Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Actress Viola Davis states, “In life, it’s impossible to navigate alone.”

During the ServiceNow Knowledge24 user conference in Las Vegas, Viola Davis, an actress, author, and producer, shared valuable career advice. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the smaller steps that lead to success instead of solely focusing on the bigger achievements often showcased on social media. Davis mentioned that women tend to be discouraged from pursuing technology careers due to a lack of representation and misconceptions about the industry. Younger individuals have expressed a desire for support from women already working in technology. Davis and ServiceNow’s CFO, Gina Mastantuono, both stressed the significance of mentorship and support from other women in their own careers. Davis shared that her journey was built on safe spaces provided by mentors and women who selflessly stood behind her. To provide opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the film industry, Davis and her husband established JuVee Productions. Davis, Mastantuono, and ServiceNow’s chief people officer, Jacqui Canney, all emphasized the importance of using their own positions to uplift others, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Davis highlighted the value of diverse voices and ideas in the technology sector and encouraged leaders to create inclusive spaces for change. In summary, Mastantuono stated that it is essential to elevate others, allow them to grow and thrive, and sometimes step aside to create room for their success.