Recently, HCLTech hosted the second chapter of #ShePowersProgress event at our Amsterdam office, bringing together influential leaders to spotlight the transformative role of women in technology and leadership. HCLTech envisions a future where inclusivity is not an initiative, but a culture, fostering diverse perspectives that drive innovation and progress.

The event featured a compelling panel discussion on "Unlocking the potential of GenAI in financial services," moderated by Madelein Smit, Non-Executive Director, Geldmaat. Esteemed speakers included Pauline Engelberts, Global Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer at ABN AMRO Clearing Bank; Jacqueline van Wees, Sales Director, Enterprise Business at Pegasystems; Sunny Jiang, Founder and CEO of MaasVentures and 100 Women@Davos2024; and Coral Navarrette, Head of Financial Services – Iberia at HCLTech.

Sudip Lahiri, Executive Vice President & Head – Europe & UKI, Financial Services at HCLTech, reinforced the company's commitment to gender diversity and inclusion: "We are proud to have so many women leaders playing crucial roles in our organization. Diversity brings enormous value to our culture and creates a more inclusive work atmosphere, ultimately benefiting our business and customers." 

He added, "We are committed to creating a more inclusive workplace. Initiatives like this help us get inspired and gather ideas to continue making progress."

Gince Mattam shared the ambassador's thoughts on the importance of inclusivity and the pivotal role of women in technology: "Throughout history, women have been the backbone of societies, often working behind the scenes, mostly unrecognized. He highlighted India's strides in empowering women, particularly in STEM fields, noting, "In India, women make up 43% of total graduates in STEM and 34% of the workforce in IT and related industries.” 

Panel discussion: Unlocking the potential of GenAI in financial services

The panel discussion brought together diverse perspectives on the implications and opportunities of Generative AI (GenAI) in financial services and beyond. Sunny Jiang, Founder and CEO of MassVentures and 100Women@Davos 2024 shared her insights on the technological revolution: "We are in the fourth industrial revolution now, entering the intelligence revolution. This is really exciting, but it also brings confusion and uncertainty. It's crucial to convert technological advancements into useful products that benefit society and support sustainable business growth."

Pauline Engelberts, Global Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer at ABN AMRO Clearing Bank, discussed the impact of AI on work environments and talent attraction: "AI is advancing rapidly and we must figure out how to take our organizations along, becoming learning organizations to adapt to these changes."

Jacqueline van Wees, Sales Director, Enterprise Business at Pegasystems, highlighted the strategic approach enterprises should take towards GenAI: "C-suites are thinking about this revolution and its implications. It's important to start with strategic goals and figure out how generative AI can help achieve them. Experimenting in a focused manner with small pilots can demonstrate real potential."

Coral Navarrette shared her experiences in the financial services sector, highlighting how AI is being leveraged to improve customer experiences and streamline operations. She pointed out that while AI presents numerous opportunities, it also poses challenges, particularly in terms of data privacy and security. Navarrette emphasized the importance of establishing robust frameworks to address these challenges, ensuring that AI implementations are both effective and ethical.

Fireside chat highlights – Championing equality in sports

One of the highlights was a fireside chat featuring Monica Visser, CEO of the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB), alongside Mikkie Zwilling and Iris Zwilling from the Netherlands women's cricket team. This discussion delved into the intersections of sports, leadership and the balance between personal and professional lives, emphasizing the significance of mental health and the impact of technology in sports.

Visser has a rich history of fostering equal opportunities for women in sports. Before her tenure at KNCB, she made significant strides at the Rowing Association. In her role, she has been a driving force in creating platforms that elevate women's participation and leadership in sports.

The discussion naturally progressed to the importance of mental health in high-performance sports. Visser emphasized, "Mental power is crucial. Physical education and exercise make you stronger, but mental power helps you play the game, overcome disappointments, learn and stay focused."

The chat also touched on the impact of technological advancements in cricket. Visser highlighted the role of social media campaigns in increasing engagement and exposure for women's cricket. "Social media campaigns are a significant innovation. They help engage people and involve women in the game. It's about storytelling and reaching out globally."

From court to coach: Anup Sridhar's insights 

During the second fireside chat, Anup Sridhar, a distinguished badminton player and coach, alongside Coral Navarrette of HCLTech, shared valuable insights into the importance of international exposure in sports and the transition from being an athlete to a mentor.

Sridhar, who has been honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award, was joined by Ananya Praveen and Prerana Shet, who are starting their careers in badminton. He emphasized the growing competitiveness in badminton, stating that many nations are investing more resources in sending their players abroad for international tournaments. This exposure is crucial for making players well-rounded."

Addressing the broader role of women in sports, Sridhar praised the impact of female athletes in India, stating, "In Indian badminton, we've had Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, two of the greatest players who have led the sport for the past 15 years. However, representation at the organizational level needs improvement. More women in leadership roles within sports associations could accelerate progress."

Discussing the role of corporate support, Sridhar acknowledged, "Companies like HCLTech play a crucial role in the development of sports. When I started playing badminton, it was in a private academy funded by an electronics company. Without their support, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to pursue the sport. HCLTech's continued support is invaluable, providing life-changing opportunities for athletes."

The #ShePowersProgress event highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity in driving innovation and success in technology, sports and beyond. By encouraging dialogue and celebrating the contributions of women leaders across various fields, HCLTech continues to champion the cause of gender equality in the workplace.