The TV show The IT Crowd played off of stereotypes on what it’s like to work in IT. Basically, it meant working in the basement, no one except the CEO remembering you exist, and impatiently asking people if they’ve tried turning the device off and on again. But the Internet of Things is changing all of that, as people in all roles and professions realize how IBM’s Watson machine learning platform could impact them and their work.

“It’s resonating with so many people, not just CTOs,” said Harriet Green, VP and GM of Internet of Things, Commerce and Education at IBM.

Green was interviewed by Dave Vellante (@dvellante), and John Furrier (@furrier), hosts of theCUBE*, from the SiliconANGLE Media team, during the IBM World of Watson event in Las Vegas, NV.

Amazing customer outcomes

Exciting client use cases abound. From Olli, a 3-D printed driverless vehicle that uses Watson to talk, to a deputy superintendent demonstrating how Watson can be used in classrooms to interact with students.

“I am deluged with clients who are chief innovation officers, CEOs, thinking about the way that this information can help them design better, manufacture better, or create new products and services,” said Green.

3 ways to get more women in tech

More women are entering the field of tech, but the percentage of female employees and upper level management still has a way to go, Green stated. She views it as an issue that has three responsible parties.

Green said the first is women; they need to work hard and gain the skills that people need, skills that can’t be automated. Next in the list is the companies themselves. They need to have policies of inclusion and act accordingly, hiring regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, etc., and they need to expand their search. Finally, she said, the shareholders also share responsibility.

“In Europe, the evidence is irrefutable. … Diverse boards perform better,” said Green.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of IBM World of Watson 2016.

*Disclosure: IBM and other companies sponsor some IBM World of Watson segments on SiliconANGLE Media’s theCUBE. Neither IBM nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.

Photo by SiliconANGLE