Technical? Non-Technical? Both!

As humans, we love to categorize the world around us. It helps us make sense of complexity and make quick decisions. But these identity boxes can become confining. They limit our ideas of what we are capable of and can lead to rivalries that get in the way of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. In this inspirational talk, Andrea Goulet, a noted expert on empathy and communication in the software industry, will focus on one false binary that runs rampant in tech companies — the “soft skill” / ”hard skill” divide. She’ll share her personal journey and provide concrete ideas for helping you break free from five frustration factors: social conditioning, perfectionism, confidence gaps, fixed mindset, and imposter syndrome. Whether you call yourself “good with machines” or “good with people,” this is one talk you won’t want to miss.

By exploring the complex nature of technical skills and identity, attendees will learn how to: 

• Examine a variety of influences that contribute to their self-concept

• Explore the consequences and validity of framing technical skills as “either/or”

• Incorporate flexible thinking skills that are critical for perspective taking

• Reflect inward on the congruence between internal beliefs and external evidence

• Adjust personal narratives to align with new experiences and learnings