In a world that increasingly embraces inclusivity, March stands out as International Women's Month. This year, the SCBX Tech Horizon EP15 event, themed LeadHERS in Tech: Women Driving Innovation & Impact, showcased prominent female executives from the technology sector, discussing not just their triumphs but also the challenges they face in a male-dominated industry.
The event, held on March 19, 2568 BE at SCBX Next Tech in Siam Paragon, featured a panel discussion titled Breaking Barriers & Leading the Future. The discussion aimed to provide insights and actionable advice on overcoming the challenges women encounter in leadership roles within the digital age. Participants included Kun Dalad Tantiprasongchai, Chief Operating and International Business Officer of SCBX, Kun Kanoknetr Jarenyesresathes, Chief Technology Delivery Officer of CardX, Kun Thiranun Arunwattanakool, CEO of MONIX, and Kun Yanpadipa Jitatikuldilok, Chief Data Officer of DataX.
Kun Dalad, who has an extensive background with Mckinsey, eloquently shared about her experiences at SCBX. "When I joined SCBX, I had just completed seven months of pregnancy and returned to work just two months after giving birth. Balancing motherhood and a demanding career has been my toughest obstacle, especially in an organization where Thai is the primary language, unlike my previous English-speaking environment,” she noted.
Her insights were echoed by Kun Kanoknetr, who emphasized the constant evolution of consumer behavior in the financial sector. According to her, working as a team in challenging roles helps mitigate the pressures of leadership. "It is critical for our team to understand technology and utilize it effectively. It’s not just about keeping up with trends but addressing customer needs appropriately," she stated.
Kun Thiranun, leading MONIX, a joint venture focusing on digital nano lending, highlighted how the pandemic led them to adopt remote work strategies early in their inception. She shared, "The first year was challenging, but it forced us to think creatively and proactively, which helped to forge stronger team connections and maintain productivity amidst uncertainty.”
Discussion then turned to the role of mentorship. Both Kun Dalad and Kun Kanoknetr insisted on the importance of seeking guidance from experienced mentors. "Sometimes, we underestimate our own capabilities and try to fit into molds of others instead of embracing our uniqueness. It is crucial to self-encourage and understand that success is a journey shaped by learning from experiences," Kun Dalad advised.
All four speakers underscored their collective belief in the importance of fostering genuine connections within the workplace. This resonated profoundly with the findings discussed in another report detailing how loneliness in the workplace is intricately linked to employee burnout.
Research from John Cacioppo, a recognized expert on loneliness, suggests that social connections significantly impact workplace well-being. It found that employees who feel more isolated are prone not only to burnout but also to poor physical health outcomes. For instance, loneliness can reduce life expectancy by a staggering 70%, and it may elevate the risks of diseases such as heart conditions and strokes.
Luana Marques of Harvard elaborated, stating, “Burnout isn't just about working excessively hard. It’s also about how connected or disconnected we feel at work. Building strong workplace relationships fosters resilience and happiness.”
Studies show that employees today are reporting burnout levels twice as high as they were two decades ago, with creative stagnation often accompanying feelings of isolation. Research from WHO confirmed that burnout manifests significantly through psychological and physical fatigue, often before work even begins.
Addressing burnout requires a dual approach not only focusing on workload adjustments but also emphasizing the cultivation of fellowship among employees. Positive relationships at work enhance morale and organizational performance, leading to less absenteeism and higher productivity.
Organizations are urged to implement initiatives such as facilitated social interactions, mentorship programs, and celebratory recognitions of team achievements. In a striking example, employees at Awethu in South Africa participate in a unique ritual of ringing a bell whenever a new member joins, creating an immediate sense of belonging.
Furthermore, Kim Cameron from the University of Michigan stresses the need for organizations to develop a culture of empathy and care, suggesting that it can drastically improve overall performance. "Cultivating a workplace where compassion is paramount can surprisingly yield higher employee satisfaction and effectiveness," he noted.
In light of these observations, employees are encouraged to take proactive steps in addressing their own workloads and connecting with colleagues to enhance their well-being. Dr. Michael P. Leiter advocates for individuals to articulate their passions and interests in their roles, indicating that a meaningful connection to one’s job can significantly help alleviate feelings of burnout.
In summary, as the SCBX Tech Horizon event so clearly showcased, nurturing leadership, embracing diversity, and fostering social connectedness emerge as vital strategies not just for individual success but also for cultivating healthier workplace cultures that reduce burnout. The dual focus on both personal and professional development is the beacon guiding us toward a future rife with innovation and balance.
