Jayney Howson, Chief Learning Officer at ServiceNow, believes the tech industry is at a pivotal moment concerning tech democracy and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her journey from advertising to tech leadership highlights the systemic challenges and opportunities within the sector.
From Advertising to Tech Leadership
Howson's career included experience in advertising, a field she found human-centric. Her transition to the tech industry was driven by a realization that talent is widespread, but opportunities are not. During her tenure at Brakes Brothers, she observed that with the right technology, individuals could achieve remarkable outcomes.
Her move into tech included a role at Salesforce, where she encountered the industry's diversity challenges firsthand. Supported by male leaders, Howson was determined to address the lack of diversity within sales teams, a mission that became more personal during a serious health challenge, which she has since overcome.
Championing DEI at ServiceNow
At ServiceNow, Howson has leveraged her position to influence DEI initiatives significantly. She oversees learning for both internal teams and a broad user base through ServiceNow University, providing a unique opportunity to address DEI issues, particularly gender disparities in tech, as reported by Diginomica.
Howson emphasizes the importance of making everyone feel welcome in the tech sector, noting the significant gender imbalance. Her efforts at ServiceNow aim to create an inclusive environment where diverse talents can thrive.
Implications for Women in Tech
Howson's story underscores the importance of leadership roles in driving change within the tech industry. Her experiences highlight the need for more women in leadership positions to advocate for DEI and create equitable opportunities. Industry observers note that such leadership can inspire systemic change, fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
As the tech industry stands at this crossroads, leaders like Howson are crucial in steering it towards a more democratic and inclusive future.