Interestingly enough, I met today’s guest in a bookstore after overhearing her conversation with another patron and joining in! It was such a fruitful and incredible conversation… in the business and self-help section.
Jodi Kovitz is the CEO and founder of #movethedial, an organization that is committed to creating inclusiveness and a voice for women in the technology sector. She has galvanized literally tens of thousands of women as part of this organization and she is a true leader and entrepreneur.
In this episode, Jodi speaks about the need for her organization, #movethedial, and shares why she decided to take on this incredible mission. She also explains the importance of inclusiveness for women in technology, some of the biases that have historically existed in the creation of technology when women are not at the table, and how she recommends parents speak with their children and daughters in regards to career possibilities in technology.
The message that Jodi is spreading is incredibly powerful and I’m excited for you all to tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways:
[1:08] About today’s episode with Jodi Kovitz!
[2:27] Welcoming Jodi to the podcast!
[2:45] Jodi gives us some background on who she is and how we met!
[4:23] Jodi explains the need for #movethedial and why she decided to take on this mission.
[7:13] Why does Jodi think that there are fewer women in the tech ecosystem?
[9:10] How did Jodi manage the phase in her life where she was balancing her career and her young children?
[13:22] Jodi speaks about the themes around inclusiveness for women in technology that she is addressing through #movethedial and her upcoming summit.
[16:38] Jodi comments on some of the areas where bias has historically existed in the creation of technology — in particular with A.I. — and what happens when women aren’t at the table.
[19:45] What kinds of conversations does Jodi have with her daughter in terms of careers in technology? How does she recommend other parents open up that conversation to their children?
[23:22] Jodi speaks about the kinds of kids programs they have at #movethedial.
[25:47] About our upcoming Impact LIVEs Event!
[27:17] The importance of galvanizing our community and elevating each other as women.
[29:20] Jodi shares how you can learn more about her upcoming #movethedial Summit!
[31:21] Jodi’s key performance indicators!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Making Simple Robots, by Kathy Ceceri
Impact LIVEs Event — Get Your Tickets Here!
Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder, by Reshma Saujani
Dear Founder: Letters of Advice for Anyone Who Leads, Manages, or Wants to Start a Business, by Maynard Webb with Carlye Adler
Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, by Gabrielle Bernstein
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
Jessica Robertson, Co-Founder of Modo Yoga
More About Jodi Kovitz
Jodi Kovitz is the founder and CEO of #movethedial, a global movement dedicated to advancing the participation and leadership of all women in tech. Leveraging Jodi’s leadership, wealth of experience, and passion for advancing the full talent pool in the new economy, #movethedial has attracted prolific champions and advisors from around the world who are leading the way in the technology industry.
In 2017, Jodi was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women; and in 2018 as one of the Top 25 ‘Women of Influence’ by Women of Influence Canada. Jodi serves on the advisory boards for a number of Toronto based tech companies and co-chaired Mayor John Tory’s re-election campaign, which has a mandate to build the narrative for Toronto’s tech ecosystem on the global stage. Jodi has an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School and an HBA from Ivey Business School.
Connect with my Guest:
Website: #MOVETHEDIAL
Social Media: @jodilynnkovitz (Twitter), @jodikovitz (Instagram), & Jodi Kovitz (LinkedIn)
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CALL TO ACTION
We want to know what you’re doing to inspire the next generation of women (and all genders) in technology! Are you teaching your kids about the possibilities of careers in the tech space, encouraging other parents to expose their own children to tech, or being that role model to children? Follow-up with us on The Entrepology Podcast Facebook page and let us know what you’re doing to expose the next generation to careers in tech — because when you’re accountable, you’re helpable!
Tweetables:
“Inspiring curiosity through multiple exposures from a very, very early age is really important. But, without changing the number of role models and working to advance the women in the ecosystem right now … I fear that we’ll keep perpetuating this problem.” — Jodi Kovitz
“We like to showcase these women who are doing really big jobs … to share that there are many different ways to be ‘all the selves’ — both rockstar leader making a difference as well as being able to build the lives that enable us to do all things.” — Jodi Kovitz
“I really encourage parents and anyone I can speak to, to expose kids of all genders to as much as possible as early as you can, to simply inspire curiosity.” — Jodi Kovitz
“Research shows that teaching to code itself is not enough. It really has to be combined with conversation around the possibility of careers, and role models … in order to excite and inspire our youth to consider all of the possibilities in their future of tech.” — Jodi Kovitz
“Coding is the language of the future and really a universal language. It doesn’t matter if you’re a child in Ghana, Pakistan, Canada, or Asia. … We can come together through the language of code, the more we can expose our kids and provide global access.” — Jodi Kovitz
“Abundance begets abundance.” — Jodi Kovitz