I’m Justice, one of the graduates at tombola. I recently started my role as a Platform Developer on the onboarding team, and so far, it has been an amazing journey, can't wait to see what lies ahead! I recently headed to the Women of Silicon Roundabout with the tombola Women in Tech Network, here's what I thought...

It used to be the case that tech conferences were mainly about showcasing products or unveiling the next big trend. Attendees walked away with a branded tote bag, a few networking connections, and the vague promise of some innovation on the horizon. But Women of Silicon Roundabout 2024 was different. It wasn’t just about technology; it was about rewriting the playbook of leadership, innovation, and inclusivity. It wasn’t just a conference—it was a movement.

The tech world is changing rapidly, and the event made one thing clear: the rules we’ve followed for decades are being reimagined. And women, long underrepresented in this space, are at the forefront of building these new paradigms. Here are some key highlights:

AI: The New Partner in Creativity and Problem-Solving

Artificial Intelligence has often been seen as a villain in the story of human innovation, blamed for stealing jobs and consuming vast energy. However, at WoSR 2024, it was framed as a partner—a tool to enhance human potential.

For instance, AI helps the UN predict natural disasters, potentially saving thousands of lives. In healthcare, it accelerates drug discovery, achieving in months what once took years. Additionally, tools like Microsoft’s Copilot empower individuals with disabilities, breaking down barriers they have long faced.

However, this is not a perfect vision. The same AI that provides these advancements also consumes significant energy. The key takeaway is that innovation is neither inherently good nor bad; it is how we use it that matters. The power of AI is immense, but the ethical responsibility lies with us.

Women Are Changing the Game—And Companies Need Them

Leadership discussions at this event have a new focus. For too long, women have been encouraged to fit into spaces not designed for them, but at WoSR 2024, the message has changed: women are reshaping tech culture.

Why is this important?

1. Long-term thinking: Women bring unique perspectives that emphasize sustainability and inclusivity over short-term results.

2. Collaborative leadership Teams led by women are often more innovative and cohesive, prioritizing outcomes over ego.

3. Flexibility as a strength: Women leaders demonstrate that adaptability drives progress and keeps teams engaged.

Companies that overlook the value of women in leadership miss out on talent, innovation, and profitability.

Accessibility: The Must-Have, Not the Afterthought

The accessibility sessions left no room for doubt: inclusive design isn’t just an ethical imperative—it’s a business one.

Take AI-driven tools for neurodiverse individuals, or generative AI solutions for people with mobility challenges. These aren’t niche products—they’re innovations that unlock untapped potential in talent, markets, and ideas. The lesson? Companies that design for accessibility don’t just build better products; they build better futures.

Storytelling: The Superpower No One Talks About

One of the standout moments was a reminder that even in tech, facts don’t inspire action—stories do.

The framework is deceptively simple:

It doesn’t matter whether you’re pitching a product, explaining a pivot, or rallying a team—storytelling is the way to make people care. It turns numbers into meaning and meaning into momentum.

As I left the event, one thought stuck with me: the future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build. And at WoSR 2024, it was clear that the people building it are ready to make it better than anything we’ve seen before.

Here’s to embracing the new rules of tech—and creating the ones we haven’t imagined yet.

Here’s to embracing the new rules of tech—and creating the ones we haven’t imagined yet.