After a decade focused on building gender-balanced leadership teams in Big Tech across Asia, I know how challenging it is to create a diverse senior talent pipeline.
So I was inspired this week by Singapore’s strategic investment in creating future-ready talent pools at the 3rd annual Girls Love Tech event, lead by She Loves Tech, IMDA and partners.
The event brought together 300 girls, aged 12-23 to explore careers through workshops, panels, and hands-on activities. I ran a session for 100+ girls (aged 17-23) on building impactful careers in a world shaped by rapid tech innovation.
While there to teach, I actually walked away with 3 valuable lessons for myself:
1. Foster Human Connection and Model Focus
Noticing some girls glued to their devices during a panel discussion, I began my session by asking everyone to put devices away and connect with a strange over a beloved topic in Singapore – food!
The room shifted instantly; smile, laughter, conversations filled the space. It reminded me how much we thrive on human connection, regardless of age, even in a tech-driven world.
I also introduced Cal Newport’s ‘Deep Work’ message: success comes through focus & reduced distractions. The message resonated. This tech-savvy generation values presence, but needs an environment and role models to help unplug.
At TalentXTech, we’re passionate about helping the next generation thrive at the intersection of tech and human skills, because presence, focus, and empathy are future-ready too.
How are you fostering connection while role modeling focus?
2. Take a Bet on Early Talent
Much of my session was Experiential Learning. I ran improv games to simulate change, uncertainty, setbacks and more to help the girls build adaptability, collaboration, resilience and an innovation mindset.
The very ‘muscles’ they’ll need to strengthen for the future workplace.
When I asked for volunteers to play the games, a few girls quickly stepped up with courage. The whole group of 100 followed, embracing experimentation and failure – essential traits for innovation.
I realised Gen Z may be more “future-ready” than many assume! Yes, they need support and guidance, but betting on them can deliver surprising results.
Who are you betting on to shape the future? As a manager, mentor, cheerleader?
3. Reverse Mentorship – We All Need a Gen Z Mentor
This group’s openness & fearlessness stood out. They embraced ambiguity, collaborating over competing and experimenting – all key traits for future workplace & startups.
Their adaptability & optimism are qualities we should all emulate.
What are you learning from younger generations?
Thank you to Leanne Robers and the She Loves Tech team for your energy, heart and focus on tomorrow’s tech talent – an amazing event!
And to the inspiring young women: thanks for your openness, learner mindset, and for reminding me why the future is so bright.😊