This past weekend, we gathered for something special—our Mindful Hive event. It wasn’t just another networking brunch. It was a space where women in tech came together to move, connect, and dive into some of the most pressing conversations shaping our industry today. Over pilates and a nourishing meal, we shared experiences, exchanged insights, and reminded each other why community matters.
Among our speakers were CJ, Head of AI Design at Canva; a Digital Product Manager from Commonwealth Bank; the founder of Liora Neurotech; and a Product Designer from Canva. Each of them brought a unique perspective, making the discussions not just informative, but deeply personal.
Among our speakers were CJ, Head of AI Design at Canva; a Digital Product Manager from Commonwealth Bank; the founder of Liora Neurotech; and a Product Designer from Canva. Each of them brought a unique perspective, making the discussions not just informative, but deeply personal.
Career Growth & Compromise: The Power of Playing the Long Game
One of the biggest takeaways? Not every career move is about the paycheck. Several speakers opened up about the tough decisions they had to make—sometimes accepting lower salaries in exchange for bigger growth opportunities. The common thread was playing the long game and seeing career moves as stepping stones rather than final destinations.
It was a refreshing take in an industry where climbing the ladder often seems like a race. The real power, they reminded us, lies in strategic choices, embracing learning curves, and knowing when to prioritize experience over immediate financial reward.
One of the biggest takeaways? Not every career move is about the paycheck. Several speakers opened up about the tough decisions they had to make—sometimes accepting lower salaries in exchange for bigger growth opportunities. The common thread was playing the long game and seeing career moves as stepping stones rather than final destinations.
It was a refreshing take in an industry where climbing the ladder often seems like a race. The real power, they reminded us, lies in strategic choices, embracing learning curves, and knowing when to prioritize experience over immediate financial reward.
Psychological Safety: The Foundation of Thriving Teams
Ever hesitated to share an idea in a meeting, fearing judgment? You’re not alone. Psychological safety—the ability to speak up without fear of backlash—was a major topic of discussion.
Our panelists shared how they’ve worked to foster environments where team members feel safe to take risks, voice concerns, and innovate freely. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for creativity and problem-solving. Without it, great ideas get lost, and teams stagnate.
For those in leadership roles, the key takeaway was clear: creating a safe space for your team isn’t just about policies—it’s about trust, active listening, and making sure everyone’s voice is valued.
Ever hesitated to share an idea in a meeting, fearing judgment? You’re not alone. Psychological safety—the ability to speak up without fear of backlash—was a major topic of discussion.
Our panelists shared how they’ve worked to foster environments where team members feel safe to take risks, voice concerns, and innovate freely. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for creativity and problem-solving. Without it, great ideas get lost, and teams stagnate.
For those in leadership roles, the key takeaway was clear: creating a safe space for your team isn’t just about policies—it’s about trust, active listening, and making sure everyone’s voice is valued.
Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Battle We All Face
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong at the table, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome came up repeatedly, and nearly every attendee could relate.
What struck us most was the honesty in the room. Even the most accomplished professionals still struggle with self-doubt. The biggest advice? Own your wins, embrace the nonlinear nature of career paths, and take up space with confidence.
It was a powerful reminder that no one really “has it all figured out”—we’re all just learning as we go.
Work-Life Balance: A Tale of Two Worlds (US vs. Australia)
A particularly eye-opening discussion was the contrast between work-life balance in the US versus Australia.
While US tech culture often glorifies long hours and hustle mentality, Australia takes a different approach—valuing balance, flexibility, and time off. It sparked an important conversation about how much our environment shapes our work habits and well-being.
For those considering international career moves, this comparison was a crucial insight into workplace expectations and what truly aligns with their lifestyle goals.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong at the table, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome came up repeatedly, and nearly every attendee could relate.
What struck us most was the honesty in the room. Even the most accomplished professionals still struggle with self-doubt. The biggest advice? Own your wins, embrace the nonlinear nature of career paths, and take up space with confidence.
It was a powerful reminder that no one really “has it all figured out”—we’re all just learning as we go.
Work-Life Balance: A Tale of Two Worlds (US vs. Australia)
A particularly eye-opening discussion was the contrast between work-life balance in the US versus Australia.
While US tech culture often glorifies long hours and hustle mentality, Australia takes a different approach—valuing balance, flexibility, and time off. It sparked an important conversation about how much our environment shapes our work habits and well-being.
For those considering international career moves, this comparison was a crucial insight into workplace expectations and what truly aligns with their lifestyle goals.
AI, Ethics & The Future of Creativity
With AI reshaping the creative landscape, a key question emerged: Where do humans fit in?
AI can generate content at lightning speed, but it doesn’t “create” in the way humans do. It lacks emotion, cultural nuance, and personal storytelling. Our speakers emphasized that AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not a replacement for human creativity.
The conversation also turned to the ethics of AI, particularly in design and digital health. With regulations like the EU AI Act setting global precedents, the need for transparency and responsible innovation is more pressing than ever. How do we ensure AI empowers rather than replaces? How do we keep human creativity at the core of design?
The consensus? AI should enhance our work, not define it. The most powerful ideas will still come from human intuition, lived experiences, and emotional intelligence—things AI can’t replicate.
Closing Thoughts: Why These Conversations Matter
This event wasn’t just about discussions—it was about creating a space where women in tech could show up as their full selves.
From career decisions to mental well-being, from AI ethics to imposter syndrome, the conversations reminded us that we’re all navigating this journey together. There’s no single right path, no one-size-fits-all formula for success. What matters is being intentional, building supportive communities, and knowing that our voices belong.
With AI reshaping the creative landscape, a key question emerged: Where do humans fit in?
AI can generate content at lightning speed, but it doesn’t “create” in the way humans do. It lacks emotion, cultural nuance, and personal storytelling. Our speakers emphasized that AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not a replacement for human creativity.
The conversation also turned to the ethics of AI, particularly in design and digital health. With regulations like the EU AI Act setting global precedents, the need for transparency and responsible innovation is more pressing than ever. How do we ensure AI empowers rather than replaces? How do we keep human creativity at the core of design?
The consensus? AI should enhance our work, not define it. The most powerful ideas will still come from human intuition, lived experiences, and emotional intelligence—things AI can’t replicate.
Closing Thoughts: Why These Conversations Matter
This event wasn’t just about discussions—it was about creating a space where women in tech could show up as their full selves.
From career decisions to mental well-being, from AI ethics to imposter syndrome, the conversations reminded us that we’re all navigating this journey together. There’s no single right path, no one-size-fits-all formula for success. What matters is being intentional, building supportive communities, and knowing that our voices belong.
Until next time, let’s keep the conversations going. 💚
By Marika Suzuki
