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In this edition of 8x8 Women in Tech, we speak to Elizabeth Harris, ESG Coordinator at 8x8. We talk about the need for digital inclusion, reducing carbon emissions, and what businesses need to focus on to make ESG a success.

8x8: Can you give some background on yourself and what you do at 8x8?

Liz Harris: My journey into 8x8 had several stops along the way. I started off my career in the third sector. I then married into the military and spent some time as a stay-at-home mum. After that, I started my own business as a hypnotherapist. And then, not long after helping people using hypnosis, I joined 8x8 as an office manager.

There was a gap in the company for a dedicated ESG coordinator. A lot of environmental, social, and governance work was being done as an addendum to other people’s official roles. But eventually, I started asking a lot of questions, and that’s partly how I got into the role. The world is changing and attitudes toward ESG are changing. We’re working with more public sector organisations, so the need became more urgent.

I am situated as part of the finance team because companies want to invest in organisations that are helping people and the environment. They want to know they’re investing in a company that isn’t pumping sewage into our rivers, one that has a social conscience and isn’t destroying the planet.

8x8: What do you find most rewarding about your job and what’s your favorite thing about your career?

LH: There are two sides to that: externally and internally. Externally, being able to help charities and community organizations is a massive perk. I feel so privileged to be in the position to help. Internally, people are so keen to do stuff. The 8x8 team is so enthusiastic about helping out, about volunteering, about playing their part. And with how often the news can be full of bad, negative stories, it’s lovely to see how nice people really can be. Most people, deep down, want to give back.

8x8: What makes you laugh the most?

LH: I’ve got a new puppy. He’s hilarious at the moment. He’s a Hungarian Vizsla Golden Retriever cross, so he can be quite silly.

8x8: We’re seeing the evolution of the agile workplace. What do you think businesses need to focus on in the next few months?

LH: From an ESG standpoint, reducing carbon emissions. Our workspace can help with that. We’re cloud based, and most cloud providers use renewable energy. But also, our product enables people to work remotely, or to reduce business trips. Business travel accounts for a large portion of emissions. With our technology, there’s no need to fly to Singapore, for example, if you can make a video call instead.

8x8: 8x8 is a leader in cloud communications. What other innovative uses of cloud platforms have you seen, or do you predict for the future?

LH: Whatever innovations happen, for me and the work we do in ESG, digital inclusion is incredibly important. There are certain parts of society that don’t have internet access, that don’t have access to the technologies they need. The world is digitally connected. If you can’t take part in that, then you can’t take part in the world. You’re at a massive disadvantage. There are many underserved young people in the UK. If you don’t grow up with a computer, or the chance to get online, then developing the necessary skills is going to be incredibly hard, almost impossible. Businesses and society need young people with those skills. That’s why, when we worked with Liverpool County Council, for example, we said that for young people entitled to free school meals, we’d provide funds so they can connect to the internet.

8x8: How do you stay current on innovations and trends?

LH: Reading and plenty of webinars. I’d say I attend about two webinars a week. Now that people do more of their work in digital spaces and on communications platforms, there are more useful, informative webinars than ever before.

8x8: What piece of technology could you not live without?

LH: Can I just say the internet? Sometimes it feels like it’s a human right.

We live in the countryside, and occasionally we lose power. We have no phone reception either, so it can be quite scary being completely cut off.

We actually got a landline phone set up recently, which feels odd to say now. But they are even changing that system to an IP network. Which again, is another reason we need to keep digital inclusion at the front of our minds. There will be vulnerable people who need to be thought of during the transition to the IP network. For example, telecare systems and alarms need to be transitioned in a way that doesn’t leave elderly people without that safety.

8x8: What advice would you give your younger self?

LH: I would tell my younger self to be more confident and have more self-belief. I look at young people today, and they’re so switched-on and full of confidence. I wish I was like that when I was younger.

I got into hypnosis during the birth of my second child because besides water birth, it’s the only natural form of pain relief. And what the therapist did was simply give me more confidence. While I was still practicing, a lot of my work would be to help people with their self-confidence, too. I use the technique she taught me to this day.

8x8: What song would you sing at karaoke night?

LH: I would not inflict my singing voice on anyone. I’d clear the room if I did.

8x8: And finally, what leaders inspire you/have inspired you?

LH: My husband. He’s truly inspiring and an amazing man. He’s ex-military, and was injured quite badly in Afghanistan. Every single thing that came across his path after that he said ‘yes’ to. He’s been so enthusiastic, positive, and inspirational in the way that he’s dealt with all his adversity. He’s now a senior operations manager and in charge of hundreds of people. He’s so passionate about helping them, about developing them, and about promoting them. I find that to be really inspiring, too. Here at 8x8, Jacqui Whiting has been an inspiring mentor for me. And my boss, Nikki Frost, is also inspiring because she’s a great leader.