In this episode, Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen invite Dr. Shreyashi Chakraborty to discuss her research on gender inequality in the Indian software industry. Dr. Chakraborty shares personal experiences and systemic issues leading to gender bias, including societal patriarchy, lack of anti-discrimination laws, and underrepresentation of women in senior management. The discussion also highlights shocking recent events, such as the tragic case of a female doctor in Calcutta, and the challenges faced by women in both formal and informal sectors. Dr. Chakraborty further explains her ongoing research initiatives targeting investor reactions to female representation in top management and the conditions of women in India's informal economy.

If you are interested in Dr. Chakraborty's work, please check her recent publications:

• Rationales of gender diversity management policies and practices in India: An exploratory empirical study in the Indian IT/ITeS Industry⁠https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/edi-04-2019-0124/full/html⁠
• How do markets react to women leader: An IPO Investigation⁠https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/13473#page=416⁠
• Safe and suitable yet unequal for women: understanding the inequalities in the hiring process in the Indian Software industry⁠https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/research-handbook-on-inequalities-and-work-9781800886599.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqEwmMKYMFS5DrDMDr7aM73OlwnwjamQjJkxJiX-HRxMAMS2WbJ⁠

00:38 Welcome to the Podcast

01:14 Guest Introduction and Research Background

03:28 Current Gender Inequality in Indian Software Industry

07:25 Shocking Incident in Calcutta

10:35 Challenges in Speaking Up

14:20 Recruitment and Selection Inequalities

20:13 Field Work Insights

21:44 Importance of Equal Representation

25:22 Diversity Management in India vs. Developed Economies

27:34 Ongoing Research and Future Directions

35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the 'In the Meantime' podcast, hosts Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen discuss with Dr. Wenjie Cai the concept of digital free travel. Dr. Cai explains the difference between digital detox and digital free travel, emphasising a balanced relationship with technology. The conversation covers Dr. Cai's research on digital-free travel, its impact on travellers, and the collaboration with the 'unplugged cabin' initiative. They also delve into the emotional journey and withdrawal symptoms participants experience, the societal implications, and future steps to promote digital wellbeing in hospitality and tourism. Dr. Cai emphasises the importance of preparing for a digital detox to ensure a positive experience and highlights ongoing research projects and potential developments in creating digital free destinations.

If you are interested in Dr.Cai's research, please find his publications below:

Cai, W., & McKenna, B. (2021). Power and Resistance: Digital-Free Tourism in a Connected World. Journal of Travel Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875211061208

Cai, W., McKenna, B., & Waizenegger, L. (2020). Turning it off: Emotions in digital-free travel. Journal of Travel Research, 59(5), 909-927.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287519868314

​

Floros, C., Cai, W., McKenna, B., & Ajeeb, D. (2019) Imagine being off-the-grid: Millennials' Perceptions of Digital-Free Travel, Journal of Sustainable Tourism.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1675676

​

McKenna, B., Waizenegger, L., & Cai, W. (2020). The influence of personal and professional commitments on digitally disconnected experiences. In IFIP International Conference on Human Choice and Computers (pp. 305-314). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62803-1_24

00:11 Meet Dr. Wenjie Cai

00:50 Understanding Digital Free Travel

02:09 The Unplugged Cabin Experience

06:26 Emotional Responses to Digital Detox

08:38 Practical Tips for Digital Detox

17:58 Exploring the Dark Side of Digital Detox

27:44 Future Research and Collaborations

28:34 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, our hosts Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen engage in a compelling discussion with Dr. Ryan Yung, a senior lecturer in digital innovation and transformation. The conversation covers various aspects of the metaverse, its distinction from virtual worlds, and its emerging real estate market. Dr. Yung unpacked his research on virtual reality (VR) and its applications, particularly in tourism and event management. The episode highlights the potential and challenges of VR, including accessibility and financial barriers, and explores the role of VR in enhancing experiences for families, individuals with disabilities, and even PTSD therapy for war veterans. The discussion also touches on the environmental impact of virtual meetings and the future of VR in potentially replacing physical travel and events.

00:45 Welcome to the In the Meantime Podcast

01:26 Meet the Hosts and Guest

03:28 Dr. Ryan Yung's Journey into VR Research

05:51 Applications of VR in Tourism

10:19 The Rise and Impact of the Metaverse

16:37 Challenges and Downsides of VR and the Metaverse

33:26 Future of Virtual Events and Meetings

41:48 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements