Q&A with Anne Carrigy, Chief Information Officer @ Logitech

Hi Anne! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today! Firstly, please introduce yourself to the Women of Silicon Roundabout Community!

My name is Anne Carrigy. As Chief Information Officer at Logitech I head up the company’s global IT organisation, a team of 330+ people in multiple countries around the world. We strive to have an in-depth understanding of Logitech’s business strategic goals and create value by balancing business-focused services with IT enablement & technology services. 

What are you looking forward to at Women of Silicon Roundabout?

I am looking forward to connecting with the current and next generation of female leaders in tech. The conference provides a great platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and learning from the amazing, diverse women who will be attending the event. In addition, I’d be delighted if I was able to inspire some of those interested to actually join the tech field. There is a community of women out there who are on the same journey, potentially managing similar issues and challenges in their career and life journey. Events like Women of Silicon Roundabout are invaluable in giving women an opportunity to come together and to connect. 

What can attendees expect from your session?

Our session, called “Human Connection in an increasing AI age” will explore the future of work: where technology amplifies potential and human connections remain vital. Join us to learn how to blend these forces for success. Uncover strategies to harmonise tech and empathy, ensuring you thrive in the evolving landscape. 

When you think about our theme for 2023, The New Frontier, what excites you about the future in tech, business and/or leadership?

We are in the midst of one of the biggest transformations of the modern work era. But not only work – in fact we are living in a new hybrid reality where physical and digital experiences seamlessly merge. I would go as far as saying that we are entering a new era: new era of technology, new era of collaboration, human interaction and a new era of leadership. We are facing transformative times, and personally I am excited about it because, from what I see, we have a great opportunity at hand to actually design a more positive future. 

What would you say to your younger self about pursuing a career in tech and the future of women in tech?

When I was younger I thought of tech as black boxes, bits and bytes. A field you’d enter if you were more interested in things than human beings. I was so wrong. Technology has everything to do with humans. It is about enabling people to do what they want to do. Tech in general and 

IT in specific is a field of enablement and empowerment. What better field to be in? Moreover, I also believe that high performing teams are composed of individuals with a diversity of gender, experience, skills, thought processes and perspectives, a high-performing tech team is no different. Lastly I would say, dare to try. Whether you enter with a specialisation in the field or not, technology is an interesting area where you may make a positive impact on people’s lives. The fact that I, as a woman without a tech degree, head up a global IT organisation is testimony to that. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing women in technology?

There is not one biggest challenge. One of the most significant challenges that women in tech face today is navigating the pervasive issue of conscious and unconscious bias. These biases can hinder their career progression and limit opportunities. Additionally, many women grapple with self-limiting beliefs, often internalising stereotypes or doubting their abilities due to societal conditioning. The lack of female role models in the tech industry further compounds these challenges, as aspiring women may struggle to find relatable figures to look up to and emulate. 

Finally, the persistence of old societal beliefs about gender roles can create an environment that is less welcoming and inclusive for women in tech, making it crucial to address these issues for greater diversity and innovation in the field. The future of work depends on more women in the workforce, we all need to do our part to remove these barriers to design a positive – more equal – future. 

Women of Silicon Roundabout is built on community; what advice would you give to our attendees on building your network and furthering your presence?

First, do not be shy: fortune favours the brave. Just approach others, hear of their experiences and learn that you are not alone in the challenges you face. Secondly, be curious and ask questions. It shows your interest and an openness for learning as well as to gather different perspectives.

Join Anne Carrigy for her session “Human Connection in An Increasingly AI World” at Women of Silicon Roundabout on 22-23 November. Register for your place now here!