By Michelle Lang

In the middle of a discussion about work/life balance at CA Inc.’s “Challenges and Opportunities of Women Working in the IT Field” dinner last night, Telle Whitney, president and CEO of the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, put a wrench in the conversation. “I don’t believe in balance,” she said. She went on to clarify that she believes in choices. “Look at your life — you can do it all, but you can’t do it at the same time.”

While she may have struck a reality chord, it was a dissonant one that aroused more than a little frustration. Afterall, about 25 women and two men were in attendance — if the ratio were reversed, would men be be having the same discussion? Would they be venting about the challenges of finding a work/life balance, finding mentors or setting up a work culture that embraces job flexibility? Perhaps, but the odds favor women-organized tech groups.

While the discussion brought up valid points, albeit ones already well known to most women in technology — or even mid-level women in the general workforce — it reiterated the same thought that follows many of these conversations: Where are the men? If technical women face challenges in a male-dominated industry, the girls’ club needs to bring these matters to the attention of those who have the authority to change the system — the executives. And in high tech, the overwhelming majority of those executives are men.

The dinner discussion addressed the need for mentoring programs, training, job flexibility and emphasis on STEM education from an early age. Yes, these are social and human issues, but to really appeal to managers and executives, women need to make a business case for these changes. Solutions like job sharing can save money for a company, retain valuable employees and win over employee loyalty and satisfaction. Likewise, training — for women and men — makes better employees who can work more efficiently. These business cases were made last night, though not to those who needed to hear it. Next time, let’s invite the boys’ club.