How Bias Shapes Your Path to Innovation
Turning Unconscious Bias into Growth
Description
Bias is an inherent part of how we think, influencing decisions in ways we often don’t realize. But does bias always hinder innovation, or can it be harnessed to drive progress? In this session, we’ll explore the dual nature of bias—how it can both limit and unlock opportunities for growth and creativity.
Unconscious biases can reinforce traditional perspectives, limit diverse input, and create blind spots in decision-making. For example, bias in hiring processes or product development can result in missed opportunities for innovation and inclusivity. However, when acknowledged and managed effectively, bias can serve as a powerful tool for driving fresh perspectives and meaningful change.
Through interactive discussions and expert insights, we’ll share practical strategies for recognizing and leveraging bias in leadership, teamwork, and business strategy. We’ll explore real-world examples of organizations that have successfully transformed bias into a catalyst for innovation and inclusion.
Join us to gain actionable insights and practical frameworks that will help you navigate bias thoughtfully and strategically—turning it into an opportunity for progress rather than a roadblock to success.
Speaker Bio
Naren Koneru is the Vice President of Trust & Safety Engineering at Roblox, where he leads initiatives to ensure user safety and promote civil interactions on the platform. In this role, he collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and implement technologies that uphold a secure and respectful environment for Roblox’s global community.
Before joining Roblox in January 2021, Naren served as Vice President of Engineering at Cloudera from February 2014 to January 2021, overseeing cloud data lakes and security governance. His earlier experience includes roles as a Software Architect and Director of Engineering at Meta Integration Technology, Inc., and as a Software Development Manager and Principal Software Engineer at Informatica, where he contributed to the development of enterprise metadata management software and data integration platforms.
Naren holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from East Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from University College of Engineering, Osmania University.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Naren is committed to mentoring aspiring technologists and actively participates in community initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education among underrepresented groups. He is also an avid contributor to open-source projects and frequently shares his insights at industry conferences and seminars.
Naren’s combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills positions him as a valuable asset in the technology landscape, driving innovation and excellence in every project he undertakes.
Before joining Roblox in January 2021, Naren served as Vice President of Engineering at Cloudera from February 2014 to January 2021, overseeing cloud data lakes and security governance. His earlier experience includes roles as a Software Architect and Director of Engineering at Meta Integration Technology, Inc., and as a Software Development Manager and Principal Software Engineer at Informatica, where he contributed to the development of enterprise metadata management software and data integration platforms.
Naren holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from East Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from University College of Engineering, Osmania University.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Naren is committed to mentoring aspiring technologists and actively participates in community initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education among underrepresented groups. He is also an avid contributor to open-source projects and frequently shares his insights at industry conferences and seminars.
Naren’s combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills positions him as a valuable asset in the technology landscape, driving innovation and excellence in every project he undertakes.
