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INSPIRE 20 Podcast: June Manley, Female Founders Faster Forward

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Linda Rosencrance Freelance writer/editor
 

June Manley, founder and board president of the nonprofit Female Founders Faster Forward, or F4, says she doesn't need to be a wave of change to make a difference in the world. She just needs to be a ripple in that wave.

Manley's philosophy is based on the teachings of someone she met regularly while growing up in Calcutta, India—Mother Teresa.

"I was in the same school that she actually taught in, and one of the key things that she used to say is, 'Everybody wants to make a big impact, right? Because that's what we envision. Most of us, if all we did was make a ripple of change, and those ripples turn into a big wave, those are the changes that we could make.' And that's what I've always aspired to," Manley said in an INSPIRE 20 podcast.

The INSPIRE 20 Podcast Series

Listen in to the podcast with June Manley on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Spotify. Plus: See all INSPIRE 20 podcasts.

Manley is one of 20 executives from around the world taking part in INSPIRE 20, a podcast series that showcases executives who are making a difference in inclusion and diversity in their organizations, communities, or industries.

Working for equal opportunity

F4, Manley's independent organization, is dedicated to championing equal opportunity for everyone. In 2019, F4 aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal #10.3 to ensure fairness and parity for all, without discrimination.

Goal 10 is generally about reducing inequalities, but 10.3 reads, "Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard."

Championing tech-industry diversity

F4 recently conducted research into the tech industry's diversity hiring practices, and found it lacking; some 88% of tech employees are Caucasian and Asian, and 64% are male. 

In the podcast, Manley talks about what her F4 organization is doing to drive change in the tech industry in terms of diversity and ending discrimination. She also discusses what business and policy leaders must do to ensure equality for all, and how a culture of equality and a diverse workforce drives innovation.

"Equal opportunity in tech is where people get hired based on their talents and not for their demographics or their physical attributes," she said.

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