JESSICA MOST SUCCESSFUL WOMEN COMPANY CHAMPIONING WOMEN AWARD 2024 WINNER: GOOGLE

JESSICA presents Google with the Company Championing Women Award for its innovative efforts supporting women in tech. With its foundational mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, Google has become a key player in promoting gender equity. Initiatives like Women @ HK Chapter and mentorship programs demonstrate Google's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where women in Hong Kong's tech sector can thrive. These efforts enhance career opportunities, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage community engagement, advancing a more equitable tech landscape. Google exemplifies how companies can effectively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For the award, we had the opportunity to speak with key industry leaders at Google to hear their perspectives and advice on achieving success, breaking barriers in the industry, and how other companies can learn from their success to empower everyone.

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

As a role model for aspiring female tech leaders, what is the most valuable piece of advice you've received throughout your career, and how has it shaped your leadership style and approach to driving change within Google Hong Kong?

Ada: "'Believe in yourself.' From running endurance races, leading teams at work, and raising three girls, I've learned endurance isn't just about physical fitness; it's believing in yourself even when no one else does."

Diana: "Throughout my career, the mantra 'no limitation' has been my guiding star. It's a reminder that as female leaders, our impact at Google Hong Kong and beyond is only bound by our imagination. Embrace the unknown, and let's redefine what's possible in technology."

Janet: "'The need to be liked is a career killer.' This realization has shaped how I approach challenges. It has taught me to embrace difficult conversations, act with courage, and prioritize earning respect through results over seeking popularity."

Jennifer: "'When someone tells you it can't be done, it reflects their limits, not yours.' This statement applied to me when I was told I couldn't work full-time, raise two kids, and compete in master swimming."

Jenny: "'Leadership and ownership is when you step in when you don't necessarily need to'. This resonated with me very much. As leaders, it's important that we create a culture where people feel valued to lean in and resolve challenges to help our customers and business even when it may not be within their scope."

Joyce: "You don't need to be 'one of the guys.' You are strong, brave, and destined to lead. Own it."

Kathy: "Give all you have, do your best, and everything will follow." When experiencing failure, don't feel down because it is meant to prepare a better you in the future."

Nancy: "From the book 'Radical Candor': 'Care personally' and having the courage 'to challenge directly' are what build trust for profound change and growth."

Ben: "If you don't intentionally, deliberately, and proactively include, you will unintentionally exclude.' This always reminds me that I should proactively connect with different communities such as women@ and disability alliance. etc., and embrace diversity. I strongly believe diversity can bring creativity for more innovations."

Michael: "Being an ally isn't just about supporting women in tech; it's about actively fostering an inclusive and equitable Hong Kong tech ecosystem across all communities. It's about creating opportunities, amplifying voices, challenging biases, and championing a culture where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and everyone can thrive, regardless of their background."

Brandon: "'It's not a conversation if you don't include all voices at the table.' I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from an amazing woman soon after arriving in Hong Kong who saw a passion in me for helping make right the inequality present in our lives. She took me under her wing, exposed me to the experiences of women I never would have known without her, and encouraged me to step up as an ally. Her support and mentorship led to an opportunity to serve on our organization's steering committee, and support so many amazing activities which have delivered impact for girls and women across Google and Hong Kong."

Prisca: "Throughout my career, I've learned that everyone's voice deserves to be heard, but it starts with the courage to speak up yourself. As leaders, we have a responsibility to not only listen but to actively create spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive. When each team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspective, that's when we achieve collective success."

Stella: "Staying curious - that's how you get your inspiration to innovate, create and grow!"

Google has been at the forefront of promoting women in technology through global and local campaigns and the work done by Google's Women@ HK Chapter. What inspired these programs, and how have they contributed to narrowing the gender gap in tech?

Ada Au: In Hong Kong, we are driven by the belief that diversity fuels innovation, making empowering women in tech essential to achieve this vision. The Women@HK Chapter emerged from this global commitment, specifically tailored to support a more inclusive tech ecosystem in Hong Kong.

Recognizing the unique challenges women face in this field in Hong Kong, our efforts concentrate on three core areas: career development, enhancing a culture of inclusion and belonging, and community social impact. These initiatives are designed to provide women with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.

A key focus within our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts is promoting allyship. In Hong Kong, we encourage men to become allies, engaging them in meaningful conversations about gender equity. By acknowledging our own privileges and practicing allyship towards other underrepresented groups, especially when we are in a majority, we aim to create a more balanced and supportive environment for everyone.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in inspiring more women to pursue technology careers. Our mentorship initiatives are designed to support increased representation of women in various functions, ensuring equitable career progression and retention. Through targeted mentorship and educational programs, we aim to foster a pipeline of talented women who are equipped to thrive in technology fields.

Google is known for its innovative approach to problem-solving. Can you share an example of how your team is leveraging technology to tackle pressing issues affecting women or girls in Hong Kong, and what impact did it have?

Nancy Ting: Google's innovative approach to problem- solving is integral to our culture, combining creativity with data-driven decision-making and encouraging employee ownership. This mindset not only fosters a proactive work environment but also instills a sense of responsibility among employees, motivating them to engage in innovative initiatives. At Google, we have more than twenty self-initiated community groups, including two of our newest, the AI Club and Parents@Google. These groups utilize Google's existing systems and technologies, facilitating self-organization among like-minded individuals who share, host workshops, and learn from each other. These activities often occur during employees' 20% time, allowing them to work on projects that contribute to the culture and success of Google Hong Kong.

Beyond our internal community, Google supports broader initiatives such as the Google Women Techmakers HK Chapter. This open community group welcomes anyone interested in learning more about technology. It hosts events during significant occasions like International Women's Day and DevFest Hong Kong. These events are designed to update attendees on new technologies while also strengthening the tech community. Looking forward, Google Women Techmakers aims to facilitate more community projects that have a tangible impact on the local community. Notably, we have seen significant participation from male volunteers, who support these programs as allies, demonstrating the inclusive nature of our approach.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for women in Hong Kong's tech scene, and how is Google positioning itself to be a catalyst for positive change in the industry?

Michael Yue: Looking ahead, the Hong Kong tech scene presents significant opportunities and challenges for women, with "Flexibility at the Workplace" emerging as a key opportunity. Both men and women rank flexibility as a top three employee benefit, crucial for the success of their companies.

At Google, we are aligning our benefits philosophy to support this shift towards workplace flexibility. Our approach extends beyond traditional compensation to enhance well- being, creativity, and productivity. We aim to attract and retain top talent by fostering a holistic work environment that emphasizes community. Our flexible work arrangements, generous vacation policies, and parental leaves prioritize work- life balance. Additionally, we offer comprehensive healthcare, fitness subsidies, and healthy food options at the office to support the physical and mental well-being of our employees. Google is committed to continuous learning and development, providing resources for employees to enhance their skills and explore new interests.

Specific enhancements to our benefits in Hong Kong include:

1. Extending maternity leave to 24 weeks, up from 18 weeks, plus an option to work from home for 90 days upon returning.
2. Increasing global baby bonding leave to 18 weeks, up from 12 weeks, for parents with a new child through childbirth, adoption, surrogacy, or fostering.
3. Doubling carer's leave to 8 weeks, up from 4 weeks, to care for seriously ill loved ones.

By implementing these changes, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change in Hong Kong, supporting more families and encouraging other companies to adopt similar practices to support our talented workforce.