Amazon has leaked Philips' new ambient wall light
The Hue Wall Washer appears to be a significant upgrade over the Light Bar, but it's considerably more expensive, too. The Light Bar is currently on sale for $69.99 (normally $89.99) or available in a two-pack for $159.99, while a single Wall Washer unit is £199.99, or around $270, according to Hueblog. It's expected to be released sometime in the next four months.
With a design that appears similar to Philips' Hue Twilight smart sunrise lamp but without the forward-facing bedside lamp functionality, the Hue Play Smart Wall Washer projects up to 1,035 lumens of white or colored light that the company says 'covers three times as much surface in colorful light as other wall washers,' no matter how far you have it positioned from a wall. It accomplishes this using Philips' ColorCast technology, which angles the LEDs diagonally upwards.
Standing just over 6 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide, the Wall Washer can be positioned behind or nearby a TV, and because it's made from aluminum with a matte finish instead of shiny reflective plastic, Philps says it 'won't catch any glare from the TV off the light itself.'
Despite being over twice as bright as the Philips Hue Play Light Bar (which offers 500 lumens of illumination), the new Wall Washer features 'utra-low dimming' so it can be used to create a subtle lighting effect or even function as a night light. It's also Bluetooth compatible (there's currently no mention of Zigbee support on Amazon's listing) and can be controlled with voice commands through Google Assistant, Apple's Siri, and Amazon's Alexa smart assistants.
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Entrepreneur
a few seconds ago
- Entrepreneur
Watermarking the Future
In a digital age where screens have become the silent leak in corporate armour, Datapatrol's real-time watermarking technology is turning the last blind spot in cybersecurity into a frontline defence - without slowing a single keystroke. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. At Infosecurity Europe, where the cybersecurity world converges, Datapatrol, a pioneering data security firm focused on closing the overlooked gap of screen-based data leaks, unveiled a revolutionary technology - screen watermarking - that promises to transform how businesses protect sensitive data without sacrificing speed or ease of use. Cybersecurity budgets across the world have ballooned into the billions, and yet, sensitive data continues to slip through the cracks. The conventional wisdom has long been to fortify digital perimeters - encrypt files, monitor networks, and build firewalls strong enough to repel the most sophisticated attacks. But what if the greatest vulnerability isn't lurking in distant servers or hidden code, but rather in the very screens users stare at every day? This is the insight that underpins Datapatrol, a rising star in data security. The company has taken an unconventional approach: if organisations are investing heavily to protect data at rest and in transit, then why overlook what happens when that data is displayed on screens? Loay T. Hussain, Managing Director at Datapatrol, puts it plainly: "A lot of people we spoke to at Infosec told us the same thing, they had never really thought about how exposed screens can be. Once they saw how simple it is to add that extra layer of protection, it just clicked. It's not about adding another heavy tool, it's about fixing a gap that's been ignored for too long." Datapatrol's solution is elegant in its simplicity and powerful in effect. Unlike static watermarks that merely add a faint logo or text, Datapatrol's technology overlays dynamic, real-time identifiers directly on live screen content. Usernames, IP addresses, department info, session times - all become visible on screen, invisibly embedded in the everyday work flow. It delivers a significant impact. Screens, once a security blind spot, become a smart safeguard. Every screenshot, every photo, every screen recording instantly carries identifiable information that ties it back to the user. This doesn't just deter accidental leaks, it makes deliberate theft far riskier. The invisible vulnerability It's easy to overlook how exposed data can be once it leaves the secure environment of the network and appears on a user's screen. Yet this is precisely when data is most vulnerable. Screens can be photographed with smartphones, screenshots can be taken, and remote desktop sessions can be compromised - all avenues often overlooked by traditional cybersecurity defences. With hybrid working becoming the norm and collaboration spreading across multiple devices and locations, this risk has never been more pressing. Protection strategies that once centred on physical offices and internal networks now have to account for users dispersed around the globe. In this context, Datapatrol's screen watermarking emerges not as an afterthought, but as a critical component of a holistic security posture. It bridges the gap between technology and human behaviour, a recognition that the 'human factor' remains the weakest link in many organisations' defences. A culture of accountability Datapatrol's innovation goes beyond technology however; it's about shaping corporate culture. By embedding traceable watermarks into every screen, it cultivates a sense of accountability among employees and contractors. When the identity of the viewer is subtly but clearly displayed, it reminds users that sensitive data isn't just abstract - it's something they are personally responsible for protecting. This subtle psychological nudge is an invaluable complement to compliance training and internal policies. Instead of relying solely on annual workshops or dense manuals that are quickly forgotten, the watermark serves as a continuous, visible reminder. It turns abstract rules into a practical, everyday reality. This shift in mindset is critical. Protecting data is everyone's responsibility. Security can't be left to IT alone - it has to be a shared mindset that runs through the entire organisation. Simplicity and integration One of Datapatrol's greatest strengths lies in its unobtrusive design. The watermark operates passively; users don't have to click, activate, or manage anything. Once deployed, the watermark is always present when needed - a silent guardian working in the background without disrupting productivity. This ease of integration was a key factor in Datapatrol's growing success across Europe. At Infosecurity Europe, the company's presence drew CISOs, IT managers, and compliance officers eager to see the technology in action. Many were surprised at how seamlessly it fit into existing workflows without creating additional burdens. For many organisations struggling to balance rigorous security requirements with the need for agility, this is a game-changer. Datapatrol proves that effective protection does not require cumbersome or complex tools that slow down teams; instead, it shows that even a simple, well-designed solution can close the gaps left by traditional defences. Scaling Across Europe Datapatrol's momentum is clear. As hybrid working cements itself as the default and data regulations tighten, the company is rapidly expanding its footprint across the continent. Its client base already spans diverse sectors - from finance to healthcare, from fintech startups to household names — reflecting the broad relevance of its approach. With cybercrime evolving constantly, the ability to adapt quickly and plug overlooked vulnerabilities is essential. Datapatrol's screen watermarking offers organisations a proactive tool to deter breaches before they happen. The company's growth is more than a business success; it signals a broader shift in how organisations think about data protection. It calls for an integrated strategy that combines technology, human awareness, and cultural change. Looking ahead As data security challenges multiply, so too does the need for innovation beyond the obvious. Datapatrol's journey highlights a vital lesson for businesses and cybersecurity leaders alike: sometimes the most effective solutions arise not from layering on more complexity, but from reimagining existing problems. In a world where data is a company's most valuable asset, protecting it requires vigilance at every level - including the screens we often take for granted. Thanks to companies like Datapatrol, that invisible frontier is finally getting the attention it deserves. In an era when breaches can cost millions, Datapatrol's screen watermarking turns every screen into a traceable safeguard - making data protection personal, visible, and accountable. 5 reasons why screen security matters - and how Datapatrol leads the way 1. Screens are a major data leak risk Even with strong firewalls and encryption, sensitive information is vulnerable the moment it's visible on a screen. Screens create a blind spot often ignored by traditional cybersecurity. 2. Hybrid work makes it worse Remote working means employees access data across multiple devices and locations, increasing the risk that screenshots or photos could be taken without authorisation. 3. Dynamic watermarks for real-time protection Datapatrol's screen watermarking overlays unique identifiers - like username, location, and IP address - onto live screen content, making every screenshot traceable back to the user instantly. 4. Seamless integration without disruption Unlike clunky security software, the watermark runs passively in the background without user action, keeping workflows smooth while adding a powerful layer of accountability. 5. A culture of responsibility By making the sensitivity of displayed data visible at all times, Datapatrol helps build a security-first mindset across teams - turning every employee into a guardian of company information.
Geek Girl Authority
19 minutes ago
- Geek Girl Authority
THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER Season Finale Recap: (S01E12) And the Unfinished Business
The first season of The Librarians: The Next Chapter has been an exhilarating, fantastical ride, culminating with its most ambitious adventure yet in its season finale, 'And the Unfinished Business.' As foreshadowed in the previous episode, Gregor (Adnan Haskovic) is back and more dangerous than ever. RELATED: Catch up with our recap of the penultimate The Librarians: The Next Chapter episode of the season, 'And the Graffiti of the Gods' Finales are held to a higher standard than regular episodes. They must provide a satisfying conclusion to the season's long arc narrative, demonstrate characters' growth, highlight how relationships have deepened, and provide a tantalizing lure for future hijinks. On every point, The Librarians: The Next Chapter 'And the Unfinished Business' delivers. Gold star, friends. The goldest. Image Credit: Aleksandar Letic/TNT The Librarians: The Next Chapter, 'And the Unfinished Business' Vikram runs through Belgrade to the rock-covered entry of the tomb, where he prevented Gregor from acquiring The Sword of Mars in 1847. With a crystal and a tuning fork, he magically opens the entryway. Inside, he finds the tomb empty and the sword gone. On the ground, he finds a guitar pick with the logo of Gregor's Hammer. In the Annex, Connor and Lysa prepare to leave. The six months Jacob Stone gave them to help Vikram contain the magic he released into the world are over. Mrs. A. explains that the Main Library will absorb the Belgrade Annex. Charlie brings her equipment in to pack for the barracks. Connor shares that he got a teaching job, but he's not allowed to mention magic on the job. RELATED: TV Review: The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Jacob Stone (Christian Kane) arrives via magic door. He congratulates them on a job well done. He thanks them and gives them each a first-class plane ticket. Vikram bursts in to tell them there's some unfinished business. Before he can explain, the pendulum goes nuts, then explodes. They all rush to the table, identifying the map as Caucasylvia and the location of the magical event as the Capitol Building. Despite Jacob's protests, the team activates the magic door and leaves. He follows. Image Credit: Aleksandar Letic/TNT Gregor the Conqueror In the Caucasylvian Capitol Building, the President addresses the government and announces that he is stepping down. He presents the new leader, General Bogdan Gregor. Gregor enters, wearing the Sword of Mars at his waist. When he turns to face the room, he grips the hilt, magic swirls around him, and his eyes glow with it. Jacob glares at Vikram. Vikram admits that this is the unfinished business he mentioned. Back at the Annex, they debrief the situation. The Sword of Mars makes the wielder unbeatable in battle. Mrs. A. cuts through the squabbling to point out that Gregor's got the sword, making him incredibly dangerous. In Caucasylvia, Gregor, escorted by his heavy metal band/sorcerers brigade, returns to his chambers where he stores the sword in a magical safe. He turns to his top minions and directs them to organize a meeting where he can address the world's leaders. RELATED: Dean Devlin Dishes on The Librarians: The Next Chapter 's Magical Homecoming At the Annex, Lysa wonders why Attila the Hun's tomb was empty. Jacob explains that when the sword's wielder is defeated, they are assimilated, body and soul, into the sword, increasing its power. As the team tries to puzzle out why Caucasylvia is so important to Gregor's plan, Jacob's phone rings. DOSA (The Department of Statistical Anomalies) requests that he report to the U.N. immediately. The team argues that he should let them help on this mission. He agrees to let Vikram and Charlie come with him and directs Lysa and Connor to start researching anything that might help beat Gregor. New York City When Jacob, Vikram, and Charlie arrive at the UN, Janis Copeland (Monica Lacy) immediately briefs them. Defence systems around the world have stopped working. In the main room, Gregor appears on the screen and tells them that while they are all defenceless, Caucasylvia has long-range nuclear missiles. He gives them 12 hours to surrender and swear fealty to him. If they don't, he'll hit their major cities with the missiles. The team breaks into the Caucasylvia Palace using the magic door, with Jacob in the lead. They have under 11 hours to get the sword away from Gregor and into the Library. In a nearby hall, Gregor berates the event organizers, insisting on black roses with lots of thorns as decor. He's not wearing the sword. Lysa whips out her magic detector app. Jacob's impressed with how she scienced the magic, commenting how Cassandra would love that. He sends Lysa, Connor, and Vikram to find the sword. He and Charlie will keep an eye on Gregor. Image Credit: Aleksandar Letic/TNT Vikram distracts two staff members while Lysa and Connor sneak up behind them and knock them out with chloroform. They steal the uniforms. In the event hall, Jacob and Charlie watch as Gregor demands his new flag be unfurled and to begin the wine tasting. RELATED: 5 Great Books About Libraries and Librarians Lysa's app leads her, Connor, and Vikram to the guarded doors to Gregor's chambers. Lysa tricks the guard into going in. When he opens the door, they glimpse the safe inside. The staff they stole the uniforms from raise an alarm, and they must run. Meanwhile, Jacob and Charlie overhear Gregor's plan to fire his nuclear weapons after that evening's ball, even if the countries surrender. Before they can go, a security guard challenges them. Jacob's Librarian intro doesn't work on him, and Charlie throat-punches him so they can escape. Things Get Worse Jacob gets another call from Copeland when the team returns to the Annex. He has to meet her alone. Charlie reminds him he has to tell her what Gregor plans to do. Jacob directs the team to find a solution. Image Credit: Aleksandar Letic/TNT Connor and Mrs. A. find some information on how wielders of The Sword of Mars were defeated. In each instance, the wielder was 'defeated by love.' Vikram realizes they need Lysa to masquerade as Anya and convince Gregor so the sword won't recognize her as an attack. While Charlie works making Lysa look like Anya, Vikram insists she adopt a cultured accent and tone to impersonate Anya. When he sees her, he's dumbstruck by the resemblance. Lysa has second thoughts, and Vikram reassures her that the plan will work. He reviews Anya's personality traits in detail. RELATED: On Location: The Belgrade Fortress on The Librarians: The Next Chapter When Jacob finds Copeland, she tells him he needs to shut down the Library before Gregor can get in and take all the magical items he wants. Jacob protests that they don't give up like that. Copeland insists they're out of time, and he should protect the Library while he can. Anya Besson Lysa arrives at Gregor's ball. Connor and Charlie are planted in the crowd while Vikram watches from overhead. Using in-ear communication devices, he plans to coach her through her subterfuge. She approaches Gregor, who can't believe she's real. They dance. Gregor interrogates her. When she claims Vikram brought her through time using magic, he calls her bluff, stating he saw her weeks ago through the scrying glass and she wasn't Anya then. Vikram tells her to tell Gregor that she was bewitched into believing she was someone else. As she spins the tale, Gregor pulls her close, and she picks his pocket for the key to the safe. Connor breezes by and takes it from her. Connor, Charlie, and Vikram break into Gregor's chambers through an air vent (à la Leverage: Redemption 's Parker). When they try to use the key, the lock sparks. They realize the sword's defences are only down for the object of the wielder's love. Vikram lets Lysa know. RELATED: Read our Leverage: Redemption recaps In the hall, Gregor leaves Lysa on the dance floor. Charlie gives her back the key and tells her she needs to get Gregor to open the safe. Lysa's terrified, but Charlie reminds her that she's Lysa's Guardian as well. Gregor returns and hands Lysa a glass, declaring it Anya's favorite drink. He waits for her to identify it. Vikram panics. He has no idea what Anya's favorite drink was. Lysa takes a sip and identifies sugar, bitters, cognac, and absinthe. It's a Sazerac. Gregor is ecstatic and truly believes she is Anya now. When Vikram asks how she knew over the coms, Lysa says it's a family recipe that her grandmother used to make at Christmas. Gregor sweeps her up in his embrace. As they stroll away, she gets him to brag about having The Sword of Mars. She refuses to believe him, accusing him of teasing her. When he insists he does, she tells him she must see it with her own eyes. He agrees. Sword in Hand In his chambers, Gregor opens the safe and presents Lysa with The Sword of Mars. She convinces him to let her hold it and then asks him to close his eyes for a surprise. Expecting a kiss, he closes his eyes. She slips out of the room where Charlie and Connor knock out the guards and jam the door. Lysa runs for the magic door. Inside, Gregor realizes the sword is gone, and he's trapped. The team is blocked from the magic door by a group of Gregor's security. Gregor's guards unblock the door. He comes out and calls for the sword, which flies into his hand. He sees Vikram and gloats, ordering the team arrested with plans to hang them for treason. Vikram challenges him, calling Gregor a coward. RELATED: Olivia Morris Shares How The Librarians: The Next Chapter Hooked Her From Page One Gregor waves off the men holding Vikram and accepts Vikram's challenge. Vikram approaches him, unsheathing the sword in his walking stick. They duel. The Sword of Mars snaps Vikram's blade. Vikram continues to battle, but Gregor destroys his weapon completely. Before he can strike a final blow, Jacob steps out of the magic door and interrupts, stating it doesn't seem like a fair fight. He calls for Cal and tells Vikram to whistle to call the sword to him. Gregor realizes Cal is Excalibur with shock. A Fair Fight Armed with Excalibur, Vikram prepares to face Gregor again. The duel begins again in earnest. As Vikram draws Gregor down a stairwell, Mrs. A. arrives, and the team dispatches the guards. The duel moves into the ballroom, scattering guests. Gregor's still feeling triumphant until Vikram reveals that he and the real Anya were in love. Gregor loses his focus as Vikram describes the power of their love for each other, and Vikram disarms him. With Vikram's blade at his throat, Gregor asks if he'll strike the killing blow. Vikram puts his sword down and reminds Gregor that The Sword of Mars consumes its wielder once they're defeated. Magic emerges from the sword on the ground and pulls Gregor in. RELATED: TV Review: Leverage: Redemption Season 3 The team rushes forward to see if Vikram's okay. He hands Cal to Connor. With his hand wrapped in a cloth, Jacob picks up The Sword of Mars to transport it to the Library. The Next Chapter Back at the Annex, Vikram's disappointed when Jacob insists on sending Cal back to the Library. Jacob explains that Cal's more than an artifact, he's a Guardian. Lysa thanks Jacob for letting them help with one last mission. Jacob commends them for their work. Vikram asks if Jacob would let them stay a team if it were up to him. Jacob reminds him it's up to the Library. Just then, the Annex lights surge. Jacob, Mrs. A., and Vikram all realize that something's changed. Image Credit: Aleksandar Letic/TNT Jacob tells the others they should probably check their plane tickets. Lysa, Connor, and Charlie open the folders to find invitations to join the Library. Jacob offers them a life of mystery and misery, a life of loneliness and adventure, but most importantly, a chance to make a difference, a chance to save the world, every day of the week and twice before Friday. They all accept. RELATED: Read our recaps of The Librarians: The Next Chapter Vikram double-checks that this means he can stay, too. Jacob welcomes him back as an active Librarian… as long as he's not hiding any more artifacts in the Annex. Vikram promises and immediately pulls out the scrying glass from his pocket. He uses it on the portrait of Anya. It opens a portal to her, and they share a final farewell. He apologizes for leaving her alone. She shows him their son to prove he didn't leave her alone. Lysa steps up next to him. He introduces her to Anya as their great-great-great-great-granddaughter. The rest of the team fan out behind them. Anya is pleased that he is not alone either. The portal closes, and the portrait disintegrates. Behind them, the pendulum reforms, and the team gathers round to see where they're needed next. Epilogue Out in the woods, a wisp of magic finds its way to a tree as a voiceover states, 'This is not the end of the story. Does a story ever truly end? Old characters leave the stage. New characters step into the light. Sometimes, old characters return. You may not recognize us at first, but you know my name. I am Merlin.' The magic breaks open the tree, and Merlin (Dominic Monaghan) emerges. All The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 episodes stream on TNT . Season 2 premieres in 2026. THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER Stacks Season 2 With Guest Stars Diana lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where she invests her time and energy in teaching, writing, parenting, and indulging her love of all Trek and a myriad of other fandoms. She is a lifelong fan of smart sci-fi and fantasy media, an upstanding citizen of the United Federation of Planets, and a supporter of AFC Richmond 'til she dies. Her guilty pleasures include female-led procedurals, old-school sitcoms, and Bluey. She teaches, knits, and dreams big. You can also find her writing at The Televixen, Women at Warp, TV Fanatic, and TV Goodness.
Entrepreneur
an hour ago
- Entrepreneur
Under New Management
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Tech leadership used to be a boys' club with a secret handshake - an exclusive ritual women weren't part of. Now, women are in the room, sealing deals and closing million-pound rounds with a different kind of grip. Leaders like Lisa Miles-Heal, Danae Shell and Caroline Carruthers demonstrate that success in tech isn't just about innovation - it demands a fundamental reshaping of power, culture, and vision. They aren't simply changing who sits at the table - they're changing how the table itself is built. Lisa Miles-Heal's leadership sits at the intersection of two persistent fault lines in the tech sector: rapid innovation and entrenched gender inequality. As CEO of Silverfin, a UK based financial technology company, Miles-Heal operates in a space where women remain significantly underrepresented - particularly in senior roles within enterprise technology. Yet her presence at the helm challenges the long-standing norms of who gets to lead in tech, and how. In a sector still defined by structural hurdles, Miles-Heal's rise stands as an unmistakable challenge to the established order. "I wish more women knew that the skills and experience they bring to the table are as equally valuable as anyone else's," she says. "It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to the majority, thinking if you don't do things their way, you're doing it the wrong way. But your unique style and approach are your strengths. Your powerful differentiators will serve you well." Miles-Heal's leadership journey is a quiet rejection of conformity - and a celebration of difference. "Starting a business takes resilience and belief in yourself. One of the best ways to build that self-belief is by finding role models who show you different paths to success - people who prove it's okay to lead authentically." Authenticity, for her, isn't just a management strategy; it's survival. "My inspiration comes from other female leaders. The CEO of Visma is one - she came from a HR background, which is atypical for a tech CEO. Another role model is Dawn Marriott, who's shown me you can stay true to yourself even when moving from operator to investor. These women prove there's no one 'right' way to lead." That kind of perspective has helped guide Silverfin's rise - a company now regarded as one of the leading platforms transforming financial data workflows for accountants and finance teams. But when asked what decision made the biggest impact on the company's growth, her answer is disarmingly straightforward. "Growth is rarely driven by a single factor," she says. "But, I'd say gaining a much better handle on our core metrics was crucial. Having clear visibility into your numbers provides you with the clarity to identify exactly what is needed for focus and improvement." The focus on fundamentals isn't just a business cliché. It's a discipline. "Without being clear on your metrics - whether that's ARR growth, EBITDA, or customer-related numbers - you're at a serious disadvantage. You can run a business on gut feel, experience, and a strong product vision, but without data, you can't be sure if what you're doing is actually moving the needle." The key metrics Miles-Heal watches most closely are telling: employee engagement scores (eNPS), employee numbers (EMPs), customer net promoter scores (NPS), ARR growth, and EBITDA. These give a rounded picture of Silverfin's business health and growth potential. But metrics alone don't define culture - or leadership. When asked what assumption about leading in tech she's found to be untrue, the CEO doesn't hesitate. "One big assumption I've found is that you must have a technical background to be a leader in tech," she says. "That's quite a funny assumption because the landscape is shifting so much. With the rise of AI and evolving tech, leadership is circling back to focus less on coding skills and more on understanding the problem you're solving and communicating clearly - whether that's with people or AI tools." It's a shift that could - and should - rewrite the rules of who gets to lead. "What's becoming absolutely vital are the soft skills and emotional intelligence. These are the skills that women often excel in, and I like to think AI could be a feminist intervention shifting the power towards these strengths. Imagine a world where women lead because the future of tech values empathy, communication, and nuanced understanding as much as technical know-how. That would be powerful and honestly, I hope it becomes reality." That imagined future is something Miles-Heal is actively building - one initiative, one hiring policy, one conversation at a time. "It starts with yourself - building confidence and being your own best advocate. From there, it's about supporting the people closest to you - friends, family, and colleagues - and being a positive role model." Internally at Silverfin, progress has been tangible. "We've achieved 50% gender equity both in our leadership team and on our board. We've also taken practical steps like launching a women's network and peer-to-peer mentoring programme where women mentor other women, which is separate from our broader mentoring initiatives." That peer support is mirrored externally, too. "Looking beyond the business, we actively advocate for women in our customer base by hosting forums in Belgium and the UK for senior women in accounting technology." Representation, she notes, isn't an afterthought. It's deliberate. "We also support women-first events like the Women's Tour de France and the Women's Rugby World Cup, consciously choosing to prioritise female-focused activities and ensuring gender balance in speakers at our events and paid participation." Miles Heals's also conscious that progress sometimes means rewriting the rules that have gone unnoticed for too long. "A big focus for me personally has been pushing for gender-neutral language across tech and accounting. This means actively challenging the use of long-standing phrases like 'man days' or defaulting to 'guys' when referring to groups of people." "It's a small but meaningful way to foster inclusivity and help change the culture for the next generation of women in tech." If there's a thesis to Miles-Heal's leadership, it might be this: change begins close to home, but its impact can ripple outward. "Overall, I believe creating opportunities is about focusing on the immediate environment first - yourself, your company - and then gradually expanding your impact outward, like ripples in a pond." Joining this chorus of female tech leadership is Danae Shell, co-founder and CEO of Valla, a workplace dispute resolution platform. Named one of the UK's Top 50 Female Entrepreneurs by Innovate UK, Shell brings a complementary perspective on women in tech and entrepreneurship. "I wish more women knew that they can start a business in tech - many women I've met assume that they need deep technical knowledge to start a tech business, and with Generative AI lowering technical barriers every day, this has never been more untrue," Shell says. "I want women to know that the tech industry needs their deep expertise in their own fields, and that the technology part is getting easier and easier every day." Her decision to "go all-in on AI" in 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Valla's growth. "We saw Generative AI emerge and knew immediately that it was going to be a game-changer for the industry we were in, legaltech. I set the team the goal of delivering 'one unit of magic' using AI - the tech was so new that we didn't even know what it could and couldn't do yet. The company became an AI R&D department overnight and we unlocked huge amounts of value that are now built into our most popular products." For Shell, the toughest part of leadership hasn't been the fast pace or the demanding workload, but rather "managing myself and making consistently good decisions even under high uncertainty and stressful situations. It's a tough mix of trusting your gut and staying open to challenge, especially when things are moving faster and faster." On fostering the next generation of female entrepreneurs, Shell recalls how mentorship shaped her journey. "A lot of women gave their time to help me get where I am today - I remember one well-known entrepreneur I had never met called me in the few minutes before a flight to give me some critical advice, which was exactly what I needed at the time." Following their lead, she now actively supports groups like AccelerateHer and Pathways Forward, "to give support, large and small, to the next cohort of female entrepreneurs." Caroline Carruthers, CEO of Carruthers and Jackson, a Darlington based data consultancy, adds yet another dimension to the conversation about women in tech leadership. "I wish more women knew how supportive other female business leaders will be. This is something that really surprised me when I started Carruthers and Jackson, especially as the support I received even came from women who ran companies that were competitive to mine." She acknowledges the challenges of being a female founder in tech, but stresses solidarity. "It's still hard to be a female founder, especially in an industry like technology, which is why it's so valuable that we offer each other a lot of support. Rather than being adversarial, we want more women to join our world." Reflecting on her own growth, Carruthers reveals the mindset shift that propelled her forward. "My company's growth really took off when I realised the need to toughen up. It's impossible to please everybody and to be a business leader you must be able to make tough decisions and, crucially, be comfortable with the decisions you make. You can't keep saying sorry and you can't let the decisions you make keep you awake at night. Without this mindset, your business isn't going to grow." She also emphasises the strategic use of networks. "Another important decision I made was to draw on my network, but to do it in the right way. There is a perception that your network doesn't want to be put upon, but really, it's about giving them an option - teaching people what you do and letting them decide if it's right for them." Carruthers challenges a common myth about leadership: "I assumed that when you get to a certain position in your career, you stop suffering from imposter syndrome, but this isn't the case. No matter where you are, everyone still suffers, so this is something you need to learn to work with." Her commitment to nurturing future talent is clear. "Carruthers and Jackson runs an annual Summer School for Data Leaders, a free programme designed to give future data leaders the skills they need to succeed. While the course is open to men and women, we have so many promising female students every year, and I feel honoured to be able to help them along their paths." Beyond that, she mentors through Women in Data, "a community focused on advocating for and supporting women in the data field. As well as mentoring, within these sessions, I try to coach future female leaders on working with their strengths and making the best career for themselves." Before starting out, she suggests speaking to someone who's done it before - a step she wishes she'd taken herself. "I've learned so much since starting my businesses that I didn't even know I needed to know. If I'd have spoken to my peers, some of these learnings wouldn't have come as such a painful surprise!" Miles-Heal, Shell, and Carruthers are driving a new era of tech leadership. Their insights highlight not just the challenges women face, but the power of community, courage, and conviction to transform an industry long overdue for change.
