“Tech Mentor & Leader”

Technology is constantly changing, and Tracy Ring, MD, Accenture Applied Intelligence, works in the dynamic field of Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Over the last 20 years, she has been engaged as the workforce has evolved, from technology to organizational models, delivery programs, and how the C-Suite embraces new tech. In this constant change, Tracy believes that AI technology is sustainable in offering fulfilling careers impacting clients’ businesses. She strives to support individuals in their career journeys and provide mentorship to help them achieve proficiency in the field of Data and AI.

For many years Tracy was the only female in the room, and she has worked relentlessly to bring other women along – and even “make the room bigger” by embracing a mindset of growth and inclusion. While much of her work guides the C-suite on how AI and Data are critical parts of their plan, Tracy’s passion projects are working with women in mentorship programs. “For example, I’m a founding member of the Women CIOs/CDOs and allies’ group in Women Leads in Data and Analytics (WLDA),” she says. “WLDA is not only centered on networking and career growth at the executive and rising management levels, but WLDA Academy is helping those that are in college or in their first five years out of college. I am very passionate about making time to mentor and I find that through every mentorship I’m also continually learning from my mentees.”

One of Tracy’s most significant role models is her aunt Katrina. She’s always been the one who instilled that one should never limit themselves in the art of the possible and that no dream is ever too big. “She’s extremely creative and helped me tap into my skills of creativity. When I was in the first few years of being a new manager, she talked about how important it was to really “get curious.” Tracy adds, “I also found that being curious was an excellent way for me to grow personally, and it showed my teams that being curious and not always knowing the answer to the question is not only acceptable but often encouraged.”

According to the steadfast leader, representation is one of the essential things that younger generations need to see and need to have. While everyone isn’t as fortunate as Tracy to have mentors who fearlessly cheers for their success, there are many ways that one can work to increase the diversity in every organization’s agenda. This can be when a younger girl sees a woman in the boardroom, sits as Vice President of the United States, or knows that a job title doesn’t reflect a specific gender. “We live in a time where unconscious bias can be a reality and having diverse teams can be one of the most effective solutions to closing that gap.”

One of Tracy’s most significant achievements is launching a women’s networking group five years ago. She had planned to invite 50 women in senior data leadership roles to a prestigious event at a technology conference. As her team put together a compelling panel of women leaders and secured a location that would foster networking and learning, they came to face a complex reality. There were barely 50 women attending the conference (of 3000+ in attendance), and many were in the early stages of their careers. “I was faced with a difficult decision, either cancel the event and avoid the lack of attendance or have a small event that didn’t deliver on my anticipated goals,” elucidates Tracy. “I distinctly remember thinking that this seemed like a no-win situation, and then I realized that I needed to think about what advice I would give myself. I realized I needed to celebrate progress over perfection.” She hosted the event with 14 women attendees, but that intimate gathering led to vibrant conversations and relationships that she maintains to this day. “What’s more, within my own organization, women heard about the program and boldly demanded we start the same group. As of today, my work around women in data has reached more than 2500 women. Reflecting on this success, I realize this may have never occurred if I wouldn’t have had the courage to proceed; sometimes the smallest endeavors can ultimately have the greatest impact.” IEWL