Keir Garrett on diverse leadership in tech at Cloudera

Keir Garrett, Regional Vice President for Cloudera Australia and New Zealand, has shared insights into her experience as a female leader in technology, emphasising the importance of diversity of thought in driving organisational change and innovation.

Australian organisations are increasingly aware that developing future-ready workforces is essential to remaining competitive, especially as new technologies like automation and AI continue to transform industries. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are crucial components of this transition, with 84% of HR professionals recognising their importance for future success.

Keir Garrett compared the pursuit of DEI to endurance sports, stating, "Competing in endurance sports is a passion of mine, and it has taught me that the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not a one-day sprint. It's so much more than that. For me, DEI is a long-term goal, much like training for a triathlon. It's also a goal that requires the belief and commitment of everyone on the team and the power to create a profound and lasting impact."

Garrett believes that success is not solely about financial outcomes but also about nurturing an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can succeed. She remarked, "Within our business, success isn't solely measured by bottom-line growth. It's also about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and reach their full potential. If you get this right, the bottom-line results usually follow."

Emphasising potential-based hiring, Garrett noted, "I tend to hire and promote based on potential rather than just experience and qualifications, resulting in a more diverse team of skills and perspectives. I'm proud that my team consists of those with varied backgrounds and viewpoints to achieve the diversity of thought needed to deliver outstanding results in an industry that's evolving at an exponential rate."

Garrett has implemented personalised mentorship programmes within her team, which have allowed women and underrepresented groups to grow into leadership roles, noting, "Two of them have since been selected for prestigious leadership programmes – a testament to the impact of investing in diverse talent."

Garrett highlighted the significance of including women in data, analytics, and AI roles to shape fair technology, saying, "With research showing women making up only 39% of the workforce in data, analytics and AI and 77% of executives predicting that GenAI will significantly impact society, the stakes are high. It's crucial to attract and retain diverse talent, not just to fill roles but to ensure that the systems we build are fair, inclusive, and reflect the diversity of the world they're designed to serve."

At Cloudera, diverse teams play a pivotal role in identifying biases within AI systems and enhancing creativity and inclusivity in technology development.

Garrett acknowledged ongoing efforts in promoting DEI, reflecting, "There is no one-size-fits-all approach to DEI. Each company and industry is unique. While we still have a long way to reach the finish line, it's crucial to recognise the progress we've made and continue building on that momentum. Every step forward brings us closer to creating a more equitable workplace."

Sally McIntosh, Chief People & Culture Officer at NEXTGEN, a partner of Cloudera, commented on NEXTGEN's investment in female talent, stating, "Since inception, NEXTGEN has invested in its female talent—not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it drives business success."

McIntosh also highlighted that 33% of NEXTGEN's Executive Leadership Team roles are filled by women, noting the company's efforts in providing benefits like paid parental leave to support staff balance and leadership development.