Learning Fridays: Elevating Professional Growth One Hour at a Time
Improving our skills is not just a luxury—it is a necessity.
That’s why I decided to share an initiative that the company I’m currently collaborating with has embraced with open arms: Learning Fridays Hours. 🌱
These dedicated hours are a breath of fresh air in our weekly routine. They allow each of us the freedom to explore new topics, deepen our knowledge, and invest in our professional growth. Whether it’s attending an online course, reading an insightful book, listening to a thought-provoking podcast, or watching a webinar, the goal is simple—stay relevant and excel in our roles.
Why Learning Fridays aka Learning Moments Matter
In a world where change is the only constant, keeping up with the latest trends and developments in our respective fields is crucial. Learning Moments offer a structured yet flexible approach to continuous learning. This initiative not only fosters a culture of growth and curiosity but also empowers us to take ownership of our development.
Research shows that continuous learning is key to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s job market. According to Linkedin's 2023 Workplace Learning Report, employees who engage in learning are 47% less likely to be stressed and 39% more likely to feel productive and successful. These stats highlight the importance of creating space for learning in our busy schedules.
My Learning Friday Focus: The Other Half Podcast
This week, I carved out an hour to indulge in one of my favourite discoveries of 2023: The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech. This gem, hosted by the dynamic duo Gerisha Nadaraju and Josephine Conneely, has quickly become a must-listen for anyone passionate about technology and the empowerment of women in this space.
As someone who is deeply invested in the intersection of technology and gender equality, this podcast resonates with me on multiple levels. Here’s what makes The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech stand out in the crowded world of podcasts:
It empowers women in tech: Gerisha Nadaraju and Josephine Conneely are on a mission to inspire the next generation of female leaders in technology. Through their candid conversations and expert insights, they provide a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
It features industry experts: The podcast hosts a diverse range of guests, from seasoned tech professionals to emerging leaders, who offer valuable perspectives on navigating the tech industry. These conversations are not just informative but also provide actionable advice that listeners can apply in their own careers. As of today (August, 2024) you can listen to 2 full seasons with a total of 20 episodes.
It shares relevant and practical content: Each episode is packed with insights that are directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities faced by women in tech. Whether it’s discussing the latest trends in AI or offering tips on personal branding, The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech delivers content that is both timely and practical.
It shapes the next wave of female entrepreneurs: Beyond just tech, the pod delves into entrepreneurship, offering guidance for women who are looking to start their own ventures. By highlighting the stories of successful female entrepreneurs, it serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for others to follow.
And, it’s entertaining!: Let’s not forget the humour. Gerisha Nadaraju and Josephine Conneely have a fantastic rapport, and their episodes are as entertaining as they are enlightening. This balance makes the podcast a joy to listen to.
Why You Should Tune In
If you're eager to navigate the tech world with confidence and advance your career, this podcast should be on your radar. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech professional looking to climb the ladder, or someone simply interested in the stories of women breaking barriers, The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech offers something for everyone. The hosts' ability to blend humour with hard-hitting topics creates a listening experience that is both engaging and empowering.
Expanding Your Learning Horizon
While The Other Half is my go-to, the beauty of Learning Moments is the freedom to explore a wide array of resources. Here are a few other recommendations that complement the themes discussed in the podcast:
📚 Books: Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez is an eye-opening read that reveals how much of our world is still designed with only men in mind. This book pairs well with the themes of gender equality and technology discussed in The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech.
🎓 Courses: Women in Leadership: Inspiring Positive Change by Case Western Reserve University on Coursera is a fantastic course that aligns perfectly with the empowerment focus of the podcast. It offers tools and strategies for women looking to make a significant impact in their organisations.
🤓 Webinars: TED Talks like We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are powerful resources that provide additional context and inspiration for women in tech and leadership roles.
The Bigger Picture: Supporting Women in Tech
Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and better products. According to a 2020 report by McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability compared to companies in the fourth quartile.
The push for gender equality in tech is not just about fairness; it’s about innovation.
Supporting initiatives like The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech and taking advantage of learning opportunities such as Learning Moments are steps in the right direction. By investing in our growth and supporting the growth of others, we contribute to a more inclusive and innovative future.
Final Thoughts
Learning Fridays Hours aka Your Learning Moments is just an example of how we can invest in our future. This concept can be easily implemented in our everyday life as well, whether we're walking, running errands, or going for a short walk… and can be done after work, during a lunch break or during the weekend. So do dedicate time to learn, explore, and grow, because that’s the way to enhance your skills, but also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
So, whether you're tuning in to The Other Half - A Podcast for Women in Tech, diving into a new book, or attending a webinar, remember that each small step you take in your learning journey brings you closer to mastering your craft and achieving your career goals. And in a world that’s constantly changing, that’s an investment that will always pay off.
🎙️ I’d love to hear from you! Got thoughts, insights, or hot takes on what you just read? Whether it's praise, critiques, or fresh ideas, I’m all ears. Drop me a line and let’s keep the conversation going!