Female Leadership in the Age of AI.
IBM’s new report launched at Davos
The World Economic Forum in Davos has always been a melting pot of ideas, and this year, the spotlight is undeniably on technology. With one of the key themes “Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society,” it’s evident that the tech revolution is front and center. One notable session that caught attention was led by Ana Paula De Jesus Assis, Chair and General Manager EMEA at IBM, who unveiled the findings of IBM’s latest report, “Female Leadership in the Age of AI.”
As we navigate the vast landscape of AI, it becomes increasingly clear that diversity in leadership is not just a buzzword but a crucial element for success. The IBM report, based on insights from over 4,000 business decision-makers across EMEA, delves into the impact of increased female leadership on AI. It explores how men and women are gearing up for the AI revolution and outlines practical steps to ensure that AI development and utilisation incorporate a diverse range of perspectives.
IBM’s research emphasises that increasing female leadership in AI is not merely a diversity initiative; it holds the key to the technology’s success and future. The report indicates that 73% of EMEA business leaders believe that more female leadership in AI is essential to mitigate gender bias, while 74% see it as crucial for ensuring that the economic benefits of AI are distributed equitably. I’m lucky to be surrounded by many brilliant people including a mentor on all things AI Jen Kirkwood who is a must follow on these topics on Linkedin.
Gender bias in AI has gained considerable attention, with 120 papers in a literature review I was reading highlighting the need for everyone to address this issue. One of the ways gender bias infiltrates AI is through machine learning, particularly in the dataset. If women are underrepresented in the data, the AI system will inevitably have knowledge gaps, leading to biased outcomes. In some recent work I was looking at how human bias further compounds the issue, as demonstrated by an insightful example where historical data with inherent bias influenced an AI model for recruitment.
The report sheds light on a confidence gap that needs urgent attention. When asked about their confidence in business leadership abilities in the age of AI, 61% of male respondents strongly agreed, compared to only 46% of their female counterparts. This gap needs swift resolution, particularly in preparation for AI deployment. Efforts are underway, with 55% of women actively upskilling and improving technical skills, demonstrating a commitment to narrowing this gap.
Interestingly, both male and female leaders express a desire for more support in understanding and deploying AI. Half of the respondents, regardless of gender, express the need for more assistance in skills development and learning. The data suggests that collaborative efforts, such as cross-industry networking events, are vital for sharing knowledge and fostering a collective understanding of AI’s potential. If you want to up your skills in AI this is a great place to start IBM’s skills build.
The future of AI depends on collaborative efforts, and the role of women is undeniably crucial. As we strive for a bias-free AI world, it is imperative that both men and women actively participate in shaping the trajectory of this transformative technology. The insights from Davos 2024 emphasize the importance of gender diversity in leadership and the collective responsibility to ensure AI benefits society as a whole.
