This document discusses how startups can build more diverse and inclusive cultures. It notes that diverse teams create better products and more financially successful companies. However, women comprise just 25% of tech workers and minorities even less. It suggests startups examine their cultures and hiring practices, such as using gendered language, to identify potential biases. Recommendations include building diversity into job descriptions and interrogating investors' understanding of diversity. The document provides resources on hiring more women in tech and creating welcoming environments for all.
1. Disrupting the Startup
Brogrammer Culture
POWERED BY
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Lynne d. Johnson, Consultant, Shireen Mitchell,
Women’s Media Center, Nicole Sanchez, Vaya Consulting,
Amy Vernon, Predictable.ly
PANELISTS
MODERATOR
Allyson Kapin, Women Who Tech and Rad Campaign
2. 2
The Business Case
• When we create products, we create it for the masses – not just for
white men. Diverse tech teams and leadership make better
products!
• Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are more likely to
outperform and have higher financial returns than other companies
by 15%.
• Ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform.
• Women-led tech companies have a 35% higher ROI and 12%
higher revenue.
• Organizations with inclusive cultures have 39% higher customer
satisfaction.
4. • Building the business case for diversity in YOUR company and
socialize this understanding now.
• Not settling for a GENDER-ONLY lens.
• Building the need for diversity and the commitment to it into EVERY
JOB DESCRIPTION.
• Deciding that TIME is not your enemy.
• Interrogating investors on their understanding of how diversity fits
into YOUR company.
Vaya Consulting, 2015
Focus On…..
7. What Does Your Startup Look Like?
Women comprise 56% of all professionals in the
US but only 25% of tech workers.
• Asian Women – 4%
• Black Women – 3%
• Latinas – 1%
8. 8
What Does Your Culture Really Look Like?
Is It Sexist? Is It Welcoming? Is It Inclusive? Is It Toxic?
9. 9
What Does Your Culture Really Look Like?
Forcing People To Fit In Because They Hold The Money And Power
10. Who Dishes Out The Money?
Silicon Valley Claims It’s A Meritocracy, Says They’re Not Color Blind.
• Women comprise only 11% of partners at venture capital firms and
about 13% of angel investors.
• Silicon Valley executives who are women – 11%
• Investors who are African American or Latino* - 2%
*2011 self reported survey by National Venture Capital Association
Who Gets Invested In?
11. Williams, Joan C., Katherine W. Phillips, and Erika V. Hall. Double Jeopardy? Gender Bias
Against Women in Science. Rep. San Francisco: UC Hastings College of the Law, 2015.
13. First, Ask Yourself These Questions!
●
Does your startup have access to diverse networks?
Is the door really open?
●
Is your startup rushing to hire?
●
Do employees experience bias & unfair treatment at
your startup now? If so, how?
14. First, Ask Yourself These Questions!
What imagery do you use on your
website?
How do you describe your startup, its
mission and culture?
What language do you use in your
job descriptions?
•
Ninja
•
Hacker
•
Rock Star
•
Live and breathe code 24/7
15. Slide by Adria Richards -
http://www.slideshare.net/mobile/adriarichards/sponsorship-isnt-enough-why-tech-companies-are-failing-to-attract-female-engineer
16. Slide by Adria Richards - http://www.slideshare.net/mobile/adriarichards/sponsorship-isnt-enough-why-tech-companies-are-
failing-to-attract-female-engineers
19. Additional Resources
• Hire More Women In Tech - http://www.hiremorewomenintech.com/
• Marie Curie Cartoon - https://xkcd.com/896/
• Interview with Cham at AlwaysON conference - by Shireen Mitchell
https://vimeo.com/13830059
• Recruiting Women Engineers – by Adria Richards -
http://butyoureagirl.com/2015/03/16/sponsorship-isnt-enough-why-
tech-companies-are-failing-to-attract-female-engineers/
20. Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Fred and Joanne Wilson
Before you can disrupt the brogrammer startup culture you need to take a look at your own startup!
Attempted Humor Can Be Sexist and Insulting
Feeling Awkward VS Fitting In and Laughing it Off
Attempted Humor Can Be Sexist and Insulting
Feeling Awkward VS Fitting In and Laughing it Off
How do we get rid of this toxic culture that is sexist and clearly not welcoming to women? No body wants to work in a place like this! If you see this, how do you manage these tough conversations?
Attempted Humor Can Be Sexist and Insulting
Feeling Awkward VS Fitting In and Laughing it Off
How do we get more diverse led startups when the people in charge of the money are comprised mostly of white men?
Before you can disrupt the brogrammer startup culture you need to take a look at your own startup!
Attempted Humor Can Be Sexist and Insulting
Feeling Awkward VS Fitting In and Laughing it Off
Attempted Humor Can Be Sexist and Insulting
Feeling Awkward VS Fitting In and Laughing it Off