16. - Empowering Indigenous Voices In Tech. With Lisa Sarago.
In this engaging conversation, Lisa Sarago, founder of Land on Heart, reveals how she went from tech outsider to becoming one of the most influential Indigenous women in the tech space. Lisa shares stories of her cultural heritage and how her journey has been shaped by the wisdom and resilience of the matriarchs in her family. Chris and Lisa explore her vision for a more inclusive tech industry, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous representation, the significance of storytelling, and how Indigenous perspectives can enrich the world of technology.
Lisa talks about her mission to create a pathway for Indigenous talent in tech, discussing her innovative projects, including the acquisition of Hitnet and plans to establish Indigenous tech hubs in remote communities. Her insights on leadership, cultural humility, and the importance of standing on the shoulders of those who came before make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, culture, and innovation.
Guest Bio:
Lisa Sarago is a Bundaburra Yidinji/Western Yalanji woman and the CEO & Founder of Land On Heart, a tech startup with a mission to elevate Indigenous representation in the digital age. Lisa's journey from being a late tech adopter to leading her second startup is a testament to her passion for community and leadership. Before entering the tech space, Lisa dedicated over 20 years to trailblazing initiatives for remote Indigenous communities, advocating for greater opportunities and championing cultural inclusivity.
Lisa was the national award winner at the 2022 Women in Digital Awards, highlighting her contributions to the tech industry. Now, she's focused on bringing Indigenous voices into the digital landscape, fostering an environment where Indigenous talent can thrive and lead in the tech world.
Key Topics Covered:
The Journey from IT Skeptic to Tech Leader: Lisa shares how she went from being a tech outsider to founding her second startup, Land on Heart, and what motivated her to make the leap.
The Role of Indigenous Women as the Original Entrepreneurs: Lisa discusses how the matriarchal figures in her family inspired her, and how Indigenous women have always been natural entrepreneurs and leaders.
Building Pathways for Indigenous Talent in Tech: Lisa talks about her vision to create tech skills hubs in remote communities, providing Indigenous talent with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the industry.
The Importance of Storytelling and Cultural Heritage: Lisa emphasizes how storytelling plays a crucial role in her leadership style, and how it connects Indigenous culture to the modern world of technology.
The Power of Collaboration and Mentorship: Chris and Lisa explore the significance of women supporting each other in the tech industry and the importance of mentorship for the next generation of Indigenous women in tech.
Quotes from Lisa Sarago:
- "We are a matriarchal society; our strength comes from the women who have come before us."
- "We can't be what we can't see. It's essential for Indigenous talent to be represented in the tech space."
- "Tech is one of the few industries where you don't have to leave your community to thrive."
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