The latest iteration of Inavate Live was held on May 22, 2025, in Hong Kong. Exploring the theme of ‘Bridging the Gap, Unlocking Innovations’, the event took place at The Executive Centre in AIA Central, Hong Kong.
This event was part of the second edition of Inavate Live networking series, focusing on the critical issue of diversity in the AV and tech sectors. Despite growing efforts to improve representation, studies reveal that women still make up less than one-third of the workforce in many technical roles, with even fewer in leadership positions.
The event highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing diversity and inclusion across the industry. The speakers—Heather Li from Facilitate Corporation, Truddy Cheung from JLL, and Sand Leung from Nova Range—discussed the significance of creating equitable workplaces. They emphasised that fostering diverse environments leads to better business results, enhanced innovation, and more thoughtful designs in technology and workspaces.
Moderated by Chelsea Perino, executive director of global marketing and communications at The Executive Centre, the panel discussion provided a platform for sharing personal career journeys and insights into the challenges of working in male-dominated industries.
The speakers candidly reflected on their experiences in sectors where women are underrepresented. They noted that while organisations are increasingly promoting women into leadership roles, challenges such as unconscious bias persist. The discussion also highlighted the importance of skill over gender in career advancement, sharing personal strategies for overcoming hurdles and embracing vulnerability in their professional journeys.
The conversation extended beyond gender, encompassing neurodiversity and varied communication styles. The speakers agreed that diverse perspectives enhance innovation and problem-solving. Case studies illustrated how teams with varied backgrounds achieve better outcomes when collaborating.
The discussion also highlights the need for leaders to adapt their communication styles based on audience sensitivity. Balancing clarity and empathy are essential for fostering effective team dynamics. Leaders who embrace feedback and grow from it can significantly enhance their teams' morale and cohesion. Corporate culture plays a pivotal role in advancing diversity initiatives. Internal programs such as mentoring and peer learning are vital for creating inclusive environments. Leadership must take responsibility for representing underrepresented groups, ensuring that accountability begins at the top.
The event underscored the importance of focusing on personal excellence. Individuals are encouraged to deliver high-quality work that commands respect, rather than waiting for change to come from the top. Micro-mentoring was highlighted as an effective way to facilitate ongoing learning and knowledge exchange.
The event concluded with actionable next steps, including encouraging micro-mentoring sessions, reviewing internal diversity initiatives, and developing training programs that address communication nuances. Organising follow-up workshops to create safe spaces for dialogue was also recommended. In summary, the "Bridging the Gap, Unlocking Innovations" event illuminated the ongoing challenges and strategies related to gender diversity in the AV and tech sectors. By fostering inclusive environments and advocating for diverse perspectives, organisations can unlock the full potential of their workforce, leading to greater innovation and success.