Head of Digital Culture at Rolls-Royce, Manisha Mistry, has been announced as one of the top 100 most influential black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) leaders in the tech sector.
Manisha, who works for the Rolls-Royce data innovation catalyst, R2 Data Labs, is on the 2019 list, which has been produced by board appointments firm Inclusive Boards in partnership with the Financial Times.
Manisha, whose team helps change mindset and culture across Rolls-Royce through its Digital Academy, said: “This award shows that you don’t have to come from a technical background and know all the ins and outs of tech, in order to make a real difference.
“When I think back to how I felt when I first entered the world of tech, I felt completely lost. Winning an award like this serves to remind me that I’m not and a lot of my job is about giving people that same sense of psychological safety.”
Those featured in the list include the most influential leaders from tech companies such as DeepMind, Google, IBM, Larsen & Toubro Infotech, Microsoft, Monzo, Twitter and Seedcamp.
Ben Story, Strategic Marketing Director at Rolls-Royce, said: “Having a diverse and inclusive culture ensures that we have multiple perspectives, different insights, fresh thinking and a greater propensity for change.
“This is exactly what we want in our digital activities at Rolls-Royce. I am so proud of the role that Manisha has played in championing our digital culture and in pursuing our ambition of becoming the world’s leading industrial technology company.”
Caroline Gorski, Group Director of R2 Data Labs, said: “More than 20,000 employees will have been touched by Manisha’s drive and passion this year through the Digital Academy. She’s integral to how our business succeeds and I’m incredibly inspired by her journey.”
Elizabeth Oni-Iyiola, Development Director at Inclusive Boards, said: “Technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and beyond. It's crucial that as these sectors expand so too does the level of representation within them. Manisha and those featured today are ground breakers, changemakers and role models within the industry and we are proud to include them in this years #IB100.”