Monthly Virtual Event, March 2021
This Fireside Chat is in support of International Women’s Day 2021 and Women’s History Month. This article will give lessons from the most impactful women in the global technology industry. They will provide interesting insights into how they became impactful women in tech.
The panelists:
Aparna Pujar – Founder and CEO of Zemplee Inc. A purpose driven technology company to support the elderly.
Meg Bear – Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations at SAP Success Factors. Meg has spent more than 20 years in HR technology working for a variety of companies including PeopleSoft and Oracle.
Cinthia Portugal – Vice President of Marketing at Humio. Cinthia has also worked for some of the most iconic tech brands including Apple and Microsoft.
Career Journeys
Career paths can be complicated and are not always chronological. To have an impact on any level, you have to be aware of your own intentions. These women discuss various themes related to their career in tech (ambition, work ethic and more). The path was a rocky one with many hurdles and personal challenges which they learnt to invite along the journey. The panelists discuss how it is normal to stagnate, struggle and straddle different career paths.
Personal branding
Creating a personal brand can be difficult especially when you are starting your own company. The women advise that you look at your life challenges; things you hold close to your heart. For Aparna it was her ageing parents that inspired her to create a platform for the elderly. Look for solutions that are currently not offered in your niche.
Creating Impact
People want to be more purpose driven in their career; they’re looking at companies that are aligning to their values and creating social impact. Impact is secondary to success and is more personal. It can be measured through anecdotes of customers to personal feelings behind a project.
In Meg Bear’s career, impact took on a different form and became about other people. She purposely invested in other people’s career progress; promoting and pushing everyone around her. Meg measured her impact when people would congratulate her for their accomplishments. She became their vehicle of inspiration and that was her impact. She emphasises that as women, we are seen as the ‘other’ in society, so we need to be building a pipeline to aid other women.
Oftentimes, as women, we have to go out and create opportunities for ourselves. If you know of a job role you want to apply to then ask what skills you’d need and build towards it. As women we shouldn’t wait for things to be handed out – if we want a particular role we need to create it. Take on additional projects if you need to, because ultimately you are the architect of your career.
Pivotal moments in your career
All the panellists agreed that possessing versatility early on in their career put them in good stead to accomplish what they have. They then go on to describe what being versatile looks like practically in the workplace.
Versatility is:
- Being comfortable with the unknown
- Doing things outside your fixed job role
- Being accountable
Introspection, reflection, market assessment research and listening to successful people will help you iterate your idea/s. Give yourself a timeframe and something to be accountable for. For example, giving yourself 90 days to meet with hundreds of founders, CEO’s, domain experts, subject matter experts in your area and compile what they have to say to form your primary research.
Teamwork and skills sharing
Teamwork is very important when you plan a start up. People around you can help you with skills you may not have refined. In her role, Cinthia has managed to surround herself with a dream team of people who are forthcoming and versatile. The trick is to have 10 people in a room that are NOT like you. You want people you can have a creative discussion with. That’s where new solutions arise and true innovation happens.
Mentoring and allyship
Find your allies wherever they may be and stick by them throughout your career. Allies and mentors formed a pivotal part of all the panelist’s career trajectory. But anyone that you know supports your values can be your ally – whether that be a friend, manager or spouse. The key attribute to look out for is compassionate criticism. Ask someone to have a coffee with you or take them out to lunch. More than anything: listen, listen, listen to what they’re saying because you will learn so much even if you don’t have a defined mentor programme.Go in with a blank slate and be open to not knowing everything. True growth happens in those innocuous moments of learning.
Last but not least learn how to ask for things you need. No matter where you’re starting from, continue to have people guide you. Create a personal board of advisors who you iterate your ideas with and ask for feedback. The power of honest conversations creates the most impact for you and others around you. People can identify your blind spots. Everyone should aim to have a personal board of advisors and it doesn’t have to be big.