Women in Tech Programme
According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. Data from McKinsey found that 50% of women who enter the technology field abandon it by the age of 35. Add to that the percentage of women in tech leadership roles has fallen to 28% in 2023 and we can see there’s still work to be done here.
Studies have shown that diversity in our organisations is not only important but delivers the return on investment increasing profits for those business with greater diversity. The multiple perspectives of a diverse team are key to innovation. Yet we know there are still not enough women entering and staying in the tech industry. Whether it’s the male domination of the environment, bias, gender stereotypes and barriers or burnout, family responsibilities and work-life balance issues. The environment and challenges are still different for women.
· 57% of women in technology reported feeling burned out at work, compared to 36% of men.
· 78% of women in tech report feeling like they must work harder than male coworkers to prove themselves.
· 32% of women in technical and engineering roles are often the only woman in the room at work.
Women make 80% of the purchasing decisions in the home, are users of our tech and its estimated by 2023 will have access to two thirds of the worlds wealth. Put simply, if women are not represented well in your business you’re missing out which has a flow on effect on products, innovation and of course the bottom line. So how do we close the gap and increase diversity in the industry?
Many of our aspiring leaders, especially if they’re from under represented groups experience bigger challenges in unlocking their potential and progressing. Often feeling like they need to know more, have more influence, presence, feel more confident when sat at the leadership table. It’s different for women and this programme has the solutions. For those new in role or just looking to prove themselves and deliver on what you know they’re capable of.
It's not just getting the roles though but feeling like we can own our space when we get there. Far too often lack of confidence, lack of belonging or cultural misalingment leads to us overworking to the point of burnout to prove ourselves, leave part of ourselves at home in a bid to fit in or simply leave searching for an environment that aligns and feels like a better fit.
It's critical we support and nurture our leaders to grow and develop but even more critical when they are new in role or from under represented groups where they may look and sound different from others around the table. It can lead to us second guessing ourselves and trying to change the very skills and traits we were hired for in a bid to fit it. This support is key not just for their success but the impact they go on to have in the organisation.
The work that I do focuses on self leadership and knowing your brand whilst building mental fitness and the stamina to deliver on the demands of leadership, I believe where these two meet is the sweet spot of leadership development for this new era. Leadership isn’t something we do, it’s who we are. It’s about how we show up, the legacy we leave and how we make others feel. The technical skills will only get us so far and look set to be the very stuff AI may replace one day in the not too distant future. Self leadership, the inner game, whatever you call it. These are the skills that future proof our leaders, prepare them for managing change and uncertainty and help them tap into the skills and behaviours that build great cultures and inspire and motivate others.
I believe whilst success in leadership assumes good technical knowledge, the skillset that gets you the job in the first place, there’s much more to it. Beyond that there is the awareness and belief in your abilities along with the energy to deliver on that and perform at your peak. What is it I should be doing as a successful leader, how do I ensure I manage and motivate my team whilst also delivering results? How do I deliver on my potential as a leader and build my brand to lead with confidence?
I help leaders discover what it takes to be a great leader, critical skills required and how we progress into leadership roles and sustain high performance for ourselves and those who work with us. Understanding the unique issues women in the workplace face and how we navigate this to achieve our potential. Learn how to leverage your strengths, progress your career and continuously develop. Including resilience and executive stamina, emotional intelligence, dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome and how we manage ourselves as well as lead and inspire others. Build your brand and credibility, balance the busyness and embrace your authenticity as a leader to motivate those you work with to deliver results.
Keen to find out more about how I’ve been supporting other tech businesses with their women in tech programmes, get in touch and let’s chat about a bespoke programme for your organisaiton.
If you’d like to support your women in tech to be at their best to unleash their potential and go from burnout to brilliance. Get in touch to discuss.
Understand the difference between busy and productive
Work smarter not harder and master the habits of high performance
Back Yourself to succeed and overcome imposter syndrome
Understand the neuroscience behind thinking patterns and rewire the brain
Learn strategies to cultivate a more calm, clearer mind.
Overcome overwhelm and build resilience
Improve productivity and effectiveness
