Women in technology and the data age: how female leadership drives innovation

The trajectory of technology in Brazil has shifted from being solely about machines and code to becoming a central discussion about people, processes, and culture . In the most recent episode of the Elas em Tech , Thaís Cano, Director of Strategic Commercial Planning at Skyone, hosted Lucrécia Oliveira , COO of Benner, for an in-depth conversation about how intuition, curiosity, and analytical skills are shaping the future of companies.

With 28 years of experience at Benner, Lucrecia shared valuable insights into the low data maturity in the market, the real impact of AI, and the crucial role of women in driving this change.

The journey in technology: interesting facts about the training

Many believe that a career in technology necessarily requires technical training from day one. Lucrécia Oliveira's story proves otherwise. Coming from a background in pedagogy , she used her teaching skills to disseminate technological knowledge during the microcomputer boom.

The transition from the "DOS world" to modern interfaces was driven by keen curiosity and a desire to learn. For women who wish to enter the sector, the message is clear: "Don't wait to be 100% ready to take on the challenge." Technology favors those who are willing to innovate and embrace new things.

The pyramid of success: people, processes, and technology

One of the highlights of the discussion was the framework that underpins any successful technology project: the union between People, Processes, and Technology .

1. The human factor (People)

Lucrecia emphasizes that the human element is the most neglected factor, yet it is the human element that defines the success or failure of an implementation. Change management is critical. Often, the fear that AI will replace jobs generates resistance to the adoption of new systems.

This is where female leadership shines. With greater empathy and sensitivity , women are better able to read the environment, address the team's concerns, and engage them in a new journey.

2. The maturity of the processes

Today, platforms like ERPs and CRMs already incorporate best market practices. The challenge is no longer designing the process from scratch, but rather having the discipline to follow the guide to resolve initial disorganization and scale the business profitably.

3. Technology as a means, not an end

Technology only makes sense if it positively impacts people's lives. The greatest asset sold by technology today is time . Projects that automate repetitive tasks allow professionals to get home earlier, see their families, and have a better quality of life.

The data thermometer: we're just getting started

Despite the buzz surrounding Big Data and Analytics, the reality for Brazilian companies still reveals a low level of data maturity .

• Looking in the rearview mirror: most companies still only analyze what happened last month (historical data).
• Planning Culture: Commercial and strategic planning often fails due to a lack of real-world data.
• Prediction: the next step is the ability to anticipate the future and adjust course before problems arise.

Skyone, for example, uses Skyone Studio to orchestrate data, eliminate silos, and prepare companies for the real-world use of Artificial Intelligence. Without data integration and consolidation in data lakes , talking about AI is skipping steps.

"Technology is only good if it impacts people's lives. What do we give back to them the next day?" – Lucrécia Oliveira.

Artificial intelligence and operational efficiency

AI is not a magic wand to automate everything. It requires specific business questions . In agribusiness, for example, AI-powered drones already identify where to apply fertilizer, reducing waste and increasing ROI.

In the legal sector, AI is breaking down bubbles of conservatism by summarizing processes and filing petitions online, alleviating an immense structural pain point.

Benner's Innovation Lab

To avoid being consumed by day-to-day operations, Benner adopted an aggressive strategy: an innovation lab separate from the main operations . This allows the company to boldly plan for the future, testing disruptive products without being "attached" to models that worked 20 years ago.

Cooperation as a nation: the next step

A crucial point raised by Lucrécia is the need to view the technology market not as an isolated competition between Brazilian companies (such as Benner and Skyone), but as a strong ecosystem against external competition .

Countries like China began their journey toward automation and efficiency decades ago. For Brazil to regain competitiveness, companies need to unite, exchange knowledge, and train skilled individuals to meet new technological demands.

Conclusion: the invitation to women

Technology is a fantastic, constantly evolving field. For women who are still hesitant to enter it, Lucrecia leaves a final message: bring your hard and soft skills , be curious, and understand that evolution happens along the way .

Listen to the full episode!

Want to check out all the details of this inspiring chat between Thaís and Lucrécia Oliveira?

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Written by Skyone