Pussy Riot's Feminist Voices, Lacking Diversity in Entrepreneur Awards, and Expanding Fintech Frontiers

Feminism as an Unignorable Political Force; and a Step Backwards for Women's Health

I just had the immense honour of interviewing Masha Alyokhina and Diana Burkot, members of the feminist Russian art collective Pussy Riot, who were in town for their exhibit "Velvet Terrorism" at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal. In this raw and honest conversation, they shed light on an inextricable truth: feminism is inherently political. The candid discussion peeled back the layers of societal norms to reveal that pursuing gender equity is not just a cultural debate but a trenchant political struggle.

This conversation is timely and echoes the dissonance in political circles, exemplified by the new House of Commons committee on women's health. In an ironic twist that underscores the very message of Pussy Riot, the committee is predominantly composed of white men, with just one woman at the table. This stark representation raises crucial questions about the efficacy and authenticity of a body that is charged with addressing the complexities of women's health issues yet lacks the fundamental component: a representative voice of women themselves.

Feminism's political dimension underscores the necessity of diverse voices in governance. The composition of the women's health committee stands as a stark reminder that without a spectrum of perspectives, policies are at risk of being myopic and not truly reflective of the needs of the wider community. Representation is not just about numbers; it's about bringing in varied lived experiences that inform and shape policies affecting every facet of women's lives.

Including diverse voices is not merely symbolic; it is instrumental in crafting legislation that is fair, just, and sensitive to the nuances of the issues at hand. Pussy Riot's activism through art and the ongoing struggle for gender equality are not isolated vignettes of resistance but part of a broader narrative that demands inclusive representation.

As we continue to strive for gender equity, let us remember that the fight for women's rights is not a separate agenda—it is woven into the fabric of our political institutions. The need for change within government structures is urgent and apparent. Only through a collective and inclusive approach can we hope to achieve the ideals of justice and equality for all.

To this end, let us all be advocates for change, championing a world where decisions about women's health, rights, and well-being are made by a representative body that truly embodies the diversity and richness of the voices it vows to serve.

The movement for gender equity in governance is not a fringe issue—it is central to the integrity of our democratic institutions. Let's commit to this cause with the understanding that when women thrive, society prospers.

The Paradox of Progress: Entrepreneurship Awards and the Diversity Deficit

In a recent and quite conspicuous revelation, EY Canada's Entrepreneur Award Hall of Fame was unveiled, featuring four men and one woman, a composition that also starkly lacks racial diversity. This unveiling was not an isolated incident; regional award winners mirrored a similar trend, recognizing far more male entrepreneurs, despite the presence of several female founders and BIPOC entrepreneurs among the finalists. Don't get me wrong, there is immense entrepreneurial talent in this Hall of Fame, and Knix Founder Joanna Griffiths deserves all the accolades as a trailblazing female founder. However, such a lineup not only highlights an oversight but also raises fundamental questions about the criteria and search parameters that lead to these outcomes.

Entrepreneurial awards are more than just a nod to individual success; they are powerful platforms that shape the narrative of success in the business world. When these recognitions lack diversity, they inadvertently endorse a limited and exclusionary vision of leadership and achievement.

The composition of the EY Hall of Fame and the regional award outcomes are emblematic of a larger, systemic issue that plagues the entrepreneurial ecosystem. A lack of diversity in such high-profile awards perpetuates a cycle where the same demographics are repeatedly celebrated, creating an illusion that they are the only contributors to innovation and economic growth. This narrative is not only problematic but also inaccurate. It neglects the rich tapestry of contributions from individuals of diverse genders, races, and ethnic backgrounds.

Moreover, the absence of diversity in entrepreneurship awards can have a chilling effect on aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups. When they do not see themselves reflected in the annals of business success, it may lead them to question the accessibility of entrepreneurial pathways and the inclusivity of the business community. Awards, intentionally or not, serve as beacons, signalling who is welcome and who fits the mold of success.

It is crucial to understand that diversity in entrepreneurship is not just about fairness or social justice—it's also about effective business strategy. Diverse leadership drives innovation, opens new markets, and fosters a broader range of ideas. In an increasingly global economy, businesses and institutions that fail to recognize and harness this diversity are at a distinct disadvantage.

As we critique and analyze the representation in EY’s Entrepreneur Award Hall of Fame and the regional winners, we are reminded of the work that remains to be done. We must actively champion diversity and inclusion, not just in awards but in all aspects of business creation and recognition. It is a call to action for all stakeholders in the entrepreneurial community to commit to practices that recognize and elevate the diverse tapestry of talent that is driving the future of business.

Let this serve as a catalyst for introspection and change. Let's harness this opportunity to redefine the criteria for excellence and recognition, ensuring that entrepreneurial awards reflect the world's diversity and dynamism. Only then can we truly celebrate the full spectrum of innovation and spirit that defines entrepreneurship.

Breaking (all the) Barriers in Crypto: A Conversation with Emma Todd

Also released this week on The Brand is Female | Femmes de marque podcast: my engaging podcast discussion with Emma Todd, a remarkable figure in the crypto-mining industry. Emma, as the founder of her crypto mining company, is a standout not just for her entrepreneurial prowess but also for her identity as a Black woman in a sector where both women and people of colour are vastly underrepresented.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Sphere

During the interview, Emma recounted her initial foray into the cryptocurrency space, a field notoriously skewed towards male dominance. With Bitcoin's value at a mere $400 when she started—contrasting sharply with its roller-coaster valuations in recent years—Emma's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She vividly depicted early meetups, where out of 500 participants, women could be counted on one hand. Yet, she emphasized how her bright persona and commitment to adding value garnered respect and made her a known figure in the Canadian crypto scene.

Emma's approach to overcoming obstacles and leveraging her male peers' willingness to support bright ideas is a testament to her resilience. Her strategic networking and reputation-building underscored a crucial lesson: being knowledgeable and contributing to discussions with intent can be pivotal in shaping one's path in any industry.

Defining Leadership

On the topic of leadership, Emma conveyed a refreshingly grounded perspective, pointing out the power of inquisitiveness and the courage to voice questions that others might hold back. Her rise to prominence as a leader wasn't just about being in the top echelon of intelligence but about bridging gaps in understanding and pushing through adversity. For Emma, leadership means bolstering others to pursue their ambitions with a clear roadmap and confidence.

Challenging the Status Quo in Tech

Addressing the stark statistics on gender disparity in tech, Emma highlighted a trend: many women are not abandoning their technical skills but rather transferring them to industries that offer better work-life balance. She pointed to the early interest of women in tech fields that wanes by graduation, citing an unwelcoming culture as a key deterrent. Her work with organizations like Girls in Tech, Inc. illustrates a commitment to changing this narrative by offering mentorship and visibly championing the presence of women in the industry.

Emma didn't shy away from acknowledging the vital role of allies, particularly male allies, in climbing the corporate ladder. With an eye on long-term change, she advocated for a diversified leadership that reflects a company's customer base and societal makeup, reinforcing the business advantages of inclusivity.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

To women eyeing entrepreneurship, especially in tech, Emma's advice was rooted in practicality and foresight. She urged the need for a robust business plan, market awareness, and adaptability. Emphasizing the importance of planning with the end in mind, she advised building a business attractive to potential buyers or successors, thus ensuring a legacy that outlasts the founder's direct involvement.

Emma Todd: A Beacon of Possibility

Emma's narrative is one of overcoming systemic barriers with determination and strategic acumen. As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that her journey is not just her own but also a guiding light for other women and minorities striving to carve out their niche in the competitive realm of tech and crypto.

Emma Todd is not merely navigating the complex world of cryptocurrency; she is reshaping it, fostering a more inclusive environment and demonstrating unequivocally that with the right mix of tenacity, intellect, and strategic support, barriers can be transformed into gateways for opportunity and innovation.

Thank you for engaging with me as we navigate the complex interplay of activism and politics, taking inspiration from movements like Pussy Riot, and tackle the pressing issue of diversity in leadership, spotlighted by EY's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame!

Let's stay connected and informed – our insights and actions are what drive meaningful change for women and other underrepresented minorities in the fintech landscape and beyond!

Until next week,