Recap: Fireside Chat with Author Nimisha Tailor

On 3 July, She Shapes AI hosted a virtual conversation with Nimisha Tailor, author of the newly released The Female Digital Revolution, and Dr. Julia Stamm, Founder of She Shapes AI.

Together, they explored what’s needed to unlock the full potential of women in the digital economy, reflect on real-life stories from around the world, and share insights on leading with confidence in the AI era.  

Below is a detailed recap. The full recording is available on YouTube.

Key Takeaways

• The "female digital revolution" is driven by women building their own opportunities in tech/digital spaces

• Key factors enabling women's participation: accessibility, affordability, and digital literacy

• Missed opportunities remain in areas like access, innovation for women's needs, ethical AI, and data representation

• Identifying one's "superpower" and leveraging soft skills are crucial for women to succeed in digital/AI careers

Book Background and Motivation

What inspired you to write "The Female Digital Revolution"?

• Change - both professional and personal

• Observed technology transforming industries over 3 decades in government roles

• Personal reflection on own role in tech after mentee question

• Wanted to showcase amazing things women are doing to drive change

• Women not just asking for a seat at the table, but building their own tables

When did you decide to write the book and why call it a "revolution"?

• Started researching and interviewing women globally out of curiosity

• Compiled material into book to be inspiring and informative

• "Revolution" reflects women driving change passionately in various areas

• Wanted to celebrate women building their own opportunities, not just one table but "whole restaurant of tables"

The Female Digital Economy

What is the female digital economy and what's driving its growth?

• Digital economy involves economic activity using digital infrastructure, services or data

• Women play important roles as digital economic agents:

  • 1. Digital Government: designing policies, e-services

  • 2. Digital business leaders - leading transformation projects

  • 3. Digital entrepreneurs - creating tech startups

  • 4. Digital consumers - making large online purchases

What are some missed opportunities in the female digital economy?

• Access - Many still lack smartphones/internet, especially in developing countries

• Innovation - More apps/software catering to women's needs (e.g. health at different life stages)

• AI ethics - Ensuring algorithms are unbiased and don't discriminate

• Representation - Women need to "show up" in all aspects to be counted and drive innovation

Digital Skills and Superpowers

What are digital superpowers and how can women identify theirs?

• Unique strengths that make you stand out, beyond just skills

• Discovered through reflection, mentoring, volunteer work

• Example: Critical thinking and asking questions

• Combine digital tools with your innate skills/strengths

• Work from a place of strength, know and use your superpower

Do you have an inspiring story from the book to share?

• Shugufta - cybersecurity specialist from author's hometown

• Faced challenges as woman teaching mostly male students

• Persevered through difficult training session with many questions

• Received validating feedback: "Never met someone able to answer all my questions"

• Shows impact of representation, courage, and expertise

Advice for Women in AI/Tech

How can women navigate and lead in the AI/tech space?

• Focus on opportunities, not just risks

• Be clear on real-world problem you're trying to solve

• Understand competitive landscape and commercial aspects

• Look beyond generative AI to impactful applications (e.g. medical diagnosis, fraud detection)

• Don't worry about being an expert, be comfortable asking questions

• Leverage soft skills and "superpowers" in leadership roles

• Practice self-leadership and ability to bring people together

How to educate yourself on AI?

• Join communities, attend events, do online courses

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to learn from others

• Don't feel pressure to be an expert - technology is evolving rapidly

• Leverage your existing expertise to contribute to AI discussions

Advice for career switchers wanting to enter AI/tech?

• Focus on soft skills and digital leadership

• Complex issues need collaboration and people skills

• Ask simple but important questions (e.g. on ethics, data sources, regulations)

• Develop ability to bring people together and change mindsets

More to come

She Shapes AI is curating a calendar of virtual events for the Fall. If you have any suggestions for topics you’d like to see discussed, please email us at contact[at]sheshapes[dot]ai. We’d love to hear from you!