Sheridan Ash

Sheridan Ash stands as a paragon of technology and innovation, particularly distinguished by her efforts to foster diversity within the tech industry. As a pioneering woman in tech, her career is highlighted by her leadership as a Technology & Innovation Lead at PwC, where she successfully spearheaded initiatives to significantly increase the representation of women in the workforce from 14% to 44%. This remarkable achievement underscores her commitment to creating inclusive work environments and her ability to drive substantial organisational change as a keynote speaker.

Sheridan's influence extends beyond her work at PwC. She is the Founder and co-CEO of 'Tech She Can', which aims to inspire girls and women to pursue careers in technology. Additionally, she co-founded Birmingham Digital Futures (BDF) to address the digital skills gap in the region. Her efforts with these organisations demonstrate her dedication to not only increasing gender diversity in tech but also tackling broader issues of digital literacy and skill shortages. Her board experience is extensive and varied, including roles as an advisory board member with L’Oreal UK&I and the Institute of Coding, and she has been instrumental in forming the board and committees for Tech She Can. This broad range of experiences has equipped her with a deep understanding of both the public and private sectors' needs and challenges.

Sheridan's contributions to the tech industry have earned her numerous accolades. She was named the 3rd most influential woman in UK Technology by Computer Weekly in 2023, placed in the top 10 in 2022, and was recognised as one of the 30 most influential women in Cyber in 2021. Her leadership and impact were further acknowledged when she received the TechUK President's Award in 2023 and the Forward Ladies Business Women and Social Impact Leader Award in 2022. In 2020, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services to young girls and women through technology.

Her ability to turn vision into reality is evident in her successful implementation of large-scale technology and digital programs. She excels in driving collaboration, influencing senior executives and fostering organisational change, making her an effective leader in both national and local government contexts. Sheridan Ash’s blend of strategic insight, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to diversity makes her a sought-after keynote speaker on technology and innovation, where she continues to inspire and lead by example.

We sat down with Sheridan Ash in August 2024 to hear her talk about filling the technology skills gap and the biggest causes of gender inequality in technology.