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PodChats for FuturCOO: How to become a great female chief digital officer

March 11, 2025 • CXOCIETY | FutureCIO FutureCFO FutureIoT • Season 6

Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) play a pivotal role in guiding organizations through digital transformation, aligning technology with business strategies to enhance competitiveness. As companies increasingly recognize the importance of digital leadership, women are making significant strides in CDO positions.

Recent data indicates that women now represent approximately 20% of CDO roles, reflecting a positive trend towards gender diversity in technology leadership. This shift not only promotes inclusivity but also leverages diverse perspectives essential for driving innovation and success in the digital age.

In this exclusive interview with Shannon Bell, executive vice president and chief digital officer at OpenText, we look at the growing importance of CDOs in the digital transformation of businesses and industries, as well as the role women play in the evolution of the role.

1. The future of many businesses today is defined by the extent to which they embrace digital. In your view why is this so? Why are organisations being driven to become more digital?

2. In this digital-first society, what are the qualifications and qualities that make for a successful chief digital officer (CDO)? Do you see an overlap between the roles of a CDO to that of a Chief Transformation Officer? How about Chief Technology Officer?

3. In your view, are women better suited to be CDOs than their male counterparts? [Please elaborate]

4. What systemic barriers do women face in advancing to CDO positions within Asian companies?

a. What role does corporate culture play in either facilitating or hindering women's progress to CDO roles?

5. How can women leverage their backgrounds in marketing and customer engagement to transition into CDO positions?

6. How important are female role models in the tech space for aspiring women leaders?

7. What is your advice for women aspiring to become leaders? Likewise, what is your advice for male leaders in support of future women leaders?