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Key Points for Gry Stene

  • With over three decades of experience, Gry Stene has led software teams globally, specializing in product management and digital transformation, and driving significant change in the industry.
  • In 2022, she founded IT Girls Rock, creating a vibrant global community that empowers women in technology through advocacy, networking, and education.
  • An award-winning entrepreneur, Gry received multiple accolades, including Start IT Up WA (2016) and Women in Tech WA 20in20 (2018), and was nominated for the Sansoniverse Wisdom Award (2024).
  • Gry is an innovative advocate for inclusivity. She has consistently championed systemic change for inclusion and equity in technology and workplaces, from her early advocacy in Botswana to developing a unique algorithm for measuring diversity and inclusion.

Topics for Gry Stene

  • My life as an alien: How to unleash and embrace your uniqueness and live your best life
    Born near the Arctic Circle in Norway, Gry Stene's upbringing in a large, vibrant family instilled a celebration of uniqueness from an early age. Her journey took her from being the only white kid in an African high school to studying Computation in the UK during the '80s as one of the few women in her field, and eventually to working across culturally diverse teams globally. Discovering in her late 50s that her lifelong feeling of being "different" had a name, Gry gained a profound understanding of her own identity and the nuances of diversity.
    This talk explores Gry's experiences with intersectionality—the understanding that discrimination and oppression are experienced differently by each individual—both in the workplace and in life. She shares her practical insights on how to celebrate these differences and thrive by fostering inclusive environments. Gry also unveils the story behind her signature DREAM Compass™️, a tool designed to help individuals and teams live more connected, fulfilling lives. Through her personal anecdotes and professional achievements, Gry provides a roadmap for embracing one's unique traits and using them as a strength to make impactful changes in both personal and professional spheres.
  • Cultivating belonging: A strategic approach to diversity and inclusion
    While conducting her pre-candidacy doctoral research into the declining interest among Australian teenagers in IT-related careers, Gry Stene discovered the critical roles of identity, belonging, and intersectionality in fostering diversity and inclusion. This talk delves into the pivotal importance of belonging within the workplace and outlines effective strategies to cultivate a collective sense of belonging that encourages all individuals to thrive.
    Gry presents a dynamic framework for participants to actively build inclusive cultures that not only recognise diversity but celebrate it. The session will also detail how to set clear inclusivity goals, measure progress with standardized mechanisms, and ensure that these efforts lead to real and meaningful change.
    Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools and insights to transform their workplaces into environments where diversity is not just acknowledged but is a cornerstone of organizational success.
  • Engineering innovation: Fostering inclusivity and engagement in teams
    With over three decades leading tech organizations focused on customer experience, product management, and digital transformation, Gry Stene has mastered the art of blending the right mix of people, processes, systems, and culture. Her approach is grounded in design thinking, which lays a solid foundation for building team cultures that invite diverse contributions and ensure early engagement and buy-in.
    In this talk, Gry elucidates the critical role of inclusive leadership in driving organizational change. She outlines effective strategies for bringing all stakeholders together on a transformative journey, encouraging them to show up, step up, and give back. This session not only highlights the importance of streamlining for innovation but also provides practical insights on creating a collaborative environment where every voice is heard and valued. Attendees will learn how to harness diversity and foster a culture of participation that propels their organizations toward groundbreaking innovation and lasting impact.
  • A neurospicy perspective: Embracing all differences in career, life, and the universe
    Embracing diversity across all dimensions—neurological, cultural, generational, and gender—is not just beneficial; it’s essential for fostering innovation and inclusivity in today’s global society. Gry Stene brings a unique "neurospicy" viewpoint to this challenge, combining her experiences as a woman in tech, a migrant, and an advocate over 60, to provide a comprehensive approach to diversity.
    In this talk, Gry outlines practical strategies for recognizing and celebrating differences in schools, workplaces, and communities. She shares how embracing diversity from a neurospicy perspective enhances empathy, creativity, and productivity, leading to more robust and dynamic environments.
    Participants will learn how to leverage inclusive practices that address and honor diverse needs, ensuring that every individual—regardless of their background or characteristics—feels seen, valued, and empowered. Gry will introduce methods like inclusive design thinking, intersectional awareness training, and adaptive leadership strategies aimed at building truly inclusive cultures.
    This session will empower attendees to see the world through a neurospicy lens, appreciating the rich tapestry of human diversity and using it as a strength to drive positive change and innovation in any setting.
  • Nurturing AI: The crucial role of 'good parenting' in the age of intelligent machines
    As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution led by Artificial Intelligence, the ideas presented in Mo Gawdat’s "Scary Smart" remind us of our profound responsibility: to be good parents to AI. Gry Stene explores this analogy, emphasizing the ethical imperatives in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
    Drawing from her extensive background in technology and innovation, Gry delves into the practical and ethical challenges we face as AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate. She discusses how our interactions, decisions, and the data we provide to AI will shape its learning and behaviour, much like a child learns from its surroundings.
    In this insightful talk, Gry offers strategies for fostering a healthy development environment for AI, ensuring it grows to support and enhance human welfare, rather than threaten it. Attendees will learn about the importance of ethical frameworks, transparency, and inclusivity in AI development, and how these can serve as the foundational principles
    of 'good parenting.'
    This session not only raises awareness about the potential and pitfalls of AI but also arms technology leaders, developers, and policymakers with the knowledge to guide AI’s development responsibly. Gry’s message is clear: just as good parenting shapes a child's future, so too will our approach to AI determine the future of humanity.

Testimonials for Gry Stene