Kerry Harrison, Co-Founder at Tiny Giant, Talks About Diversity in the AI Industry and the Changes She Wants to See Happen

Global tech recruiters MRL are on a mission to champion women in the tech industry. In order to get some real insight, we asked a selection of incredible women to talk about their experiences of diversity within the industry and the challenges they have faced throughout their careers.

This interview is with Kerry Harrison, Co-founder of Tiny Giant.
 

Can you tell us a little about what you do now, and how you got where you are?

 
I’m the co-founder of a creative tech agency called Tiny Giant. We use our creative human minds and emerging tech to create experiences and solve marketing problems in new ways.

I set up Tiny Giant two years ago after 18 years working as an advertising creative and creative head. I was conscious that AI and emerging tech was starting to play a bigger role in our industry and I was excited by its capabilities, so I set up Tiny Giant to explore this further.

I’m also an AI artist. I use AI (and sometimes AR), to augment my own creative skills. I’m fascinated by the combination of human and AI from a creative point of view. I’m also currently exploring how creating art with machines can help support our wellbeing and need for creative expression.
 

What first motivated you to get into AI?

 
Honestly? Part of it was fear. I was scared that AI technology would take my job. But at the same time I was also fascinated by its capabilities.

I was scared that AI technology would take my job.

So I did a lot of research into it, talked to a lot of people and set up Tiny Giant. I know a lot more about AI now and I’m still scared and fascinated in equal measure – just in different ways.
 

Is there anyone that you consider to be an inspiration?

 
AI artists like Memo Akten, Mario Klingemann, Anna Ridler and Ross Goodwin. Also people like Ivana Bartoletti and Allison Gardner who are running Women Leading in AI and fighting for more responsible uses of the technologies.
 

What advice would you share with other women wanting to start a career within technology?

 
Just start. Start anywhere. Play with the tech, learn to code, stay up to date on the technology around you and read about it so you understand its capabilities and pitfalls.

In terms of creating art, there are several non-coding platforms to try – they’re a great way to push your own boundaries and explore the possibilities.

A job in tech doesn’t just mean being a developer. There are lots of creative roles too. As long as you understand the tech, you don’t have to be a full-on coder to contribute. Find your strengths and then see how AI and tech can support that.
 

Do you think there is a diversity issue in the Tech sector? Has it affected you in any way?

 
Yes, without a doubt. In AI there are many issues with bias in algorithms, but I also don’t think there are enough women speaking or working in this space.

If we want to encourage women and young people to get into the AT/tech space, they need to see people like them at these events. Representation is so important.

I’ve not experienced too many issues directly, but I have noticed I’m often the only woman on the panel! A lot of panels and tech events have all-male keynotes.

If we want to encourage women and young people to get into the AT/tech space, they need to see people like them at these events. Representation is so important.
 

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about working in the Tech sector as a woman today?

 
That you have to be able to code to be part of it. At times I’ve felt like an imposter, or inferior because I didn’t code.

I’m learning the basics now, but I think having an understanding of tech matters a lot more.

At times I’ve felt like an imposter, or inferior because I didn’t code.

The tech sector needs a diverse range of skill-sets for it to succeed. Not everyone needs to be a developer to contribute to the conversation or to make an impact.
 

What would you most like to see changing within your industry?

 
I’d like to see more diverse and multi-disciplinary teams in the tech sector. More women and people of colour in our teams.

If our AI models are being trained and built by white, middle-class males, the technologies that emerge from that are likely to be less inclusive. With more diverse teams, problems with race or gender bias for example, can be called out or questioned at the design stage.

In the same way, I think multi-disciplinary teams are also important. We need developers and engineers, yes. But I believe we also need creatives, ethics experts, social scientists, those who bring different perspectives and who really understand the implications of new technologies on people and wider society.

Without that understanding, we’re more likely to release technology that may solve one particular problem, but then have a negative impact on certain people in society, or on society as a whole.