At our most recent Women in Innovation event, our accomplished panelists shared the podcasts, books, newsletters, and other resources they recommend for women in the tech field. We’ve compiled their picks below along with a few bonus suggestions for must-read women in tech books from the talent at Robots & Pencils.

Recommendations from Asha Aravindakshan
Best-Selling Author and Tech Leader

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job | By Sally Huddleson and Marshall Goldsmith

How Women Rise offers a modern take on Marshall Goldsmith’s classic, What Got Here Won’t Get You There. This book explicitly acknowledges that women face different obstacles in their careers from men. The authors highlight the behaviors that help women start their careers but then keep them from rising to higher levels. Along with naming 12 of these behaviors, they provide clear examples of how each can hold you back and what to do instead to move forward.

Skills: The Common Denominator | By Asha Aravindakshan

Our career paths (and our lives) rarely follow a straight path. If you’re planning a career move, this book offers insights and guidance for everything form comparing industries, roles, and organizations to utilizing your professional and personal networks. Featuring 25 inspirational stories of career changes, Skills will help you assess, identify, and showcase your transferable skills. Ultimately, you’ll learn how to stand out among candidates while creating a career that brings you joy. 

Recommendations from Andrea Chin
Expert in Digital and Disruptive Technology

The Female Quotient 

The Female Quotient is an organization committed to raising the visibility of women and advancing equality. They host events, develop content, and provide advisory services to organizations. Andrea recommends signing up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date with the group’s work.

Fairy GodBoss 

Fairy Godboss is a community designed to help women find jobs, career advice, and support. Membership is free and includes access to job search features, company reviews, and events. Fairy GodBoss also has a daily newsletter that covers career trends, discussions, and new articles.

Athena Alliance  

Athena Alliance supports female leaders through educational content, coaching, courses, in-person meetups, networking, and community.

Recommendations from Natalie Farand
Client Experience & Digital Product Senior Leader

Women at Work

Hosted by Amy Bernstein and Amy Gallo, this podcast is affiliated with the Harvard Business Review. It explores all sorts of topics related to women at work from entrepreneurship to vulnerability to joining a board. Natalie says it’s one of her go-to podcasts she listens to while she gets ready every morning.

The New Rules of Business

This podcast by Chief is another of Natalie’s favorites. While Chief is primarily a private network for executive women, anyone can sign up for their newsletter and listen to their podcast, The New Rules of Business. On this podcast, Chief Co-Founders Carolyn Childers and Lindsay Kaplan dive into complex marketplace trends and challenge established ideas about leadership. 

Books for Women in Tech: R&P Team Recommendations

As part of our celebration of the history and future of women in tech, we asked our talent what books they recommend for other women in tech.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle | by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA

Suggested by Tahishia Simmons, R&P’s Director of Managed Services, this book examines how the world views women differently than men and the pressure they face as a result. The book offers women tools to manage and overcome the stressors that have left you exhausted.

Big Feelings: How to be Okay When Things are Not Okay | by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy 

Jen Suehr, our Product Ownership Associate Practice Lead, recommends this book if you’re looking for advice and strategies for managing tough feelings like envy, burnout, and anxiety.

Girl, Stop Apologizing | by Rachel Hollis

Recommended by R&P Account Manager Brittany Peterson, this book challenges women to replace old excuses with new behaviors, skills, and the confidence to grow and achieve their dreams.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead | by Sheryl Sandberg

Simranjeet Kaur, Senior QA Robot, chose this classic book as her recommendation for fellow women in tech. The book offers practical advice to help you build a fulfilling career, covering topics like mentorship, negotiation, and taking risks to achieve your goals.

As Robots & Pencils celebrates 15 years in business this year – and Women’s History Month this March, we reflect on the journey that has brought us to where we are today and the many women of tech who have helped us get here. From the start, women have been vital to our growth and the development of innovative solutions for our clients. In fact, one of our two co-founders (and the original pencil!) was a female. Since then, many talented women have joined our ranks and made their marks in leadership and individual contributor roles.

However, the story of our tech company has not historically been the norm. While the history of women in technology is full of perseverance, innovation, and progress, many obstacles have hindered women’s full participation and recognition in the field. As we stand at the cusp of a new era, it’s crucial to acknowledge our past and understand our present. Only then can we envision a future where diversity is not just encouraged but celebrated as a cornerstone of innovation.

Reflecting on Our Roots

The history of women in technology is rich with figures who defied the norms of their times. These pioneers contributed foundational work in computing and engineering. From Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, to Grace Hopper, who developed the first user-friendly software programs in the 20th century, women have been instrumental in shaping the technology landscape. Despite their contributions, for too long, women’s roles were marginalized and their achievements overshadowed.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries marked a turning point, with more women entering STEM fields and making significant strides in tech. However, the journey has been far from smooth. Women have faced a myriad of challenges, from gender bias and a culture that can be unwelcoming to females to a lack of representation as women look up the leadership ladder.

The Present Landscape for Women in Tech

Today’s tech industry is more diverse than it was decades ago. Still, women only account for approximately one-third of the tech workforce. That number drops further in technical and leadership positions. The reasons are complex and multifaceted, from societal and cultural norms to policies and practices within the industry itself.

More than ever, there’s a growing movement to change the narrative. Initiatives to close the gender gap, such as STEM education programs for girls, mentorship programs, and women-led tech startups and VC funds, are gaining momentum. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity, not just as a moral imperative but as a business one. Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better financially. 

Envisioning a Better Future

Looking to the future, we are optimistic about the impact of women in tech. Technology is at the heart of societal transformation, and the need for diverse perspectives will be critical as society confronts global challenges. Here are some specific ways we see the future of women in tech evolving.

Increased Representation: STEM education efforts and increased adult learning options will translate to more women entering the tech workforce. We anticipate an increase in the number of women not just in entry-level positions, but in senior leadership roles and fields like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.

Policy and Practice Changes: Companies with inclusive policies and practices, including flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance, will attract more female candidates. Mentorship programs are also becoming more common, providing women with increased guidance and opportunities to advance their careers.

Women Leading Innovation: Women will not continue to not only participate in the tech industry but lead some of the most significant innovations. Female tech entrepreneurs will be at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies and solutions that create a better world.

Advice for Women in Tech

At our women in innovation events, our speakers often advise attendees to both seek and provide mentorship. The guidance and support of someone who has navigated the world you’re facing can be invaluable. Equally, by mentoring others, you help to build a more inclusive and supportive tech community.

Another refrain is to stay curious. The tech field is constantly evolving. Continuous learning is key to staying ahead. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and never underestimate the value of your unique perspective. 

Finally, advocate for yourself and others. Be vocal about your achievements and the contributions of other women in tech. Change happens when people collectively raise their voices to highlight injustices and push for progress.

The future of women in tech is bright, but realizing it requires a concerted effort from individuals, organizations, and society. Together, let’s commit to breaking down those barriers that remain and building a tech industry that is truly inclusive, equitable, and representative of the world it serves. 

6 Recent Reads That Have Impacted My Approach and Thinking as a CEO 

I’ve been a reader my whole life. I practically read a book a day when I was a kid (all fiction, of course!). As I got older, life got busy, and I had less time for fiction. I was starting a career in software development and learning as I went. After a few years in the field, I decided to focus less on reading tech-focused books, which I was fortunate that my job gave me the time and opportunity to do, and start reading business books. Before long, I formed a habit. I was always looking for the best business and leadership books that would help me, and later my teams and my company, grow. 

Today, the books I consume continue to shape how I approach solving problems, making decisions, and building relationships. However, I realized last year that I now read almost entirely leadership and business advice (see my 2022 reading list, for example). As a result, I vowed to expand into more genres. While I still haven’t spent much time back in the world of fiction (though over the holidays I started reading Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary at my teammate’s recommendation!), I did add biographies into the rotation. At least I’m getting more of a story! 

The 6 Best Leadership Books I Read in 2023

If you’re looking for your next read or a gift for a business leader in your life, here are a few of my recent favorites.

Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy

By Isadore Sharp

This is an inspiring story of a seemingly ordinary person–a child of immigrants and a son of a builder–doing extraordinary things. Isadore Sharp, the founder and chairman of Four Seasons, shares how he developed a brand now known worldwide by following his gut, taking big risks, persevering, and committing to his vision. You’ll learn where he drew inspiration and ideas from and see the power of asking for what you want. Sharp’s memoir also reinforces the importance of building relationships, earning trust, and being true to your word.

Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential

By Tiago Forte

This book isn’t just one of the best leadership books I read this year–it’s one of the best all-around books on this list. Everyone can benefit from this, and I certainly took a ton of notes! Building a Second Brain is full of practical tips for those of us juggling to-dos and information for our teammates, clients, loved ones, and more. The techniques will help you remember, capture, organize, distill, and express your ideas, notes, and work to maximize the value and impact on your life. The book can also guide you in deciding what information to keep and what to let go of. Reading this has helped me be more systematic and strategic in both my personal and professional life. Shout out to my friend and fellow CEO, Patrick Patterson, for this sanity-saving recommendation.

The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success

By Ed Mylett

In this motivational book, Ed Mylett urges us to keep pushing when we would otherwise stop. He emphasizes how much we stand out and achieve when we are willing to go above and beyond expectations. Take the additional meeting. Do one more round of practice. Over time, this philosophy will pay off in surprising ways! (Haven’t heard about Ed Mylett? Look up some of his talks on YouTube for a preview of what to expect with this book!) 

Boundless: A New Mindset for Unlimited Business Success

by Henry King and Vala Afshar 

King and Asfhar draw on years of experience leading digital teams and transformation initiatives to outline a path to business success. The pair focus on how to overcome silos inside your organization to enable the free flow of information and resources. The book focuses on seven areas: connection, integration, decentralization, mobility, continuity, autonomy, and shared success. I’m fortunate to know the co-authors in real life and know that they also practice what they preach!

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking

By Jon Acuff

Are you an overthinker? Don’t worry – you’re in good company! We’ve all occasionally fallen into the pattern of overthinking. This book is an easy read that prompts you to examine the soundtracks (the thoughts) that repeat in your head. It then provides a guide to help you change what your brain tells you. Once you take control, you get back time to accomplish what you want while also unlocking your creativity in productive ways.

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller

By Ron Chernow

Titan is a fascinating look at a person with an incredible impact on industry in the United States. It’s a very long read (or listen, in my case), but I kept coming back to it throughout the fall and winter. This biography examines the rise of an ordinary man to immense power and, along the way, reveals how so many things we take for granted first came to be. If you’re interested in American history and business (and it all really wasn’t that long ago!), I’m certain you’ll enjoy this book.

Want to share the best leadership books you’ve read?

Send me a note on LinkedIn – I’m always open to recommendations, and your book might just make my next list. Happy reading!

The Power of Empathy, Automation, and AI

In boardrooms, exec touch bases, and nearly every client call I’m on, everyone’s thinking about how to supercharge employee efficiency and reduce costs. Organizations are on the hunt for tools and processes that let them accomplish more without pushing employees to the brink or blowing their budgets. Every good solution I’ve seen has started with an empathetic view of the employee experience. Which tasks are unnecessarily hard? What bottlenecks slow people down? What can you automate and streamline to help your team? Where can AI scale human potential and cut spend? The answers to these questions will point the way to powerful savings and efficiency opportunities.

(This is blog 3 in a series on key priorities for business and tech leaders. In my last blog, I talked about digital modernization, including integrating data and systems–which everything I’m about to discuss will 100% require!)

Reimagining experiences around employee needs

Outdated tools and processes that were built largely around organizational silos are hurting productivity. But it’s not as simple as replacing old tools with new ones. First, you have to understand what your employees actually need!

This requires looking at how different types of team members spend their days. What are their most important tasks and how are they getting those things done? Sometimes, you’ll find a need as simple as additional training or upskilling. In other cases, you might find opportunities to improve communications, tweak processes, or introduce new tools. One need I see frequently (with our clients and as a consumer) is more flexible, user-friendly tools for employees in the field. Your workers should be able to access and share information and complete critical tasks wherever they are. Whether on a remote job site, at a retail counter, meeting with a potential customer, or simply working from home, everyday duties shouldn’t require extraordinary effort!

On the flip side, better understanding how your employees work can reveal where you’re wasting time and money on tools your employees don’t actually benefit from. Frequently we find two (or more!) systems where only one is needed. Eliminating and consolidating systems can be an easy way to directly improve your bottom line.

Once you address and focus on your team’s real needs, you’ll quickly see cost savings and employee efficiency rise. Gains in engagement, productivity, and retention will follow. Ultimately, you’ll be helping your employees to ensure better customer and student experiences, providing a win all around.

Empowering employee efficiency with self-service tools

After so much frustrating supply chain disruption and constantly fluctuating prices, consumers are paying super close attention to product and service reliability and pricing. This means we as leaders must focus attention on internal predictability and employee efficiency. Yet, I still come across employees unable to complete routine activities without assistance or permission from management, IT, or other overburdened departments. These employees require increased self-service features. While a real need for oversight or access limitations can exist, unnecessary permission bottlenecks have to go. From employee-led shift swapping to going beyond dashboards and reports to insights and suggestions, your employees need easy-to-use technology that allows them to take ownership of their work and operate without constant disruption.

Automating processes to free up teams for higher level work

In many organizations, highly manual (and painful!) workflows have led to incoherent data and inconsistent results. These problems requires an intentional shift towards repeatable processes with automation at the forefront. When you free employees from these time-intensive tasks, they can refocus on higher value work that benefits your business and customers.

Automation can also reduce acquisition costs and increase the long-term value of each connection. Education specifically has a large need to increase marketing efficiencies and automate communications across the student journey. Rather than relying on overloaded staff (particularly for straightforward messages and reminders), institutions can use automation to deliver the right information to the right learners at the right time in their journey. But watch out! Carefully designed, these automated flows can be delightful. When done poorly, it can cost you the trust of your customer, which is never cheap to rebuild.

Initiating AI-human partnerships

New AI tools are launching at a whirlwind pace, and I’m so excited to see businesses putting them to use! AI-human partnerships promise to accelerate product development, helping with everything from sorting user feedback, to writing Jira tickets, to coding with GitHub’s copilot.

Scaling support services and monitoring customer sentiment is another huge opportunity for using AI to increase employee efficiency. By strategically moving customers from FAQs to an AI chatbot to human support, organizations can scale support services while managing quality and cost as well as directing employee focus to advanced problems.

As for education, there’s ample potential for AI to accelerate staff processes and workflows in areas like:

• Creating personalized custom experiences (1:1 content) for students
• Reducing the costs of course design via AI authoring & modules
• Accelerating presentation creation
• Delivering student support services with less labor
• Doing predictive modeling of student outcomes

In every industry, leaders need to think creatively and seriously about AI to stay ahead of the curve. As an internal team or with the support of outside experts, you need to start identifying use cases, setting up governance plans, and working with security and architecture departments to implement intelligent solutions that support teams across the business.

Want to share your thoughts on topics like employee efficiency, AI, and self-service?

Learn more about today’s business and tech trends — and join the discussion at an executive digital roundtable!

This CEO Report was written by Tracey Zimmerman, President & CEO of Robots & Pencils.