To Thrive In The Workplace As AI ‘Takes Over,’ Top Corporate Leaders Warn: Women Must Start Leaning Into AI Now; and Explain How
Panel of top corporate executives share strategies and advice at Girls With Impact forum
Greenwich, CT – Addressing the 30% of work hours slated to be automated in the U.S. by 2030 – falling more heavily on women – top corporate leaders gave a loud and clear warning to women: double down on embracing AI or risk falling behind – or worse.
Some of the nation’s most powerful female executives from top organizations – Amazon, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Salesforce, S&P, and Visa – shared their counsel at Girls With Impact’s 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Forum, presented by S&P Global at the Yale Club in New York City, focused on harnessing the power of AI for corporate and professional growth.
From left to right - Jayla Thomas, Carrie Reynolds, Edith Cooper, Jennifer Openshaw, Sydney Klein, Lori Castillo Martinez, Audra Schoenfeldt Furer, Anika Mistry, & Bonnie Hammer
Despite increased representation for women at all levels in the corporate pipeline, progress is still well below their representation levels and is “fragile,” especially for women of color, according to McKinsey’s 2024 Women in the Workplace report.
The leaders agreed on one thing: More men than women are early technology adopters – and unless women start embracing Generative AI to a greater extent, the gender gap in tech and senior roles will further widen.
“AI is revolutionizing industry at a pace we’ve never seen before,” said Sujatha Zafar, S&P Global. “But it also presents many challenges, especially for women if we don't integrate it thoughtfully.” BMS chief cybersecurity officer Sydney Klein added, "From a gender perspective, we do see that there are many more men who are using Gen AI and influencing Gen AI."
Women are “more skeptical of AI, dipping in but generally more cautious than men,” said Salesforce EVP of Talent Growth & Development Lori Castillo Martinez. She shared that her organization identified different personas people hold when adopting AI and determined how best to help women overcome concerns about the technology.
Secrets of AI for Workplace Growth, Advancement
GWI’s Openshaw asked the leaders for their suggestions for using AI to drive personal career success – or company growth.
Career acceleration through efficiency – Visa’s Audra Schoenfeldt Furer, head of U.S. Super Regionals, said that using AI to drive internal efficiencies allows women to focus on higher-order tasks that can accelerate their careers. This use of AI helps us work smarter, not harder, and offers more opportunities for women in the workforce to take on strategic roles that showcase their skills.”
“AI is not just a tool for Gen Z; it's a collaborator—a partner in creativity, efficiency, and strategic thinking,” noted S&P’s Zafar.
Amplifying with confidence – Visa’s Furer said she used AI to produce her report of accomplishments for her boss. “Not only did it improve the report itself, but it had me express myself with greater confidence in an appropriate way,” she said.
Better diversity & data – “AI can be a great equalizer, reducing barriers to entry in fields like cybersecurity,” said BMS’s Klein.
“You don’t need to be a Python developer to identify anomalies that need investigation,” she added. “AI can bring diverse perspectives, and the more diversity we have, the better our data and applications will be."
Visa's Audra Schoenfeldt Furer says using AI to drive internal efficiencies allows women to focus on higher-order tasks that can accelerate their careers
Talent matching and talent development – Salesforce’s Castillo Martinez, said her organization uses AI for talent matching, understanding the skills that are trending up or down, and identifying talent that can best serve the company’s needs. Salesforce also uses talent matching for internal development purposes. “It allows us to prepare women and other employees for the future by helping them develop the skills that matter most,” said Castillo Martinez.
Edith Cooper, co-founder of the leadership coaching company Medley, said that it's never been more important in the age of AI to promote and preserve the development of human-centric skills like authenticity, self-awareness, inclusivity, empathy, and the ability to intelligently navigate change.
To avoid falling behind, “women need to use AI every day,” added S&P’s Zafar.
Active engagement in educating women
The leaders agreed businesses should actively encourage women to engage with AI and generative tools.
“Leaders need to bridge the gender gap in tech engagement by providing access, training, and mentorship in AI fields,” added BMS’ Klein.
“Companies must create hands-on opportunities for women to engage with AI and autonomous technologies,” said Salesforce’s Castillo Martinez. “The importance of showing up and mentoring other women cannot be understated—each woman should bring others along for the ride.”
“The future is bright for young women like me,” said Anika Mistry, GWI Graduate, Johns Hopkins student and CEO of DevMind VR, a venture she developed through GWI’s Academy. “AI is an opportunity to innovate and make a national impact. I’m now incorporating it and pivoting to DevMind AI to better help children with autism.”
Anika Mistry, CEO, DevMind VR speaking at the 2024 GWI Leadership Forum about rebranding to DevMind AI to better help children with autism
Thank you to the generous support of our Sponsors Eagle Point Credit and AT&T. Additional funding was provided by Heidrick & Struggles, NBCUniversal, Nestlé Health Science, TD Securities, Deloitte, Starwood Capital Group, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Simon & Schuster.
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About Girls With Impact (GWI)
Girls With Impact (GWI), a 501c3, operates the nation’s leading online business and leadership program for young women 14-24, having prepared over 18,000 young women for the business world. Its mission is to level the playing field for women in business by equipping women with the skills, confidence, and networks to succeed. Its tuition-free programming is made available through schools, colleges, and community organizations thanks to supporters. Visit www.girlswithimpact.org. Watch our sizzle reel.
Contact: Emily Adji
emily.adji@girlswithimpact.org
203.314.4011