The Future of Work: Jess Rutherford Talks AI, Leadership, and Retaining Women in Tech
"Women aren’t leaving tech because they’re not capable—they’re leaving because they don’t feel supported or valued. That’s what needs to change."
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Jess Rutherford on LinkedIn
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In this episode of Career Confidence, Georgie speaks with Jess Rutherford, General Manager of Software Engineering at Aussie Broadband. Jess shares her unique journey of breaking into the tech industry, backed by strong female role models, and how she’s navigated a career in male-dominated spaces.
They explore everything from AI’s impact on the future of work to the strategies needed for retaining female talent in tech.
Jess’s insights on leadership, career growth, and creating inclusive workplaces make this a must-listen for aspiring leaders and those looking to drive positive change in their organisations.
Tune in to learn how Jess crafted her own path, leveraged AI to enhance productivity, and built a successful career aligned with her values.
Why Listen?
- How can knowing your values help you create career opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear?
- What does it take to lead with empathy and build a team that thrives?
- Is AI really a threat, or could it become your secret weapon at work?
- Why are women leaving tech, and what can companies do to keep top female talent engaged and supported?
Timestamps:
- 02:48 – Jess’s unique background: Growing up with strong female role models in tech.
- 04:57 – Realizing the gender gap: Jess’s early experiences in university and the challenges she faced as one of the few women in her program.
- 10:21 – Navigating male-dominated spaces: How Jess found her voice and built a support network of allies and mentors.
- 13:16 – Career-defining moments: How consulting shaped her early career and why taking leaps of faith led to the biggest growth.
- 16:45 – Joining Aussie Broadband: How Jess created her own role based on her values and skillset.
- 20:27 – Leadership philosophy: Why understanding and listening to your team is the key to successful leadership.
- 26:52 – AI in the workplace: The impact of AI on tech roles and how companies can harness it effectively.
- 34:06 – Retaining women in tech: How companies can support women, both at entry and senior levels, to create lasting change.
- 39:17 – The role of male allies: Why shared responsibility and flexibility for men in the workplace is crucial for achieving gender balance.
- 42:51 – Final thoughts and advice: Jess’s top tips for navigating the tech industry and building confidence in your career.