights

A look at our involvement in Reframe WIT Conference 2022

It’s time to change the dialogue around women in tech, celebrate the successes of women in the industry, and address the barriers they face during their careers. 

But how can we do this?

One way is to create inclusive events that provide an opportunity to reframe the narrative around women in technology through positive action. The Reframe Women in Tech Conference is believed to be the largest in-person women in tech event in the north, and this year Infinity Works was proud to support it as a key sponsor. 

Held at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, our very own Kate Philpot, Principal Consultant, hosted a panel discussion in the morning session on the topic of a ‘Return to Confidence’. 

Kate is a member of both our internal Women in Tech network and our Manchester practice’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) group, so she was keen to get involved to help create opportunities for women by debunking myths to help make the industry more accessible.

The panel Kate hosted included four other brilliant female figures within tech and wider STEM subjects, including:

• Alison Hughes – Senior Technology Delivery Manager, Co-op
• Emma Walker – Software Developer, BBC
• Zainab Noori – Associate Developer, AND Digital
• Jennifer Calland – Data Analyst, CTS

Personal journeys

Kate recognised that a ‘return to confidence’ is not an end state but a personal journey, and by building a relationship with panellists prior to the conference, she curated a safe environment for everyone to share their personal stories, challenges, and reflections. 

In a room full of more than 500 people representing a whole cross-section of the tech industry – including experienced tech experts and future tech talent – the panellists addressed being a minority in the industry and the struggles of female underrepresentation in tech. Whether that was discussing imposter syndrome, feeling unheard amongst louder voices or the difficulties of returning to work following maternity leave or career breaks.

Offering practical tools and accessible advice through their own leadership journeys, the panellists looked to empower positive change among women by characterising what confidence means to each of us, and the barriers that can affect it. How we and those around us can build our confidence levels was also addressed.

Restoring confidence

Amelia Bampton, Client Practice Lead at Infinity Works delivered a fantastic motivational talk in the afternoon session on confidence and ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up’. A captivating segment, particularly for the female attendees in the audience from tech and business backgrounds, including tech returners; Amelia discussed her own story, possible career paths, and the importance of focusing time and energy into visualising your future from the beginning of your career journey.

Amelia, who is also a key member of our Manchester D&I group, said in her own words, “The Reframe Women in Tech event was a huge success for us. It was great to return to an in-person event to restart and open-up new conversations on the various tech roles and career paths that are now possible within Manchester and the wider northern region. I really do feel blessed to be part of such a strong, passionate and highly talented community and to play a small part in providing a platform for championing and encouraging women from all walks of life.” 

Bringing women together

By bringing together female tech figures from across the sector, the conference provided an incredible platform for facilitating progressive and open dialogue.

It’s no secret the tech industry needs more women. Accenture research shows that we could see almost three million young women working in tech by 2030 if organisations commit to creating more inclusive cultures. Currently, 50% of women in tech roles leave them by the age of 35, and we all need to play our part in changing this.  

At Infinity Works we’re committed to supporting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, by pioneering different routes into the industry for tech returners. With inclusion training at the forefront of hiring processes and a new allyship at work initiative for all our people, our consultants are paving the way for positive change in the technology sector. 

In the same week as our involvement with the Reframe Women in Tech conference, we also hosted an International Women’s Day panel on the celebratory day itself. More than 80 people attended the event in our office in Circle Square, Manchester, marking an amazing return to hosting cultural and open discussion events.

We’re looking forward to getting involved in more events across Manchester and the rest of the UK in the future to help make the tech sector more accessible to everyone, not just women.