In the ever-evolving realm of the tech industry, Patty O’Callaghan stands out as a leader, overcoming challenges and championing female representation. Originally from Venezuela and now residing in Glasgow, Patty’s journey in the tech sector spans two decades. In this article, we explore her career trajectory, her insights into achieving work-life balance, and her commitment to fostering diversity and mentorship within the tech community.
Early Passion for Technology
Patty’s love for technology began in her childhood, as she started coding at a young age in the 80s. Despite the absence of the internet, her passion for coding was unwavering. “I really loved it, and I knew that was what I wanted to do,” she reminisces. However, the landscape of artificial intelligence was vastly different during her early years in South America. Patty shares, “AI was very academic back then; there wasn’t a clear career path unless you pursued academia.”
Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Tech
As Patty delved into web development during the tech boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s, she encountered challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Reflecting on her experiences, Patty notes, “Sometimes I had to speak a little bit louder to make my point across. You really have to go against that mindset that maybe you’re there because the company has to tick a diversity box.” Despite occasional hurdles, Patty acknowledges the support she receives at Charles River Laboratories, where she serves as the technical leader.
Work-Life Balance and Gender Dynamics
As a woman in tech and a mother, Patty sheds light on the importance of creating a supportive work environment. “Flexibility is crucial,” she emphasizes. Patty discusses how open communication about challenges faced by working mothers is essential. Addressing the gender dynamics in the workplace, she references the “motherhood penalty,” acknowledging the need for policies and communication to support women as they navigate career and family responsibilities.
Initiatives and Leadership Beyond the Workplace
Patty extends her impact beyond her professional role by actively participating in various initiatives. She is an ambassador for Google’s Women TechMakers programme, focusing on supporting and empowering women in the tech industry. Patty emphasises the importance of such initiatives, stating, “If a woman is applying for a company and they have initiatives like a women in tech ERG (Employee Resource Group), that’s something that would make her feel comfortable to join.”
Community Engagement and Mentorship
Patty’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion extends to her involvement in Google Developer Groups, where she organises events, hackathons, and conferences. Beyond that, she leads a local code club for children, emphasising the need for early exposure to technology. ”The world really needs to involve kids into coding and AI education earlier,” she insists.
Reflecting on her journey, Patty highlights the significance of mentorship: “I waited too long for that and understood the big impact that can have on someone way too late in my career.” Now a mentor herself, Patty underscores the importance of sharing experiences and guidance within the tech community.
The Future of AI and Leadership
Looking ahead, Patty envisions a positive future for artificial intelligence. She sees AI as a tool that will elevate skill sets and accelerate innovation. Patty encourages organisations to focus on AI literacy and governance, crucial components in navigating the evolving technological landscape.
Patty emphasizes that AI literacy is not just a skill for data scientists or tech experts but is crucial for professionals across various domains. “AI is transforming the way we work and live, and having a basic understanding is becoming a fundamental aspect of digital literacy,” she asserts. As AI technologies become more integrated into everyday life, being AI-literate empowers individuals to make informed decisions, comprehend AI-driven applications, and engage meaningfully in discussions surrounding its ethical implications.
Patty O’Callaghan’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for diversity in technology. As she continues to inspire and lead, Patty stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive tech industry.
