Inspiring Inclusion for #IWD2024 — Metta Blog Series (5/5)
The final instalment in our 5 part #IWD24 blog series | Featuring Andrea Sommer
In order to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we sat down with five inspiring women in the industry to discuss what this year’s IWD theme of #InspireInclusion means to them. We also chatted about who inspires them, the barriers facing women in business today, and what they hope the future will look like in terms of gender diversity within the workplace.
In an industry which is predominantly male dominated, here at Metta, we are a women co-founded business with over 70% of our employees being women.
For the final instalment of our 5 part series, we’re chatting to Andrea Sommer, an entrepreneur, advisor, investor and strategist with global expertise in emerging technology, innovation, investment strategy and strategic growth initiatives. She’s built four businesses in the technology space, including in analytics & event technology, femtech & wearables and HRtech.
Connect with Andrea —
- Hive Founders Website
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Q: Hi Andrea! Tell the reader a little about yourself, and your background?
A: I’m a serial entrepreneur, advisor to high growth startups and investor in female founders. I have a background in growth and optimization and a passion for advancing women in all aspects of entrepreneurship. My career started in very male dominated industries (tech, then consulting) and the patterns of exclusion persisted when I became an entrepreneur. Today I work to help advance female founders by supporting them in launching, funding and scaling more successfully.
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Q: International Women’s Day marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality, and this year’s theme is #inspireinclusion. How do you think we can aim to Inspire Inclusion in the workplace today?
A: As a female founder, I believe that inspiring inclusion in the workplace begins with fostering a culture of respect, openness, and empowerment. We can start by actively promoting diversity in our hiring practices, ensuring that women and underrepresented groups have equal opportunities for growth and leadership roles. Additionally, creating mentorship programs and support networks can provide guidance and encouragement for all employees, regardless of gender. Education and awareness initiatives about unconscious bias and systemic barriers are also crucial for promoting understanding and empathy among team members. Ultimately, by championing inclusivity at every level of our organization and leading by example, we can inspire a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
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Q: Where do you think your industry is right now in terms of a standpoint on equality, and what more needs to be done immediately?
A: As a female founder and investor, I see our industry lagging when it comes to meaningful change regarding equality. While there have been commendable efforts to address gender disparities and promote inclusivity, we’re far from achieving true parity. Immediate action is imperative. We need to challenge the entrenched norms that perpetuate gender biases in hiring, funding, and leadership opportunities. It’s time to prioritize initiatives that empower women, dismantle systemic barriers, and cultivate a culture of intersectional inclusivity. Education and advocacy must be at the forefront, ensuring that everyone recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and experiences. By rallying together and demanding tangible progress, we can pave the way for a future where every voice is heard and every woman has an equal chance to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.
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Q: Based on your own experience, how can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career? What is the most important message you would want to give them?
A: As a female founder, I believe the key to encouraging more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles lies in fostering a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and empowers women to embrace their unique strengths and ambitions. Mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to resources tailored to women’s needs can play a significant role in nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit and leadership potential.
The most important message I would want to give to aspiring female leaders is to believe in themselves and their abilities wholeheartedly. It’s essential to silence the inner critic and push past any self-doubt or imposter syndrome that may arise. Remember that your perspective, skills, and experiences are valuable assets that deserve to be recognized and respected.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Entrepreneurship and leadership roles often involve navigating uncharted territory and overcoming obstacles along the way. Each setback is a chance to grow stronger and wiser, ultimately bringing you closer to your goals.
Above all, stay true to your vision and values, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and others. By breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and championing inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all aspiring female leaders.
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Q: What do you think are three traits that brilliant and inspiring women leaders possess?
A: As a female founder, I believe three key traits that brilliant and inspiring women leaders possess are resilience, empathy, and adaptability.
Resilience is essential in navigating the challenges and setbacks that come with entrepreneurship. It’s about bouncing back from failures, staying determined amidst obstacles, and continuously pushing forward despite adversity.
Empathy allows women leaders to connect deeply with their team members, customers, and stakeholders. By understanding and valuing different perspectives, they can foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
Adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. Inspiring women leaders are flexible and open-minded, willing to pivot strategies, embrace innovation, and seize new opportunities as they arise.
By embodying these traits, women leaders can not only achieve personal success but also inspire others to reach their full potential and create positive change in the world.
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Q: What do you hope the future will look like in terms of diversity within the workplace?
A: As a female founder, I envision a future where diversity in the workplace is not just a goal, but a natural and celebrated aspect of every organization. I hope to see a workplace where individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, are not only welcomed but actively sought after for their unique perspectives and experiences.
In this future, diversity isn’t just about representation numbers; it’s about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. I envision a culture where diversity is not seen as a box to be checked off, but as a fundamental ingredient for innovation, creativity, and success.
Moreover, I hope to see initiatives in place that actively promote and support the advancement of underrepresented groups, breaking down barriers to entry and providing equal opportunities for growth and leadership. This future workplace will prioritize equity, fairness, and accountability at every level, fostering a truly inclusive ecosystem where diversity thrives naturally.
Ultimately, my hope is that the future of diversity in the workplace reflects the rich tapestry of humanity, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to building a more vibrant, dynamic, and prosperous society.
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Read the other blogs in this series here -
Jia Afsar | Design and Strategic Advisor
My Morinder | Worldfavor
Sarah Moneypenny | SustainAbility
Magda Cheang | Jobs for Planet
For more information about Metta and the work we do, head to our website. Check out our podcast Metta Talks to hear the latest about startups, innovation, and sustainability. The team is also on LinkedIn — reach out to us!
#IWD2024 #InspireInclusion
