Philippe Charles’ Post

TODAY IS THE DAY - REUNION 2024 REGISTRATION IS LIVE! Go to the reunion website: https://lnkd.in/eAiXKxmg and check out the weekends' schedule, buy your tickets to paid events, make your class gift, and book your accommodations. We can't wait to see back on campus in 2 months!

🌍 Inclusion at the Core: Haitians in Tech’s Approach to Product Development 🌍 In the evolving landscape of technology, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DE&I) are not just buzzwords but fundamental principles that drive innovation and ensure solutions truly meet the needs of diverse communities. At Haitians in Tech, we’re proud to embed these principles into every facet of our open-source product development process. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Annie Jean-Baptiste at Google, who champions product inclusion and equity, we’re committed to ensuring that our products not only serve the Haitian community but also reflect it. It’s a commitment that any tech company or NGO looking to make an impact in Haiti must prioritize. Here’s how we’re making DE&I a cornerstone of our work: 1. Inclusive Design Sessions: Our product development begins with inclusive design sessions, bringing together voices from various segments of the Haitian community. This ensures that the products we build are accessible, usable, and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their background. 2. Diverse Development Teams: We believe that to build for a community, you need to be of the community. Our development teams are as diverse as the community we serve, including diaspora members, local tech professionals, and international allies, all bringing unique perspectives to the table. 3. Equity in Accessibility: Accessibility is a critical aspect of our products. We strive to ensure that our solutions are equitable and can be used by people with different abilities, internet access levels, and tech literacy. 4. Feedback Loops with the Community: Continuous engagement with the Haitian community through feedback loops helps us iterate and improve our products. This ongoing dialogue ensures that DE&I considerations remain at the forefront of our development process. 5. Education and Empowerment: Beyond product development, we’re committed to empowering the Haitian tech community through education, mentorship, and resources, ensuring equitable opportunities for growth and development. As we continue to build and innovate, we keep DE&I and belonging at the heart of what we do. It’s a reminder that the technology we create is more than just code and features; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that every solution amplifies the voices and meets the needs of the Haitian community. To my fellow tech leaders and NGOs: Let’s remember that incorporating DE&I into our products isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. It’s how we build solutions that truly resonate and make a lasting impact. #DEIinTech #ProductInclusion #HaitiansInTech #OpenSource #communitydriven

LinkedIn Friends, many of you have heard about the wave of redundancy in the music industry. It’s been tough, with Warner Music Group, Atlantic Music Group, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TikTok Music, CAA, Discord, BMG, TIDAL, Universal Music Group and Spotify all cutting staff over the last twelve months. I personally split ways just before the wave. 🚀 Evolution, Not End I want to emphasise however that evolution is at the heart of the music business, and the current layoffs do not mean there will not be constant opportunities for anyone eager to work in music. Here are my suggestions. 🌐  Future opportunities The industry is vast, encompassing a broad spectrum of verticals, sectors, and roles. We often speak about music labels, and while there are hundreds, the landscape is ever-changing. Digital Streaming Providers (DSP) are undergoing fascinating business transformations and innovating with new offerings. There is also publishing, another interesting area. Artist management companies, too, are now significant players of the industry, integrating in house many aspects of artist services. Think also ancillary rights – think merch, brand partnerships, agencies. Oh and Live! Live entertainment is colossal, from renowned venues to festivals to ticketing. Success in music promotion has evolved beyond pure radio playlisting to being a guru on social media. On the artist and composition-side, there are so many companies democratising creativity. Consider non-musical fields like finance, too. For example, many financial institutions now invest in music catalogues, illustrating the power of a company rooted in the music industry but made up of financial people. It is therefore now easier to transfer your existing skills to join the music industry. 💡 Embracing Tech Noticeably, investing in tech initiatives has been a driving factor behind the layoffs. The era of being in a band to work in music is kind of obsolete, with businesses prioritising modern skills such as understanding AI to leverage future and (you guessed it) tech-driven opportunities. This means investing time in building these skills to sell them as a gateway into the industry. How? You can join discussion groups, attend specialised conferences, and take courses, among other things. 🐝 The music industry is a hive of activity. To everyone in my network, if you are hiring, please drop a link in the comments. Let’s help the community. 🤝 I also have three roles available; I’ll be mentioning them in the comments.

🛠️ The Hard Thing About Building Hard Things: Lessons from the Frontline 🛠️ In the journey of innovation, especially at the helm of Haitians in Tech and navigating the intricate challenges at Microsoft, I’ve come face to face with the hard truth about building hard things. It’s a path filled with obstacles, but also unparalleled growth and satisfaction. Building hard things isn’t just about the technical hurdles; it’s the resilience, the relentless pursuit of a vision, and the courage to lead through uncertainty. Here are a few truths I’ve learned along the way: 1. Embracing Complexity: The complexity of a project can be daunting. At Haitians in Tech, we’re not just coding; we’re weaving together the dreams and needs of a community. The complexity is not in the code, but in the impact and its reach. 2. The Weight of Leadership: Steering projects both at Microsoft and in a nonprofit space has taught me the weight of leadership. Decisions aren’t just about outcomes; they’re about the journeys you create for your team, the learning opportunities, and sometimes, the hard choices you have to make for the greater good. 3. Resilience is Key: Resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the very fabric of success in building hard things. It’s about facing setbacks head-on, learning from failures, and never losing sight of your mission. 4. Community and Support: I’ve learned that the backbone of any hard project is the community and support system you build around it. Whether it’s feedback, encouragement, or a fresh perspective, the value of a strong network is immeasurable. 5. The Satisfaction of Impact: Perhaps the most striking realization is the deep satisfaction that comes from overcoming these challenges. Each obstacle surpassed not only propels the project forward but also brings a profound sense of achievement and purpose. Building hard things is a testament to human ingenuity and spirit. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and, in the process, discovering not just new solutions, but new parts of ourselves. To my fellow builders, innovators, and dreamers: What hard things are you building, and what lessons have you learned along the way? #Innovation #Leadership #Resilience #Community #techforgood

Last week to apply to be an UP Fellowship mentor or fellow! The UP Fellowship is designed for mid-career women who are passionate about the alternative investment industry and want to take their careers to the next level. It helps ethnically diverse women rise UP in their careers by participating in a six-month program offering training, mentorship, and networking. Learn more and apply:https://lnkd.in/geZ4R8pF