Anita Shukla, (M.A.), founder & CEO of India-EU training and consulting is a seasoned
strategy consultant, speaker, senior corporate trainer, executive coach, advisor & author
based in Hamburg, Germany.
As an intercultural pro in tech, a specialist on global collaboration, Human Resource
development, tech recruitment & Cross-cultural management in technology with EU-India
focus and with 30 years of work experience she has been consulting numerous European
corporations operating globally, from MNCs in automotive, IT and energy to technology
startups, especially those with India in focus and likewise supported major Indian and Asian
technology corporations in their successful operations in Europe preparing teams and male
and female leaders for global business in tech.
She earned a humanity degree after studying at the Universities of Münster and Hamburg,
Germany (Magistra Artium; M.A. in 2005) and has since then studied numerous fields of
technology like AI, management and entrepreneurship.
Anita Shukla is currently a strategic partner of Expandeers Global Network, Global Business
Development made in Germany, WomenTech Network Council Member and Country Chair
Germany of the Women leaders network G100, Global Networking Wing. Her memberships
also include Women in AI, Women in AI and Robotics and Hanseatic India Forum, among
others. Before this she has held the positions of – Senior Advisor India of the Bundesverband
Mittelständische Wirtschaft (BVMW), the SME Association of Germany (2015-2018), Vice
President of SIETAR Germany, a global Cross Cultural organization (2012-2015), and Chair,
India Council, of the German Outsourcing Association (2011-2012).
She is a sought-after speaker, moderator & panelist at onsite & virtual conferences,
forums and trade fairs. Her article “People to People Connect in India-EU ties: Tech, AI &
Diversity“ has been published in the ORCA/WICCI India – EU Business Council publication „
Building the future of EU-India Strategic Partnership – between trade, technology, security
and China“ . More information on webinars, like on AI & gender, interviews – like on AI &
leadership, workshops on cross cultural communication in tech, talks – like on the EU-India
Trade and Technology Council, Gender Equality and Diversity in Tech, events and
publications can be found on LinkedIn and Brainguide.
Rajni Vohra: In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges that women in
technology face today, and how can these challenges be addressed?
Anita Shukla: I ‘d like to start by saying that there are numerous challenges and at the same time
tremendous chances for women in tech, in particular in AI. Like in other industries, a
gender pay gap still exists in tech – at 25 % in Germany and 26% in the EU –
affecting junior employees the most. In Europe, a new EU directive on equal pay and
pay transparency is an important step ahead to change this. Women are confronted
with challenges of many kinds throughout their career and on various levels such as
gender bias and discrimination. Research shows that, in general, up to 80% of
women jobs may be automated by 2030, for example in administration. Along with it,
a great deal of new jobs will be created. It is obvious that upskilling, reskilling plus a
genuine openness for tech and AI will be key. Women are needed as creators and
shapers in many fields of AI, for example in Ethics, cyber security or Healthcare in AI
since they understand women and women’s´ needs and challenges best. Progresses
in femtech demonstrate that. An increased media attention is given to Equal Pay Day
(In 2024 on March 6th in Germany) and International Women’s Day. The German
Equal Pay Award is in its third year already. The more successful women in tech will
be seen and listened to, be it in politics, academia, or business, the better existing
challenges will be envisaged, tackled and even overcome.
Rajni Vohra: What role do mentorship and networking play in supporting the career
development of women in technology?
Anita Shukla:Various women networks offer extremely valuable support to female graduates,
employees and entrepreneurs, not the least to female executives and women in tech.
I would know examples of women networks and companies that offer remarkable
mentoring programs for women. Networking nowadays is of paramount importance, it
works regionally and globally, onsite and virtual. Promising career opportunities can
arise in many parts of the world. Globally oriented, strong supportive networks for
example for women leaders and for women in tech and AI are there to help. I recently
highlighted the manifold opportunities across geographies for female experts,
scientists and entrepreneurs in tech and AI as part of a publication on the EU-India
strategic partnership.
Rajni Vohra: How can companies create a more inclusive workplace culture for women in
technology, and what role can technology itself play in fostering inclusivity?
Anita Shukla: It all starts with the culture, the values of the company, the hiring of more women,
particularly in relevant tech and finance roles, having a diverse executive team.
Investing in diversity pays off. Companies investing in diversity are also more
profitable. According to recent findings there is more inclusion in the tech industry
than in numerous others. Especially large companies make an effort, many Programs
on Diversity and Inclusion as well as on women´s leadership etc. exist. Considering
the constant war for tech talents, a lot remains to be done. AI used the right way can
play a major role, reduce human biases, add to more fairness. For this we need more
women as specialists as well as in AI leadership positions.
Rajni Vohra: What is your approach to continuous learning and professional
development?
Anita Shukla: As mentioned, in the future of work, even more than today, there will be the need for continuous learning & flexibility. Interestingly, with AI, robotics automation becoming more dominant, both technical & soft- skills – know – how will be imperative”
We should not lose our human qualities, though. Empathy & Ethics are
so important. People skills will be valued. Still, I believe that a general understanding
of AI will be a must, both for one´s professional as well as one´s personal life. If one
can build expertise, be able to combine one´s special skills in a certain field like say,
sustainability, with it, so much the better. I personally have always enjoyed learning
& interdisciplinary work. More than twenty years ago, at university, I became
member of a technical student organisation promoting soft skills for tech students,
trainings in Europe & the organisation of tech job fairs, while studying humanities.
Later in my career I worked for IT – companies & associations, learned more on
programming & AI & as senior consultant & trainer I have been working with
globally operating IT- clients ever since, preparing their teams & executives, male
& female, for change, new markets & intercultural collaboration.
Rajni Vohra: Can you share an example from your experience where technology and tech
companies played a crucial role in advancing opportunities for women ?
Anita Shukla:I could think of various apps in human resources but would like to mention the fact
that certain platforms like meetup & eventbrite made it much easier for international
tech talent & women in tech in particular to connect, visit all sorts of events, for
example join hackathons & start coding, discover career & training opportunities
& much more.
I remember witnessing the ( financial ) support of companies of all
sizes, & the initiative of their employees, from tech giants to innovative startups
who understood the need for new female talent & who hence made it possible that
interested & talented women, of many nationalities, would have access to
resources of multiple kinds for their career advancements & for learning & development.
Rajni Vohra: Thank you for sharing your insights during this interview. I truly appreciate your efforts in AI and empowering women.