Business Chief USA February 2019

PEOPLE
50
Throughout the past year,
Business Chief has spoken to
various business leaders about
the importance of gender diversity,
especially in the traditionally maledominated
field of technology. Several
organizations are taking big steps to
improve their gender balance and
promote female role models, while
many argue women must still work
hard and motivate themselves and
one another to prove themselves in
male-dominated sectors.
Speaking to our new FinTech Magazine,
Finastra’s APAC Marketing Leader
Smita Gupta discusses the cultural
issues in creating a diverse workforce.
“People from each country have behaviors
and attitudes driven by where
they come from, but it’s never too late
to change,” she comments, adding
that Finastra sees itself as a regional
sponsor of inclusion and diversity.
“Something very close to my heart is
creating a more diverse workplace –
how do we get rid of unconscious bias?”
MENTORS AND ROLE MODELS
Aside from efforts made by large corporations,
Gupta says it’s important for
women and men alike to be proactive
and keen to learn. “While it’s important
to have role models, don’t wait for the
organizations to give you those models.
Go out and seek a coach who will listen
to you, is someone you trust, and is willing
to commit time and be part of your
career journey.”
Vicki Batka, Vice President of Cisco’s
AAPJ Partner Organization, echoes the
importance of mentoring, and she herself
acts as a mentor. She has noticed
“If organisations want to
fuel innovation, diversity
and inclusion are key”
—
Smita Gupta,
Finastra
FEBRUARY 2019