Women Leading Tech: “We Are On The Backfoot” VMware’s Heidi Savva Talks Gender Equality In A Post-Pandemic World
Heidi Savva is the director of Dell Synergy ANZ at computing software company, VMware, as well as the diversity, equity, and inclusion lead.
With the 2022 B&T Women Leading Tech Awards just around the corner, we wanted to chat with some of the industry’s most established and most inspiring female leaders, and Savva certainly fits that bill.
We caught up with forward-thinking director to chat inclusiveness in tech, VMware’s “Women’s POD”, encouraging newcomers to challenge the status quo, and how COVID-19 continues to impact gender equality efforts across the sector.
B&T: Hi Heidi. What inspired VMware’s involvement in this year’s Women Leading Tech Awards?
Savva: We have a lot of talented women in our business, who have done extraordinary things. We want to celebrate their success, we want to celebrate all their hard work, and we want them to be recognised and acknowledged for the fantastic things they do. They are brilliant, smart women with lots of promise, and it’s time for them to shine. This is why we’re so excited to be part of the B&T Women Leading Tech Awards; they deserve the honour.
How do you think awards like Women Leading Tech help gender equality causes in the industry?
With the awards and with women in tech, we have some wonderful role models in our business who actually spend time in school [teaching] young girls how to code. We’ve got mentoring programs that our women participate in. They’re doing some extraordinary things in their communities, at work, in business, with clients. We’re getting some fabulous feedback from the community and our business partners. We’re also starting to see a shift in the market where people want to come and work at VMware, particularly based on the great things we’re doing for women in our business. It’s being noticed in the market.
Brands can sometimes be accused of doing “performative” sponsorships, particularly those relating to social issues (think Pepsi’s 2017 Kendell Jenner & BLM ad). What makes VMware’s sponsorship of WLT different?
We have a “Women’s POD”, a “Pride POD” and a “Disability POD” as part of the DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness] council. The acronym is “POD” but they’re called “Power of Difference” and it’s all about focusing on our women, our pride community, and our disability community. We have focus people to make all of us aware – in our business – of those three key areas. It’s about acknowledging people with differences, empowering people with differences. We want them to come and work for us because we know diversity, equity, and inclusion for VMware is crucial to our success in the present, and the future.
There is that four percentage gap we’re trying to work through with our senior HR leaders across the business. That’s one of the reasons we attract top talent, because VMware’s known in the market for equal pay for equal work.
Bringing different thoughts [and] different ideas into our business is what we’re seeking. This is why these awards are important to us. We want to show the market [and] the industry that not only do we take it seriously, but we also want to ensure these individuals who feel they belong in VMware could also be part of these awards moving forward.
Many people believe there are currently more roles available in the tech sector than available workers. Based on that, does VMware offer any benefits or rewards policies to attract more women into the industry?
We’ve got mentoring programs. We’ve partnered up with WORK180 to help us attract talent. We also have great support with our leaders. We’re very conscious in our hiring policy [that] one-in-three candidates must be women. We are trying to hire and attract talent that will progress us. We do have [several] benefits for women, and also – part of our diversity, equity and inclusion council – we encourage women to join our internal council to help with those initiatives and programs we have.
We have [also] aligned with certain universities that we work with to attract talent. But it’s not just universities, it’s people from all walks of life. We know there is a shortage of people in this industry, but we’re trying to go out there and find the right people we think could make a difference in our business.
Why is gender equality and female representation in the tech industry so often discussed and spoken about compared with other industries?
Because it makes sense, and it’s the right thing to do. We want to encourage all young girls. We want them to reach their full potential and challenge the status quo. Why would we not do that?
It’s sad we keep talking about these things, and I hope one day we don’t have to keep talking about gender equality, that it comes naturally, that it happens without having to question it. Until that time comes, we still have to fight it and we still have to keep moving forward.
From a VMware perspective, we’re passionate about finding talent to help challenge what we’re doing and challenge the status quo. We want women to come in and feel comfortable and confident that they’re going to make a difference.
We’re starting to see how this is having an impact on our business; hiring lots of different women, who come in with different perspectives and points-of-view. We’re even seeing how they approach clients, partners, their community, [and] charities. It’s incredible. It helps build our culture and that’s really important to us.
In terms of gender equality, what do you think the coming decade will look like for the tech industry?
If I look at it realistically, due to COVID, we’ve actually gone backwards in female representation.
How did that happen?
The figures [suggest] we’ve gone back ten years. That [includes] going to bigger senior roles, and entering the workforce whether you’ve worked full time or part time. I’m hoping we play catch-up, [but] it’s going to be a challenge to have more women on boards, and have more women in senior roles. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m hoping that in the next ten years we’ll have made some shifts, but I don’t know how big those shifts will be. We need to make some time for it.
We [want to] increase female representation. We’re working towards it, everyone across the company, from the CEO right through.
Find out more about the Women Leading Tech Awards HERE. Tickets to the awards are now on sale HERE.
As an initiative created to support gender parity and representation across the tech industry, Women Leading Tech is an event inclusive of non-binary and gender diverse members of the tech industry, as well as any individual identifying as a woman.
Thank you to our Women Leading Tech sponsors:
Latest News
Enjoy A Hahn Solo… And May The Fourth Be With You
This May the fourth Hahn will celebrate alongside Star Wars fans rewarding their passion via a giant Hahn travelling solo through the sky. It’s the one day of the year when all sci-fi fans rejoice and giggle to themselves and Hahn in partnership with Thinkerbell, UM and Affinity is celebrating with an out of this […]
DMARGE Founder Unveils Creator-Led Social Media Agency Feedstar
New creator-led social media agency Feedstar to be aimed directly at Gen Zs. Well, they'd hardly want print, would they?
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): A total of 1,753,000 Aussies Witness Port Adelaide’s Defeat
Seven's AFL numbers almost double that of the NRL last night. The NRL still easily winning for ruptured ACLs.
Hotglue Cashes In With La Trobe Financial Digital Media Account
Hotglue staffers learning their cashflows from their collaterals today after nabbing La Trobe Financial's digital media.
M&C Saatchi’s Sydney Creative Lead Exits
B&T's stopping short of calling it a revolving door at M&C at the present, but there's definitely heat on the hinges.
Taylor Swift’s Music Re-Enters TikTok As Universal Pens Landmark Deal
Yes, B&T may have spent 152 hours failing to get Taylor Swift tickets, but, as you'll read here, it's all behind us now.
HAVAS Red launches inaugural Influencer White Paper
Havas Red has debuted its first influencer white paper. Unless you print it out in colour, of course.
Two Sides Global Campaign Reports Increasing Greenwashing As Organisations Focus On Sustainability
New report confirms greenwashing's on the rise. Apparently Mars' 'work, rest & play' claims also under investigation.
Aruga Launches New HQ & Changed Ownership Structure
PR agency Aruga proves Brisbane is 'so hot right now'. So hot in fact, Adelaide's had to go on anti-anxiety meds.
Delicious & American Express Partner To Launch Month Out 2024 In Sydney
Cost of living got you eating noodles prepared in the two-minute style? Why not live vicariously through this.
Aussie Ad Market Continues Decline In March
The belt-tightening in adland shows signs of a turnaround soon. Bar the belt-loosening at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
VMA Focuses On Skills And Training For Members
If there was a post-COVID hangover (bar the anti-vax ranters) it was the rise in skills shortages. Here's another one.
Nearly 90% Of Consumers Want Transparency About AI Images, Finds Getty Images Report
Study finds consumers want transparency around AI images. Couldn't care less about photoshopped magazine covers.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Partners With VML To Boost Funds
Anyone else feel we've exhausted the office morning tea for cancer? B&T proposes the office moonshine still instead.
Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris Named New National Hit Network Announcer
Why is it mandatory for the media to only publish the nicknames of people in radio & underworld crime figures?
Before Adland: Garry Dawson’s Journey From Teacher To Marketer
Here, the Hopeful Monsters marketer talks his shift from the classroom to the room wherever marketers congregate.
Scott Cam Urges Tradies To Prioritise Sun Protection
The Block host promoting sun protection to tradies. Also, don't try getting into the RSL after 6pm wearing high viz.
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
New study finds retail media 50% more effective than social. B&T says two-for-one Tim Tams trumps the lot.
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Can't decide on getting the hedges trimmed or finding a deeper meaning to life? You're in luck with this new venture.
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
It's strange that Budweiser never found a market among beer-swilling Aussies. Then again, neither did the fluffy duck.
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
B&T hopes everyone's wearing their Maseur sandals at the Effies, as it's standing room only at the next board meeting.
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
Special unveils Nigel the penguin in work for energy provider Contact. Apparently Percy the peacock was booked.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The Mad Max film franchise is Australia's cinematic gift to the world. That & Chris Hemsworth's near perfect cheekbones.
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Always thought you could do with better 3D immersive measurement? Happy days are ahead here.
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.