DUDE CHEM’s Post

Breaking Barriers & Building Futures: Women Shaping Tomorrow’s Innovation Our CEO Sonja Jost took the stage at the German Haus of the #SXSW2025 in Austin to present the mission of DUDE CHEM and share her vision on how women leaders are driving innovation and shaping the future. Research highlights the challenges women face in tech leadership but shows that overcoming these barriers leads to greater success. In the US, women make up 47% of the workforce but hold only 28% of tech leadership roles, showing a significant gender gap. However, the Peterson Institute for International Economics found that companies with 30% female leaders see a 15% increase in profitability. Additionally, data from First Round Capital shows that female-founded companies perform 63% better than all-male teams. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation also found that women-led teams generate 35% higher returns on investment. Therefore, at DUDE CHEM we believe that further increasing the representation of women in tech leadership is essential for driving higher profitability, innovation, and long-term organizational success. Huge thanks to Marie-Louise Sadakane for her fantastic moderation. And a big shoutout to all the panelists for the great exchange, Nyla Beth Gawel, Amanda Fornal, Anne Cocquyt. Credit to Marie-Louise for the amazing picture, sources in comment. #SXSW #WomenInTech #GreenChemistry #Innovation #Sustainability