What do a government employee, 2 entrepreneurs, one hi-tech marketer and a recently down-sized strategy consultant have in common? Lots! In addition to all being members of the XX (no Y chromosone) clan, we share a passion for learning about, using, building and fostering technology that supports great work!
So far, we've had four gatherings and seen many women join us. Last night we covered tonnes of ground - from the upcoming Community 2.0 conference in Vegas (let's go - it'll be cool - and is really about those of us who care deeply about the evolution of social media connecting, learning, sharing and creating a future that rocks together)! To the challenges and opportunities that exist in larger organizations these days... like the culture and climate of the government of Canada. Then on to the value of having support while building and defining your career (did you know that Maureen can help you define, find and achieve the career you dream of and she also batted 1000 last year in supporting succesful submissions for Ottawa Top 40 under 40 - call her if you need a hand clarifying or doing the work to move into the Work you LOVE!http://www.mypromotion.ca/)
We also talksed about our February event - featuring Maggie Fox of Social Media Group on February 24th - to be generously hosted by Ramius.
And yes, with a former leader of Tomoye (Jen) and a current leaders of Ramius (Melany and Veronica, who is now exlporing her next frontier where she can apply her bright mind to help organizations looking to boldly apply social media for business advantage!) - we did of course have a conversation about a few reflections from the field - liek - why don't technology start-ups recognize the strategic value of government relations? Why does the Government of Canada willingly invest in technology research and development and then make it so bloody difficult for it's own employees to purchase the result of these innovation investments (perverse, isn't it) ?
We also explored what a kick-ass technology purse or kit really includes RIGHT NOW -- and are planning a session to cover this topic in the spring (we aer thinking that perhaps the topic will require three elements: hardware, software and peripherals. Thoughts? A big area of agreement on this one was that rather than focus (as can often be the case) on feature and function - let's tell the story of value and business benefit - make the case really for the use which will cognitively allow people to then deal with the learning curve required for adption and integration of new technology into their lives. Novel thought, isn't it?
We also explored and shared our deepest life aspirations and dreams - and supported each other in exploring ways to continue to move in the direction of our calling. Maureen and I work with folks to discover and move intentionally toward their REAL WORK! Maureen is growing a business that works with individuals - while I tend to work with leadership teams to align and tap into their deep purpose and ways to professionally create meaning in their work and lives!
We revisited an idea I bounced around with Alejandro Gonzales a few years ago - the notion of having a technology for best business value coach. Someone who would work with leaders to determine their technology needs and then implement an approach that will encourage them to use tools and technologies artfully! Doesn't this sound valuable?
And, of course, we talked about kids - present and future. Husbands, vaactions, dreams, and so much more! It was a restorative evening among growing friends - who share an interest and passion for using, building and shaping technology - and the many opportunities that come from these new companions! :D
Please, join us for an upcoming gathering! We'd love to hear your perspective!
Women 2.0 in Ottawa has been created by two visionary women: Melany Gallant and Monika Surma - a great team - bringing an interest, a passion and a commitment to create the time and space for women in Ottawa to connect around the fascinating area of technology.
Thanks to my dear friend Scott Lake (you may know him from www.startupottawa.com or www.jadedpixel.com or simply cause he is one of the nicest people in Ottawa) challenged me to make a post about our gathering last night... a great idea -- and an excellent way to highlight some neat things happening right here in our local neighbourhood! Go OTTAWA!
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