Wired for Connection: Championing Minorities in Tech for Success

Lenka Koppova

Wired for Connection: Championing Minorities in Tech for Success image

Welcome to episode one of Wired for Connection! This is a TubbTalk spinoff show, hosted by Operations Manager Lenka Koppova and Vera Tucci, the co-founder and CEO of T-Consulting, an MSP and COMIT.

Vera is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and authentic leadership in the IT and MSP space. Inspired by a conversation she had with Lenka and Team Tubb’s Kareena Barat, Vera agreed to be the co-host of this new show.

Wired for Connection isn’t just a podcast; it’s a mission. It creates a space for every perspective and voice in tech. And every guest can share their unfiltered and unapologetic story and take on the industry. Lenka and Vera will champion those voices that too often have been left out and unheard.

A Chat with Lenka Koppova and Vera Tucci

What it’s Like as a Female Leader in the IT Space

Vera thinks that one of the reasons women struggle in tech is down to their sense of perfectionism. She explains: “We want to get it all in order before we speak up. We want to be in control, so nobody can surprise us with a question we can’t answer.

“We feel unprepared for this kind of environment. And that might be because we don’t have a technical background, so it translates to a lack of confidence. Because the IT space is welcoming, but it has its own language and rules, which is intimidating.

“That creates a distance between us and the technicians, who are often. For the first eight years of my career, I didn’t feel like I fit in. I found it hard to speak up or share my view. And it’s my company! But I felt that my team knew more than me, so I should keep quiet.

“So that’s what we want to dismantle. Too many women don’t feel that they can be leaders, because we’re not raised that way. So we have to rewire ourselves. We have to give ourselves the confidence to speak up and lead.”

Why There’s Space for Everyone at the Table

Both Lenka and Vera are keen to say that more women in IT (or any industry) doesn’t mean more competition. As Lenka says: “There aren’t a limited number of seats at the table. You don’t have to have a token representative of a minority just to comply with diversity rules.

“Instead, we’re coming from a place of abundance. There’s room for everyone, and the more the merrier. We want more diversity, creativity and different perspectives. Because that creates stronger, faster growth and healthier companies.

“And just as everyone is welcome in the IT industry, we don’t have barriers for who our podcast guests are. If you have a story that you’re willing to share, we want to hear from you. Tell us how you overcame adversity.”

What do you need to know about Wired for Connection? Co-hosts Vera Tucci of @TConsultingSrl and Team Tubb's Lenka Koppova share all in this first episode. Click to Share

Why Wired for Connection are Championing Diversity

There’s no scarcity, says Vera. Everyone can have a place and we can all thrive. She gives the example of when she delivered a talk about being a woman in the tech space and how their experiences can be improved.

“And at the end, a man in the front row asked, ‘Isn’t that discrimination against men?’ I’ve met him twice since, and he’s very embarrassed that he asked that. Because promoting diversity doesn’t mean someone is left out. The opposite is the case.

“Diversity and inclusion (D&I) means there’s space for every voice. If I have a seat at the table, you won’t lose your chair. Instead, we squeeze in another chair and have a different kind of conversation. Don’t fear D&I – there are no negative consequences to being inclusive.”

Who’s a Good Wired for Connection Guest?

So, what kind of guests are the Wired for Connection co-hosts looking for? Vera says she has a list of dream people she’d love to interview. “They’re from all roles and backgrounds, and have taken different paths to get to where they are now.

“The people I have in mind have a very specific, human approach to sharing stories. But when they’re on stage, they don’t get to share their whole journey, so that’s what I’d like to talk to them about. And I’d like to chat to men who are allies for women and minorities in tech.”

For Lenka, as she’s still new to the industry, she’s keen to learn more about different communities and how people around the world approach running an MSP (managed service provider) business or working in IT.

“So for me, it’s a journey of learning and discovery. I want to open up new doors to learn more about the industry. I’m looking for the people who aren’t always so visible, rather than the usual people you meet at events.”