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Register NowRegister NowRegister NowFrom leadership lessons on finding supportive sponsors and fostering resilience, to actionable steps for advancing diversity in tech, hear personal reflections and key takeaways from the Akeneo team after sponsoring the third annual Women in MACH event. Plus, learn how Akeneo is taking strides to support gender equity through innovative initiatives.
Keywords
“Not everyone will be a cheerleader, so you need to find yours and give back generously.” Early in my career, I underestimated the value of sponsorship, which I now realize was a mistake. Since then, I’ve shifted my approach, surrounding myself with people who believe in me, challenge me, and support me when I need it most.
- Camille Fant, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
The most inspiring session for me was the session with Debbie Ellison, Global CDO at VML. She shared, "It’s hard to be brilliant at everything, all the time, all at once. You are responsible for your own happiness. Relationships only hurt if you don’t have them. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and do what you love."
I was impressed by her resilience and grit, and the strengths she was passing on to the audience. What resonated most was the reminder to let go of the pressure to excel in everything simultaneously. It reminded me of the importance of being kind to myself and to others, without expecting something in return. For me, it reinforced the idea that empathy and connection are essential not only in leadership but in every aspect of business. This is what transforms teams into communities and challenges into opportunities. It's a lesson I’ll carry forward—both personally and professionally.
- Julie Dura, Solution Engineering Manager
It was inspiring to see so many talented women open to sharing their stories and what they have learned along the way. All of them are easy to talk to and genuinely care about changing the industry. Women in MACH is a powerful community of women willing to share and change the balance in tech.
- Florence Le Guellec, Group Product Manager
I will make sure women feel heard, safe, and supported. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Men in higher positions are unconsciously biased, I hear and see it daily, therefore, they should be encouraged to attend events and sessions such as these, so that they become aware, listen, and take action.
- Emily Stead, Account Executive
My main takeaway from this was the importance of diversity in R&D teams. They recommended the book “Invisible Women”, which discusses the sometimes trivial, other times devastating impact of bias in technological advancement over time. As we continue to develop AI, it’s more important than ever that we address diversity moving forward. It’s not just diversity in the data set we need to think about, but also diversity in the teams of people analyzing the data and shaping the data models. Quote of the day: “It’s not just sh*t data in, sh*t data out… with AI, it’s sh*t data in, 50 x sh*t data out”
- Kerri Barnes, Technology Partner Manager
New this year, Women in MACH has launched a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Scoring Tool to help companies accurately measure, track, and improve.
Here at Akeneo, we are proud to be in the mature category for MACH DEIB and excited to support women and male allies through several resources including ERG groups, a Women in Leadership Program, and holding our first annual Women in Leadership Summit this year. We’re proud of the continued steps we are taking, and acknowledge that there is always work to be done.
What is MACH? Learn more about how Akeneo, as a certified member, is shaping the future with our partners and the MACH Alliance here.
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