The tech industry is undergoing a transformation, with women playing an increasingly influential role in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As a strong advocate for gender diversity in technology, Ansoo Gupta, COO, Pinstorm, is committed to creating opportunities for women to thrive in this competitive space. In this exclusive conversation with The Catalyst as part of its special Women’s Day initiative #SheIsInfinite, she shares her insights on the evolving role of women in tech, the importance of building supportive networks, fostering inclusivity, leveraging AI, and staying relevant in an ever-changing industry.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the tech industry?
Women are now recognized as a force to reckon with in the tech industry, making significant strides in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They are driving change, shaping the future of technology, and breaking long-standing barriers. While challenges like gender bias and underrepresentation persist, there is growing support through mentorship programs, diversity initiatives, and policy changes. As more women enter and thrive in tech, they are paving the way for future generations, proving that they belong at every level; from coding and engineering to executive leadership and venture capital.
Please share your vision for building a tech network for women?
My vision for building a strong tech network for women is to create a supportive and dynamic space where women can connect, learn, and grow together. A network which they can access for any challenge any woman might face in tech field. It’s about fostering real mentorship, making valuable resources easily accessible, and ensuring women have opportunities to collaborate and advance in their careers. I want to see a network that not only helps women break into tech but also empowers them to lead, innovate, and drive change. This could be in their jobs or for their startups or even for their ideas that they want to bring to life.
By building a community that champions diversity and inclusion, we can create an industry where women are not just participants but key decision-makers shaping the future.
How can organizations and tech communities foster a more inclusive environment for women?
Organizations and tech communities can make the industry more inclusive by hiring fairly, offering mentorship and sponsorship programs, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s also important to have diverse leaders and actively work on reducing biases, so women feel more welcomed and supported in the workplace. Addressing unconscious biases is key to making workplaces more welcoming for women. And a lot can be done just by working on ground rules of compassion, fairness and respect.
How such network platforms can stays relevant and valuable in a rapidly changing industry?
To stay relevant in a fast-changing industry, a tech network for women needs to keep evolving. This means staying on top of industry trends, offering up-to-date skill-building opportunities, and using technology to keep the community engaged. It’s also important to listen to members; regular feedback helps ensure the network continues to meet their needs and provides real value as careers and the tech landscape shift.
How do you see AI and emerging technologies influencing the future of tech communities?
AI and emerging technologies will revolutionize tech communities by enabling more personalized learning experiences, fostering global networking opportunities, and breaking down barriers to access. These technologies can also help address biases in hiring and career advancement, making the industry more inclusive.
What is one message you would like to share with women aspiring to make a mark in the tech industry?
To women aspiring to make a mark in tech: Believe in yourself, stay curious, and don’t shy away to take up space in the industry. Seek mentorship, build a strong support system, and continuously upskill. Your voice and contributions are valuable; embrace challenges and push forward with confidence.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, the role of women in driving innovation and leadership has never been more crucial. By fostering inclusive networks, embracing emerging technologies, and supporting one another, women can shape a more diverse and dynamic future in tech. The journey is ongoing, but with determination and collaboration, the possibilities are limitless.
About the Contributor – Ansoo is a seasoned media, ad-tech, and marketing expert with over 18 years of experience in driving digital transformation for Web2 and Web3 brands. With expertise in data-driven decision-making from HarvardX and a strong background in media strategy across India and Southeast Asia, she is also a passionate advocate for climate action, ESG, and sustainable tourism, founding OneShoe Trust to drive impact.
This contribution is under the International Women’s Day initiative #SheIsInfinite.
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