I didn’t match people’s perception of a CTO
Disrupting Workplace Ageism
How can we dismantle stereotypes on ageist workplace ideas? This series features stories of professionals defying expectations and takes a hard look at what the research reveals about real-world ageism in the workplace.
Minerva Tantoco is an entrepreneur who has been subverting expectations as an innovator and strategist in the tech space.
“I was told I was too senior for a job I was applying for. In my view, ‘overqualified’ is a code word for ageism — I was in my 40s. We've got to disrupt that concept. Many people are in their second and third careers.
“Growing up, I was lucky to have a strong role model in my mom. She took up computer programming in her 40s after being trained in chemical engineering. But not everyone has that mom. The more visibility we give older innovative leaders, the better. Then someone else out there can also say, ‘I can start something new.’
“I started a company in my 20s and then in my 50s. In both cases, you do what needs doing, from sweeping the floor to developing new tech.
“In between those — after a long career in the private sector doing innovation, from mobile technology for Palm, a decade on Wall Street, being a CTO in Hong Kong, plus four patents under my name — I became the first CTO of New York at 51.
“It surprised many as I didn’t match people’s perception of a CTO. I wasn’t the stereotypical techbro-in-a-hoodie; I'm a Filipino woman with gray streaks in my hair. I take pleasure in proving them wrong. We worked on tech jobs and education programs. It's one of the most rewarding and difficult jobs I've ever had. And it changed me; working in government made me think about equity in tech.
“With each digital transformation, I gained tech expertise, as well as the people, storytelling, and influencing skills needed to push innovation. Following your own path requires a sense of confidence, security in your vision, the ability to take rejection, and a level of resilience. All of these increase as you get older.
“There's no age limit on being an innovator. I don't see any reason to stop now. I'm a lifelong optimist. Innovation starts with believing things can be better. Right now, my curiosity is about ethical AI. I may have another two or three startups in the next decade. Stay tuned.”