This article was originally written by Grace K. and appeared on LinkedIn.

If you think tech events are just about dry presentations and awkward small talk, think again!

Last week, I found myself in a room surrounded by brilliant minds, delicious bites and a whole lot of inspiration at the SheTO Seattle Chapter event. Co-hosted by SheTO and Zillow, the atmosphere was electric as women and non-binary leaders, engineers and other tech roles gathered to share their unique experiences and insights. The event was set against the backdrop of a beautiful spring day in Seattle, with the venue featuring lush greenery and stunning views of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound.

Zillow’s Talent Brand and Attraction team truly outdid themselves, putting in so much effort to transform the space into a welcoming environment. The vibes were sophisticated yet comfortable, striking the perfect balance for meaningful conversations. In true Zillow fashion, we joked about feeling at “home,” as the event felt very personal and connected.

Meaningful conversations and connections

A delightful array of food, including goat cheese macarons, savory meatballs and smoked salmon, fueled engaging discussions throughout the night.

The evening began with a networking session that allowed attendees, including job seekers and potential applicants, to connect with Zillow staff and other professionals. It was inspiring to hear many attendees express admiration for Zillow’s innovative culture, which drew them to the event. Everyone I spoke to shared how much they value Zillow’s strong reputation as a place where talent can thrive and develop, and where you can work with people you truly enjoy in the CloudHQ remote environment. Hearing this filled me with immense pride.

The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion titled, “Leadership in the Era of AI,” featuring Kristin Acker, Nidhi Gupta and Melissa Benua. They shared insights on the evolving landscape of leadership in technology, particularly in the context of AI advancements. Their discussion resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need to adapt leadership styles in an AI-driven world. Kristin’s insights sparked thoughtful conversations about the future of leadership and technology.

Exploring leadership in the age of AI

This event marked my first experience with SheTO, and I look forward to more in the future. Nidhi and Kristin both encouraged us to engage in discussions about AI, highlighting its potential as a complement to our unique human qualities. As a leader, I believe it is essential to inspire my team to embrace AI and leverage its capabilities for our collective growth.
Zillow’s presence at events like these is crucial, especially as candidates increasingly consider topics like AI and leadership when evaluating career opportunities. These conversations are vital for the future of our workforce and the industries we serve.

For those looking to make an impact at events, I encourage authenticity and genuine engagement with attendees. Sharing personal experiences resonates more than statistics, and your voice plays a significant role in shaping the narrative around leadership and technology.

One key takeaway from the SheTO event is Zillow’s commitment to fostering talent and ensuring equal opportunities within the tech industry. Zillow recognizes that a diverse workforce drives innovation and success.

If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, be seen, and do meaningful work, explore our open roles at Zillow.