Schneider Electric has teamed up with JLL for its ‘Women’s Speaker Series’ initiative. This program, spearheaded by JLL, aims to tackle the gender disparity in the digital infrastructure sector at industry events by empowering female leaders through skill-building and public speaking training.
The collaborative effort between Schneider Electric and JLL will see the second season of JLL’s inclusion program hosted at Schneider Electric’s new office in Victoria, London. The event will feature a one-day workshop with panels, interviews, and networking opportunities with industry experts, fostering shared-learning experiences and personal development through practical training.
Feedback from JLL events in 2024 revealed that only around 20-34% of speakers were female, with some major events lacking female representation entirely. Furthermore, a report by Uptime Institute highlighted the underrepresentation of women in data center operations teams, with only 10% or less being female. This imbalance underscores the need for initiatives like the Women’s Speaker Series to address the industry’s skills gap and promote diversity.
To enhance female participation at industry events, JLL is collaborating with prominent event organizers such as CloserStill Media, Datacenter Dynamics, DCAC Europe, Capacity Media, and techoraco. These partnerships aim to provide opportunities for women who have completed the Women’s Speaker Series to speak at future events, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the digital infrastructure sector.
“Collaboration is integral to JLL’s culture, and as the digital infrastructure sector grows rapidly, it is crucial to prioritize inclusivity at all levels,” said Catriona Shearer, Global Head of Data Centre Consulting at JLL. “Our events strive to promote inclusivity by bringing together participants from across the industry to address the gender imbalance through mentorship and learning, bridging the skills gap in the sector.”
“As a global leader in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric operates in industries facing significant skills shortages,” said Louisa Buckley, Sales Manager at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland. “Our partnership with JLL reflects our shared values of inclusivity and commitment to addressing gender imbalances in the data center, buildings, and grids of the future. Hosting the JLL Women’s Speaker Series aligns with our mission to promote diversity and inclusion.”
The upcoming JLL Women’s Speaker Series is scheduled to take place at Schneider Electric’s London office on July 3, 2025.
