Building a Tech Industry Where Everyone Feels at Home

Last week, 3,000 people gathered in Stockholm for this year’s edition of Women in Tech – and what a day it was! HiQ was there together with partners, role models, and the tech stars of tomorrow. The event was filled with energy, inspiration, and fresh perspectives!

Ahead of the event, Åsa Johansen, co-founder and CEO of Women in Tech, joined our podcast Tech Royale. Together, we discussed why diversity and inclusion are not just values – but critical business drivers – and why this work is more important than ever.

“Technology is never neutral”

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the realization that technology is never neutral. It carries the creator’s perspective, experiences, and blind spots. If we want to build technology that is relevant and sustainable – both today and in the future – we must also build teams that reflect society.

Åsa emphasized how the current development of AI illustrates this clearly: “With a narrow perspective on development, you risk missing both users and business opportunities – and long-term sustainability.”

Actively working with diversity and inclusion is therefore not just about doing the right thing. It’s about innovation, competitiveness, and business development.

Inclusion as a Business Strategy

Åsa explained how an inclusive culture builds stronger organizations: companies where people thrive, stay, and grow. Where sick leave is lower, creativity is higher, and results are better.

She also highlighted how diversity directly impacts the bottom line: when tech teams represent the customer base, they create better, more relevant solutions – making the company stronger in the market. It’s about thinking beyond policies and symbolic gestures. Real change requires integrating diversity into the strategy, tracking progress, and holding ourselves accountable.

Women in Tech: From Event Organizer to Social Influencer

Women in Tech started as an event but has become so much more. With over 30,000 members, a new tool called DIY Compass, and a clear focus on impact between events, the organization has evolved into a true societal force.

DIY Compass helps companies measure their maturity in diversity and inclusion across eleven key areas. The goal is to lower barriers, inspire concrete action, and help more organizations move from ambition to actual change.

As Åsa put it: “We want to help companies not just want to do the right thing – but know how to.”

Role Models Who Lead the Way

Another central aspect of Women in Tech is highlighting role models. Not just those in top positions – but people throughout the industry. Those who lead by example, support others, and inspire more people to take the leap into tech and stay.

This year’s theme was Space to Play – a tribute to both creativity and outer space. To create new solutions and forge new paths, we need the courage to explore, question, and play our way to innovation.

I hope that in five years, we won’t need to be called Women in Tech – but People in Tech

Åsa Johansen, CEO, Women in Tech

A Future for Everyone

When we asked Åsa about her vision for Women in Tech five years from now, she answered:

“I hope that in five years, we won’t need to be called Women in Tech – but People in Tech.”

It’s about creating an industry where diversity and inclusion are not initiatives, but natural parts of how we build companies, products, and services. Where more people feel they belong – regardless of background, gender, or experience.

At HiQ, we share that vision. We know that an inclusive culture is the foundation of innovation, sustainability, and success. That’s why we’re proud of our partnership with Women in Tech and our continued efforts to build a tech industry where everyone has a place.

Want to listen to the full podcast episode? You’ll find it here