Exclusive: HP's Rachael Williams on why diversity in tech leadership matters

Diversity in technology is no longer a nice-to-have but a business imperative, according to Rachael Williams, Head of Personal Systems for HP across Australia and New Zealand.

With a career spanning over a decade at HP, Williams believes that meaningful progress requires "action, accountability, and bold leadership."

"We need to stop talking about diversity and inclusion and start delivering," she said. "If we applied the same level of urgency to diversity as we do to business targets, we'd see faster progress."

In her role, Williams has made it a priority to build diverse teams that reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

"Right now, my team is 45% made up of individuals who weren't born in Australia, and I've increased female representation by 25%," she shared.

For Williams, this isn't about quotas but about consciously addressing unconscious biases. "We all have biases. As leaders, we must actively work against them to create better outcomes for our businesses and the industry."

Championing Women in Tech
As a woman in tech leadership, Williams is passionate about empowering others to follow in her footsteps. "The attributes that make women great leaders—balancing hard and soft skills, creating trusted environments, and valuing emotional intelligence—are what businesses need most," she said.

However, she acknowledged the barriers that women have historically faced in the industry. "When I started, women in leadership often felt they had to mimic male attributes to be taken seriously. Authenticity wasn't an option," she explained. Today, the landscape is shifting, but challenges remain. "The progress we've made is significant, but we're not there yet. The real success will be when we no longer need to ask, 'What's it like to be a woman in tech?'"

Her advice to aspiring female leaders is simple: "Take the opportunities that come your way and stop overthinking your readiness. Men often lean forward without hesitation; women need to do the same. Believe in yourself, and you'll figure it out as you go."

Diversity Drives Innovation
Williams firmly believes that diversity is a key driver of innovation and business success. "Businesses are a coming together of collective minds to solve problems."

"The more diverse those minds are, the better the outcomes," she explained.

At HP, diversity extends beyond gender to include ethnicity, generational perspectives, and more.

Williams has consciously built a team that spans a wide range of ages and experiences. "Younger generations don't care about hierarchy, and I find that intoxicating. They challenge us and bring fresh ideas," she said. Similarly, older team members bring deep experience and stability, creating a dynamic mix that fosters creativity and innovation.

She highlighted that diversity isn't just about who is in the room but also about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to contribute.

"People only take risks and innovate if they feel safe enough to fail. At HP, we celebrate the lessons learned from failure because that's where real growth happens," she added.

Breaking Down Barriers
Reflecting on her own journey, Williams shared how she overcame the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry. "I realised early on that no one was going to help me advance—it was all up to me," she said. Building confidence and setting clear priorities were critical to her success.

For Williams, balancing career and family was a deliberate choice. "You can have everything, but not all at once. It's about knowing your deal breakers and making decisions that align with your passions," she explained. This approach has not only guided her career but also shaped her leadership philosophy.

As a mentor, she encourages others to define their passions and deal breakers early. "When I ask people what they're passionate about, many struggle to answer. But knowing your passions is key to getting the best out of your career and life," she said.

Looking Ahead
Williams is optimistic about the future of the tech industry but knows there's more work to be done. "Diversity isn't just about doing the right thing—it's about better business outcomes," she said.

Studies consistently show that diverse companies outperform their peers, and Williams sees this play out daily in her own team.

Her vision for the future is clear: "We need to hold ourselves accountable, take measurable actions, and focus on delivering results. The goal is to create an industry where diversity is so ingrained that we no longer have to talk about it."

As HP continues to navigate the transformative trends of AI and hybrid work, Williams remains steadfast in her commitment to building a more inclusive and innovative industry.

Her message to young women is one of empowerment: "Lean forward, take risks, and trust that you have what it takes to succeed."