Capstone Webcast Series: Shattering the Tech Ceiling

By Kent Fehrm

It’s no secret that business leaders have been tasked to increase diversity amongst their workforces on the premise that diverse companies perform better, attract stronger talent pools, and better retain employees. During EisnerAmper’s first part in the CAPstone Webcast Series titled: “Community Preservation Corporation,” a quartet of panelists discussed the need for companies to embrace a diverse workforce, especially in technology.

Panelists Included:

• Carolyn Au, Chief Operating Officer, Community Preservation Corporation
• Stephanie Canzani, Senior Vice President, Technology and Business Infrastructure, Community Preservation Corporation
• Elaine Fazzari, Partner, EisnerAmper
• Rahul Mahna, Managing Director, EisnerAmper (moderator)

The Panelists Addressed the Following Topics:

• There aren’t enough women or diversity in the workplace or in technology. Although the ropes required to become a female technology executive were trial and error, one secret to success is realizing that the quality of data is more important than the data distributed. Businesses exchange data between a non-technical team and a technical IT department which is critical to help break down the quality of data in a business.
• A non-technical team should communicate with a technical team by distinguishing how businesses view a problem versus how its IT professionals view the problem. If everyone has a seat at the table in a business, both non-technical and technical people can work together to bridge their communication to best serve the business. Also, if technical people embrace being versatile and meet the non-technical people halfway in verbiage, they will be able to meet the demands of the business and further understand the businesses’ purpose and how it works in the company.
• There is extreme value in having boots on the ground. Specifically, maintaining relationships in the real world—whether it is on the street or in an elevator—can foster continued relationships.
• Maintaining internal and external relationships with clients and prospects is key. Respected leaders always wear multiple hats, which shows they can be relatable in any opportunity that presents itself.
• Individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves with unfamiliar technology, not only to put themselves out of their comfort zone but potentially become a subject matter expert. If one can understand an unknown application by being the subject matter expert, they can be a valuable resource to a company if it has aligned needs or wants with unfamiliar, new technology.
• Ultimately, if a company is considerate and does things not in its wheelhouse or comfort zone, there is potential for it to benefit later. Specifically, if a client has a positive experience, they are more likely to refer the company in their network rather than a company where a relationship has not been established. With an established business relationship, there is accountability.
• Finally, the panelists urged attendees to get out into the community to volunteer or participate at events outside of one’s experience base, because this could lead to an opportunity for creating new client and prospect relationships.

View the webinar here: Community Preservation Corporation | On-Demand (eisneramper.com)