Women and the future of work in Central Ohio

Much of the recent “buzz” about the Columbus metro area focuses on its role as a growing center for technology, especially transportation technology research for the Smart City Challenge, advanced health care, higher education, and as a magnet for millennials who seek highly impactful work and human resources policies that recognize the importance of integrating work with other obligations and desires, all of which signal more rewarding life experiences for all.
Opportunities for leadership development for women and girls in Central Ohio are impressive. The area boasts dynamic companies and organizations that offer numerous programs and experiences for women of all ages to develop and master the skills required for success in workplaces and communities.
Lifelong learners
However, challenges are ahead, and we must continue to strive. According to Deloitte Insights, as automation, cognitive technologies and artificial intelligence gain traction, companies may need to reinvent worker roles in which humans and machines work seamlessly together for maximum accuracy, effectiveness and productivity. McKinsey contends that lifelong learning must be the norm so that workers can adapt to rapid change.
Tanya Curtin, senior vice president, director of customer experience, banking on demand for PNC Bank, offers this advice: “The increasing pace of technological change calls us to build a skill set that is both nimble and focused. I continually refine my collaboration and relationship-building skills, as well as being someone that is committed to lifelong learning.”
Workplace leadership skills must also transform, to include a new emphasis on the 21st century skills of collaboration and teamwork, high digital literacy, creativity, problem-solving and analytical reasoning for all levels of workers. Leaders are particularly challenged to overcome rigid, hierarchical notions about being “the boss” and focus on motivating and inspiring others who represent diverse ideas, cultures, and experiences, to achieve mutual goals.
Targeting and adapting
Saadia Zahidi, head of employment and gender initiatives for the World Economic Forum, says it is time for companies and governments to recognize that diverse teams lead to more innovation, particularly important in a time of disruptive change to business models. Companies that report being on the right track in their approach to preparing for impending change are over 50 percent more likely to target female talent.
Theresa Harris is president and CEO of TMH Solutions LLC, a technology consulting firm and reseller of enterprise products and services. Harris asserts that “selecting or developing leaders requires new ideas and ways to build a high-performing organization. As women, we adapt easily to changing cultures of complementary strengths. Over time, women add more value. Women leaders are transforming Central Ohio and we have positioned ourselves to accept the challenges that will impact the future of our community.”

Let’s make Central Ohio one of the nation’s best places to learn, to work and to thrive as the area is poised to increase its population by 1 million people by 2050.

Theresa Harris (2016) and Tanya Curtin (2017) were Women the WELDing the Way® honorees.
 
Becky S. Cornett is a member of WELD Impact Committee and Barb Smoot is the president and CEO of WELD, Women for Economic and Leadership Development, desires to increase the number of women in business and government leadership in Central Ohio.