Hear This From SXSW: Building Inclusion
The Forrest Four-Cast: March 16, 2018
Diversity is a superpower — even if we can’t live in Wakanda. SXSW 2018 explored myriad ways companies can become more inclusive and diverse. If you missed some of the sessions at March Magic, catch full-length audio replays of this compelling content.
Inclusion + Tech: How to Get it Right. Research shows that a diverse and inclusive workplace can be a competitive advantage for companies. Representatives from startups and corporations discussed emerging technologies and how they can make the workplace and the world more inclusive. Panelists explored everything from how to eliminate bias in the workplace to how you can create flawed technology by not considering diversity from the start.
Tech-No-Color: Advancing Women of Color in Tech: It’s no secret that Silicon Valley is a white boys’ club that needs to be cracked open. This panel offered a powerful and interactive discussion about how to further build diversity and inclusion strategies with a focus on women of color. A group of senior leaders discussed how to start the diversity & inclusion (D&I) process, create goals, drive growth and accelerate change. They also discussed how to re-envision the recruitment, retention and advancement of women of color in tech.
Solutions for Hiring Top Minority Tech Talent: Tech companies say they are looking for top minority tech talent but don’t know where to look. Simply stated, they should talk to the HR and university relations experts on this panel who are doing what it takes to build the most authentically diverse companies on the planet. This panel was attended by the 100+ minority students that came to SXSW from over 50 colleges and universities.
Return on Inclusion: Investing in Diverse Startups: A group of fund managers discussed how investing in diverse startups can lead to greater financial success. Panelists explored the challenges that entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds face as they look to raise money and build their businesses, and how startups can leverage their diverse perspective as a competitive advantage. Speakers for this session included Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital (pictured above).
Find more podcast content by exploring the SXSW online schedule. When you click on a session and see an audio bar, then you’ve got your listening assignment for the day!
Lock in SXSW 2018 prices by purchasing a badge for SXSW 2019 during our limited pre-sale, which ends at 11:59 pm PDT on Saturday, March 24.
Hugh Forrest serves as Chief Programming Officer at SXSW, the world’s most unique gathering of creative professionals. He also tries to write at least four paragraphs per day on Medium. These posts often cover tech-related trends; other times they focus on books, pop culture, sports and other current events.
