By
Matthew Hearfield
November 19, 2024
Updated
November 19, 2024
In this episode of AI to Z, host Anna Frazzetto sits down with Susan Donohoe, Chief of Staff and Chief Program Officer at TechServe Alliance, to discuss her mission to advance women in STEM and her strategies for empowering female leaders in tech. Susan shares how TechServe Alliance has transformed to support IT and engineering staffing firms, boost operational efficiency, and advocate for gender equality.
Listen to the full episode below:
Advancing women in STEM
Susan highlights her role in organising events such as the Executive Women’s Luncheon, which brings together women leaders in STEM to network, share experiences, and support each other's career advancement.
She also emphasises community-driven efforts to promote STEM education and careers for young women, aiming to inspire interest and confidence from an early age. The conversation addresses systemic barriers that women face in STEM, including the underrepresentation in leadership roles and technical positions.
Evolution of TechServe Alliance
There’s no secret sauce in staffing; it really comes down to execution—what you do better, how your people work, and how you make your processes more efficient.
Over time, TechServe's focus expanded beyond advocacy to include supporting operational efficiency and strategic growth for staffing firms.Susan highlights how the organization has prioritized creating tools, programs, and educational resources that help firms improve their back-office processes, leadership capabilities, and overall effectiveness.
A key theme in the evolution of TechServe is its commitment to fostering a community among IT and engineering staffing firms.By hosting events, offering leadership development, and providing networking opportunities, the alliance serves as a vital resource for sharing best practices and building industry relationships.
Practical support for
STEM careers
Susan highlights the importance of mentorship in empowering women and underrepresented groups in STEM. TechServe Alliance supports its members by providing resources that emphasise diversity hiring, inclusive practices, and training programs that align with industry needs.Leadership and efficiency
in staffing
Susan Donohoe stresses the critical role of leadership and streamlined processes in driving success for staffing firms. Strong leadership is portrayed as the cornerstone of successful staffing organisations. Leaders must foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and inclusivity to inspire their teams and build long-term client relationships.
Susan discusses the importance of refining back-office processes to optimise time and resources. This includes automating administrative tasks, leveraging technology for talent matching, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Focus on diversity
Susan highlights how diversity strengthens teams and drives innovation. She advocates for strategies to attract and retain women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields, addressing both systemic and cultural barriers.
Leaders are encouraged to foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued. This involves training managers to recognise and mitigate unconscious biases, ensuring fair treatment for all employees.
Diversity is presented as not just a moral imperative but a business necessity in a globalized, competitive economy. Firms that embrace diversity can better understand and serve their clients.
Key takeaways
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Advancing Women in STEM: Susan Donohoe discusses initiatives like mentorship programs and STEM education outreach to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in technical fields.
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Evolution of TechServe Alliance: The organisation has grown from addressing tax issues in 1987 to becoming a vital resource for operational efficiency and leadership development in IT and engineering staffing.
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Practical Support for STEM Careers: By connecting education and industry, TechServe Alliance creates pathways for young talent to access and succeed in STEM roles.
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Leadership and Efficiency in Staffing: Effective leadership and streamlined processes are emphasized as key factors for improving team performance and operational success.
- Focus on Diversity: TechServe Alliance prioritizes diversity in hiring and professional development, promoting inclusive practices to build stronger, more innovative teams.
Article and quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity
