The passion for innovation is defined by technological leaps and groundbreaking advancements, the role of business leadership in fostering innovation is more crucial than ever. Business leadership fosters collaboration, nurtures startups, and accelerates breakthroughs in the world of robotics. The innovation hub is not only driving innovation but also addressing ethical, economic, and societal implications. Fostering a collaborative environment, Joyce Sidopoulos, adds value to MassRobotics, where everyone’s contributions are valued.
This also brings a unique set of challenges, from navigating the dynamics of an all-male environment to ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued and respected. Thus we arranged an interview with Joyce, addressing more of these common challenges.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Brief us about your career path as a staunch woman leader up until your current position at MassRobotics. What were the challenges that you had to overcome to scale your progress?
My journey from engineering school at Cornell University to my current role as the Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at MassRobotics has been filled with adventure, and marked by both triumphs and challenges, particularly as a woman in the tech field.
It all started during my time at Cornell, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. There were very few women in my classes, which initially posed some challenges. My experience in high school physics and calculus classes had already prepared me for this, so it was a familiar situation. Rather than dwelling on the challenges, I chose to focus on being a team player and contributor. It taught me the importance of not asking for special treatment but instead working together to create opportunities for everyone. I’ve used this “team player” attitude throughout my career and it has served me well and the engineering educational background laid the foundation for my career in technology.
Following Cornell, my path led me to a 14-year career in civil service with the USN’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Here, I encountered a similar set of challenges, now in the workforce in a predominantly male-dominated field. I had to continually prove myself and my technical expertise, but again, was determined to be a team player and contributor. I served in various roles, including serving as the Chief Scientist for Acoustic Prediction Systems, Systems & Test Engineer, and Sonar Systems Analyst. During this part of my career, I found myself aboard naval ships, where I was often the only female presence. This presented a unique set of obstacles, from navigating the dynamics of an all-male environment to ensuring that my contributions were valued and respected. At this point the projects and new equipment we were installing were exciting and first of their kind, so my focus was on testing and teaching the crew how to use the equipment. This period not only refined my technical skills but also instilled in me a passion for innovation.
My career then transitioned to the private sector, where I held senior positions in Business Development and Engineering & Technical Resource Management at General Dynamics and other defense contractors. The challenges continued, but I persisted, steadily building a reputation for my expertise and commitment to innovation. These experiences broadened my perspective and exposed me to different facets of the technology industry.
A pivotal moment in my career occurred when decided to leave the government community and lead the Innovation & Robotics Community for the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council. In this role, I played a crucial part in fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech and robotics sector bringing the community together.
The highlight of my career has been the launching of MassRobotics, where I’ve dedicated myself to nurturing and advancing the next generation of robotics, AI, and connected device companies. This groundbreaking organization is the first of its kind, attracting startup companies from around the world. At MassRobotics, I have led initiatives to expand the robotics ecosystem’s breadth and depth and developed high-impact programs that spotlight startup technologies, connect startups with funders and customers, and advocate for the global adoption of robotics technology.
My journey is not just a personal one; it’s a testament to the importance of diversity in technology and the power of determination. From my early days in engineering school to my current leadership role, I hope to continue to shape the future of the tech industry and continue to diversify the landscape.
Tell us something more about MassRobotics and its mission and vision.
MassRobotics is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to help grow robotics technology companies and advocate for adoption of these technologies into industry and by the public. We are best known for our headquarters in Boston where we have an innovation center housing dozens robotics startups from across the globe, offering them the resources needed to grow and scale their companies. In this state-of-the art facility, innovators and entrepreneurs have access to all types of robotic platforms (including AMRs, collaborative arms, grippers, and humanoids), a machine and electronics shop, CAD and simulation software, cloud services, programming specific to robotics, facilitated introductions to potential funders, customers, talent and more. MassRobotics offers a space for like-minded innovators to be under one roof, to share challenges, collaborate, and work together to achieve their goals and milestones.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
At MassRobotics we strive for an open and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration between startups as well as with our industry partners. We host workshops and gatherings to address common challenges startups face, introduce them to new products, and host highly curated events that add value to their company and network. Our wholistic approach treats our resident startups and industry partners each on a personal level, defining goals, and working with each to help achieve those goals and milestones. We see the success of our startups as a success for our organization as well as for the industry we support.
What do you believe is the significant factor for women in the tech industry, and what is the most important aspect of your success in adhering to these fundamentals?
I believe a significant factor for women in the tech industry is the often isolated experience of being one of the few women in a room full of men. In my experience, being a team player is essential, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, which bridges the gender gap.
Additionally, an important aspect of my career success is recognizing the immense power of networking which has allowed me to connect with peers and mentors who provide invaluable support, guidance, and sense of belonging. Building a strong network has not only provided crucial support but has also opened doors to opportunities and insights that have been instrumental throughout my career.
What change would you like to bring to your industry if given a chance?
The field of robotics is growing rapidly and will have an impact on nearly all industries in the future. The professionals in this industry are currently not too diverse. Bringing in more diversity to the robotics field and technology fields in general is something that needs to be cultivated in early education. This includes both women and people of color. We at MassRobotics are working on this, with local high schools and programs for youth and young women, to working with HBCUs, most recently Howard University. We enjoy encouraging and inspiring anyone with an interest in technology and robotics.
We have developed the high school Jumpstart Fellowship Program with the goal to support a more diverse technical workforce by preparing underserved female high schoolers to pursue careers in STEM and robotics. The program includes technical curriculum, exposes the fellows to careers in robotics and technology, and connects them with the accomplished women mentors through skills training, networking, professional development, and paid internships.
I’m extremely proud of this program and the fellows who have completed it, many of whom are now pursuing engineering degrees at universities. We are currently soliciting high school students for our 4th cohort and working to expand the program to another location.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders willing to venture into the modern business arena?
I would love younger professionals entering a technology focused organization to understand how powerful networking can be. At MassRobotics we host several women’s events, from our Women in Robotics chapter to our resident women’s lunches. It’s a great way to meet other women and potential mentors who can help you with challenges you may face in your career. We work hard to showcase women in robotics and MassRobotics has initiated a Robotics Medal and Rising Star award to celebrate women in robotics research. Highlighting the achievements of women in the robotics field offers terrific role models for the next generation.
My ultimate advice to young women is to just be yourself and believe in your ideas. Work hard to demonstrate and validate those ideas. And most of all, be a team player, collaborate and work together with a team to achieve a common goal – it’s so rewarding to share achievements with your peers!
If you have any other additional details which we might have missed out on or that you want to highlight in the profile, please feel free to share them.
