Creating balance and representation in technology

Nicole Hardiman, a software and data engineer, reflects on two decades in tech and the persistent lack of gender balance she’s experienced—often being the only woman in the team, and at times the only woman in the building. She and Joanne Lockwood explore why representation still matters: when teams don’t reflect their users, products and decisions can miss the mark.

They discuss how technology is often portrayed as intimidating, “geeky,” and closed off, and why that framing discourages girls and underrepresented groups from seeing tech as a creative, collaborative career. Nicole shares practical ways the sector can widen the talent pipeline: going earlier into schools, proactively reaching people who don’t see themselves as “tech,” and valuing different routes into the profession.

The episode also explores workplace dynamics that affect retention and progression—bias from men and women, the impact of loud voices dominating meetings, and the importance of psychological safety so people can speak up and be heard. Joanne and Nicole examine the pressures women can face to conform to a leadership “cookie cutter,” and why authenticity and allyship are essential if organisations want lasting change rather than short-lived balance.

Throughout, the conversation keeps returning to one central idea: inclusion must involve everyone, including those with the power to change systems, hiring practices, and culture—otherwise progress will remain slow.