This CTO Says Tech Isn’t the Problem. Culture Is - The Gender Pay Gap and Levelling up in STEM and Social Housing - Douglas Silverstone
Description
How Tech Can Close the Gap, Douglas Silverstone on STEM, Inclusion, and Future Leadership
In this episode of The Impact Room, we’re joined by Douglas Silverstone, Director of Technology at Southern Housing and former Chief Data Officer at the Money and Pensions Service and Trustee for Ability Net. A passionate advocate for digital inclusion and accessible innovation, Douglas shares how tech leadership must evolve to deliver on both performance and purpose.
We explore Douglas's powerful take on how STEM careers can be a lever to tackle the gender pay gap, how organisations in housing and beyond can attract top tech talent, even from outside the sector, and what true inclusive leadership in data and digital roles looks like.
"Leadership in tech isn’t about being the smartest coder in the room — it’s about creating the space where the smartest people can thrive."
Douglas also shares practical advice for:
Aspiring CTOs and CDOs from underrepresented backgrounds
Employers trying to build more diverse, equitable tech teams
Leaders trying to bridge the gap between technical excellence and human connection
This episode is essential listening for anyone working in STEM, social housing, digital transformation, or inclusion-focused leadership.
📌 Learn more about digital inclusion charity AbilityNet where Douglas serves as a trustee.
Link with or follow Douglas Silverstone
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