Tell us a bit about your background
The idea to establish an association for women in AI, Web3 and Media began in 2024. At that time, my partner Elena, whom I met during my Global Executive MBA studies, and I had already opened a chapter for Women in Web3 Austria. Our passion and interest in emerging technologies arise from our surroundings and network. Self-education, Blockchain specialization, and AI training followed and were embedded into our free time, in addition to our regular full-time jobs and family commitments.
We saw the future in AI and Web3 and we wanted to give a voice to the underrepresented women in media by creating a safe environment where each individual can embrace their potential. So, we combined the three pillars and established a broad network where tech, innovation and media are interconnected and thrive together. Through joint events, workshops, masterclasses, activities in small groups and educational programs, we provide networking opportunities, advocate for diversity and inclusion and raise the necessary awareness of emerging technologies. Our goal is to assist women in improving their skills, finding motivation and inspiration, and successfully navigating today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.
On June 19th, we successfully launched HerBizz International in Austria’s biggest innovation hub, weXelerate, in Vienna. An incredible group of women from tech and media inspired, educated and motivated an audience of over 80 ambitious female leaders.
HerBizz International is built on values of inclusivity and empowerment. Can you share an experience where you helped build or contribute to a supportive community?
Prior to HerBizz International, we were one of the first chapters established by Women in Web3 Global. With Women in Web3 Austria, under HerBizz International, we intend to broaden the network and raise awareness about Blockchain Technologies and Web3. We help build a community of supportive women, which started with amazing female leaders in Switzerland and is now spread worldwide with 8 chapters and over 700 members.
What strategies would you suggest to enhance networking opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated industries like tech and media?
One of our core strategies at HerBizz International is to create curated in-person events that specifically cater to the needs and challenges faced by women in Tech, AI, Web3, and media. We’re focusing on niche-specific gatherings where women can network and showcase their expertise in front of peers and potential mentors.
Additionally, we are in the process of establishing something in collaboration with our partners that would connect women globally and offer a wider reach not only for networking but also in terms of education and knowledge exchange. This is one of our current projects, and more formation will follow as the work progresses.
How would you simultaneously prioritize and manage multiple projects and events while maintaining the organization’s vision?
Strategic planning is key. We develop a comprehensive annual calendar that ensures all our projects and events align with our long-term vision. This way, every activity contributes to our overarching mission of empowering women leaders in AI, Web3, and media.
We also believe in empowering our team by delegating responsibilities according to each member’s strengths. This approach ensures focused leadership and accountability, allowing us to manage multiple projects without losing sight of our vision.
What strategic initiatives would you prioritize to expand the network of HerBizz International and increase member engagement?
Expanding globally is a major priority for us. We’re looking to establish more partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders in key international markets where the tech and media industries are rapidly growing. This will help us reach more women leaders and offer localized support while maintaining our global vision.
We also focus on creating a rich content and learning hub for our members. By offering exclusive webinars, training courses, mentorship and industry insights through our partners, we will be able to keep our members engaged and continuously learning. As soon as this project is ready to be launched we would start our membership program and be able to offer more incentives to our registered members.
Until today, we have secured valuable partnerships and collaborations, among other things, with:
– Women in Web3 Switzerland;
– weXelerate, Austria’s biggest innovation hub, where we hold our evening events;
– Nerox, a fintech company focused on algorithmic crypto trading and software development;
– Salama Belghali, AI and Web3 career coaching and mentorship;
– Mia (Mission Impact Academy), AI learning platform to up-skill 1Mio women globally by 2030;
– Ethermind, an AI-powered training copilot designed to assist training companies;
– WU Executive Academy Female Leaders Network;
– CosmoBlue Media, a hub for innovation, creativity and forward-thinking in the media landscape;
– ProcessOne, business process optimization with AI and robotic process automation.
How would you approach forming partnerships with key AI, Web3, and media stakeholders?
We identified strategic partners who share our commitment to diversity and innovation. Once we’ve identified potential partners, we focus on clearly articulating the value that HerBizz International brings to the table. Whether it’s access to a diverse talent pool, thought leadership, or a platform for corporate social responsibility.
We also ensure that our partnerships are mutually beneficial. This could mean co-hosting events, collaborating on specific projects, or engaging in cross-promotional activities. Formal agreements are essential in these partnerships to ensure clear roles and expectations. We often start with small pilot projects to build trust and demonstrate the potential for larger collaborations.
In your experience, what are the most effective ways to foster leadership among women in emerging technologies?
Female leadership development is substantial. Through our carefully selected partners, we will offer women the possibility to participate in specialized programs that address the unique challenges women face in AI, Web3, and media. These programs include all the necessary skills for leadership.
We also place a strong emphasis on mentorship. We match emerging leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support. Within HerBizz, we offer leadership opportunities for heading local chapters or leading projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable in developing leadership skills. Finally, we actively advocate for more women in leadership roles, whether on boards, at conferences, or in the media.
How would you define success for HerBizz International in the next 3-5 years, and what steps would you take to achieve it?
Success for us in the next 3-5 years would mean achieving significant growth in our global reach, partnership development and memberships. We want to grow and see active HerBizz members and chapters in all major tech hubs around the world, with a strong community of women who are making a tangible impact in AI, Web3, and media.
Another key measure of success is our industry influence. We aim to establish HerBizz as a thought leader, contributing to crucial industry discussions through publications, speaking engagements and partnerships. To achieve this, we are developing a strategic plan according to our current project development that includes specific goals, timelines and metrics for success. We also aim to build a diverse leadership team within HerBizz to drive our vision forward and remain innovative in our programs and services. In this regard, we are currently looking for new members and thought leaders who share our vision and values with our board.
Ultimately, our success will also be measured by the satisfaction and engagement of our members. We are committed to providing continuous value through personalized services and opportunities for our members to lead and contribute to our mission. Regular evaluation and adaptation of our strategies will be crucial as we navigate the dynamic landscapes of AI, Web3, and media.
By focusing on these goals and strategies, we are confident that HerBizz International will continue to grow and significantly empower female leaders globally.
