The tech sector has long been shaped by a predominantly male leadership style, with women historically underrepresented in senior roles. Yet, as the landscape evolves, we are witnessing a seismic shift driven by the very diversity that has been lacking for so long. Women are not just breaking through glass ceilings. They are redefining what leadership in tech looks like.
For many women climbing the ladder in male-dominated industries, the temptation has been to emulate the traits of their predecessors. However, true diversity is not about fitting into an existing mould but reshaping the mould itself. With a broader range of voices encompassing gender, ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds, enhanced innovation has been unlocked. Women in tech have exemplified this by creating and cornering markets that may not have been considered otherwise. Their contributions underscore that diversity is a driver of progress.
Diversity in the age of Al
Artificial intelligence is undeniably transforming the world. As Al integrates into more systems, the challenge lies in balancing its efficiency with preserving human nuance. Tools such as Copilot can assist in drafting reports or generating insights, but do we risk losing the distinct voices and perspectives that have taken years to cultivate?
This dilemma is particularly relevant to innovation – a field where diversity of thought is essential. In tech, as in writing, the nuances of individual expression matter. The same holds true for technical processes such as Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits or Patent Box submissions. These HMRC schemes have recently tightened their requirements, demanding more comprehensive and precise documentation.
While Al can streamline initial drafts, the depth and specificity required to meet these updated standards often necessitate human expertise. Its propensity to include inaccuracies which sound accurate, and reliance on training data, also means that if not validated and managed by technologists with prior experience and knowledge in your sector, your claims are at high risk of enquiry and potential rejection by HMRC.
MHA blends technology and professional insight to ensure clients’ submissions reflect both the detail and the innovative spirit behind the claims.
Supporting innovators in a fast-paced sector
The tech sector’s rapid growth is fuelled by leaders with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of business experience. For some, years of corporate leadership provide a natural understanding of areas like compliance, finance and operational strategy. For others, particularly first-time founders or those without access to extensive C-suite resources, these challenges can be daunting.
Expertise can be invaluable in these instances. Scaling a business is a multifaceted endeavour, requiring support that extends beyond traditional compliance services, such as audit. Advising on the strategic allocation of resources or navigating complex tax incentives helps lighten the load for innovators, enabling a focus on creating and scaling groundbreaking technology.
Embracing diversity and building for the future
Addressing gaps faced by innovators is essential in the journey to market leadership, which often involves juggling countless demands – not just within the business but also in life. While traditional gender splits for domestic chores are changing, societal expectations can compound these pressures for women, yet they often bring a unique perspective to leadership and problem-solving.
For scale-up businesses, this journey can be particularly in-tense. The ‘all hands-on deck’ mentality, while admirable, is not always sustainable. Knowing when to seek external support can make the difference between surviving and thriving. Expertise in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities is critical in an increasingly complex world.
The road ahead
Women in tech are reshaping the industry by leading authentically and embracing their diverse perspectives. As the sector continues to grow, the integration of advanced technologies like Al will play a pivotal role, but it must not come at the expense of human creativity and individuality.
At MHA, we champion this balance, providing the support and expertise tech innovators need to succeed. By embracing diversity – in leadership, thought, and technology – we can drive innovation that benefits not just the tech sector but society as a whole.
To find out more visit the MHA website.
Alicia Crisp
Partner
MHA
Leave a Reply