Inclusion Means Everyone

Earlier this month, I posted about a fascinating report from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the Latino Donor Collaborative. The takeaway is the Latino community’s immense economic impact on the U.S. Although Latinos make up less than 20% of the nation’s workforce, they were responsible for nearly 75% of its growth during much of the past decade. All this to say that supporting Latinos in STEM will be a crucial solution to the expected worker shortage in engineering and tech over the next 10 years.

That means it’s our job—all of our jobs—to find ways that support a new generation of diverse tech professionals and ensure those already in the industry have pathways to success. The solution won’t be one-size-fits-all. (For example, women in tech are facing even more challenges working hybrid schedules.) So, the ways we approach these problems can’t just be called “inclusive”—they have to work for everybody. And they won’t all be identical.

In my coaching, this is true with every client. While the needs might be similar—greater recognition, higher pay, better balance—the challenges to overcome are different. That’s the value of having workplace mentoring, peer support, and even professional coaching to guide individuals and organizations toward closing the gaps in our industry.

This month’s newsletter is about addressing what we know are the most common leadership struggles—but doing so in a way that is tailored to your strengths and situation. The roadmap to professional and personal growth isn’t necessarily clear at the start, but it’s always uniquely yours.

Always empowering your success,

Restore, Restart, Refresh: Your Path to Clarity

These sure-fire tricks don’t just work on tech equipment. They’re also key concepts that bring clarity to our leadership journeys—and offer meaningful ways to prioritize our own health and performance just like we do for our devices.

Coming to a Conference Near You

If you know me, you know my passion for public speaking and bringing people together for deep learning and dialogue. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of several incredible upcoming development opportunities for women and leaders in tech that create spaces for shared support. Here are just a few places you’ll find me over the next few months:

2023 MISBO Annual Conference, Oct. 27 - Clearwater, FL
Cultivating Connections: Retain, Attract & Support Diverse Talent

SIM CFL Women Golf Clinic, Nov. 3 - Orlando, FL
Morning Keynote Speaker

Tech Tactics in Education, Nov. 9 - Orlando, FL
Tactical Leadership: Upleveling Your Potential

Leadership Seminole, Nov. 14 - Sanford, FL
Panelist: Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence

District Administration Technology Leadership Academy,
Dec. 7 - Virtual
Guest Faculty: Building a Diverse Team

Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2024,
Jan. 24-25 - Orlando, FL
Cultivating Diversity in K12 IT Departments
Empowering Voices in Education Tech
Women in Tech: Power Hour

If you’re interested in having me as a speaker or panelist at your next event, click the link below to get in touch. In addition to speaking at conferences, I love meeting with professional organizations and teams to help create cultures where diversity in tech thrives.

Read to Thrive: ‘My Life in Full’

Indra Nooyi’s memoir is a deeply personal and insightful book that explores the complex interplay between work, family, and the broader societal context. Drawing from her childhood and personal experiences, Nooyi takes a candid look at her remarkable journey from a young girl in India to becoming the CEO of PepsiCo, one of the world's largest and most iconic companies.

THRIVE TIP

Unfortunately, mental health challenges in the tech world too often go unnoticed. In recognition of Oct. 10 as World Mental Health Day, consider the ways you are taking care of yourself and your team—and what more you can do.

Let’s Get Started

Denise Musselwhite, LLC. dba Tech and Thrive, 114 Arrowhead Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708, USA