In the latest series of Eversheds’ ‘Wired & Connected’, Nasser Ali Khasawneh, Partner & Head of Technology Media and Telecoms Sector at Eversheds Sutherland chatted with Lopa Patel MBE, Chair of Diversity UK, to discuss the progress made on equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within the UK technology sector.
Nasser hosts the online ‘Wired & Connected’ insights series where he interviews senior professionals from global tech firms such as Microsoft, Twitter and Nokia on key topics that are high on the agenda in the boardroom. In the latest series, the pair discuss Lopa’s incredible career and establishing Diversity UK, the role and strategy of diversity, as well as reflecting on progress made since the 90’s and advice for the next generation looking to enact change.
Episode 1: Diversity UK history and background
“I was set for a corporate career, then five years into that role an opportunity came up and I had my lightbulb moment. Within a few weeks I set up my business and became an entrepreneur.” In the first episode, Lopa Patel MBE shares the inflection points throughout her career, discussing her journey to being known as a digital entrepreneur, a pioneer on diversity initiatives and a changemaker across the UK.
“Being an entrepreneur has shown me the support you need from the ecosystem. We are here to crystallise opportunities for diverse communities.”
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 1 of 7:
https://watch.eversheds-sutherland.com/diversity-uk-history-and-background
Episode 2: Lopa’s journey – Diversity UK
In episode 2, Lopa Patel MBE discusses the long standing history of Diversity UK, whose charitable mission is to improve equality & inclusion for ethnic minorities across the UK.
“In 2015 we focussed in on the #Tech after noticing a representational issue, as the sector is the future for Britain.”
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 2 of 7:
https://watch.eversheds-sutherland.com/lopas-journey-diversity-uk
Episode 3: The tech industry is the future of Britain
“Major tech companies are taking leaps in making diversity an absolute requirement in the way they work.”
In episode 3, Lopa Patel MBE and Nasser Ali Khasawneh talk about the changing landscape of the technology sector and the importance of supporting digitalization and innovation.
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 3 of 7:
https://watch.eversheds-sutherland.com/the-tech-industry-is-the-future-of
Episode 4: The role of diversity, and how Diversity UK is trying to influence it, in the UK tech industry
Around 26% of the tech industry are women. Venture capital and funding for female founders is even lower. Diversity UK mission is to create sustained progress….
In this episode, Lopa Patel MBE and Nasser Ali Khasawneh talk about diversity and inclusion, specifically in the technology industry.
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 4 of 7:
https://watch.eversheds-sutherland.com/the-role-of-diversity-and-how
Episode 5: The strategy for diversity in the UK tech industry
In this episode of the Wired & Connected conversation Lopa Patel MBE shares thoughts on improving the strategies around diversity and inclusion for the UK tech industry; from connecting the public and private sector to actualise strategies such as the UK Government’s Levelling Up and Innovation strategy; local enterprise partnerships and the funding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, to enact change.
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 5 of 7:
https://watch.eversheds-sutherland.com/the-strategy-for-diversity-in-the
Episode 6:
How much progress has the diversity of the tech sector improved since the 90s in the UK?
In this penultimate episode, Lopa Patel MBE explains the sea change she has seen since the 90s, however the job is not finished.
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 6 of 7:
https://watch.eversheds-sutherland.com/what-progress-has-been-made-since
Episode 7:
Young professionals: “Get used to change. One constant in life is change.”
In the final episode, Lopa Patel MBE shares thoughts on her key advice as a mentor to young professionals, particularly in the technology sector. “The world is a very different place, the chances of you being in the same company for your entire career, is over. Do take control of your own career, be aware that you are responsible for you. While you can rely on companies to develop your skill set, if you are working in an ever-changing, uncertain world, be prepared to be on a constant journey and invest in your learning and development.”
WATCH 📺 Wired & Connected Episode 7 of 7: