This week, I had the privilege of participating in a leadership summit alongside 31 remarkable female tech leaders. The experience was truly inspiring, as I found myself in a room filled with exceptional, diverse, and passionate women. The palpable support and energy in the room left me with a profound sense of hope for the future of leadership in our boardrooms.
This summit, the second of its kind, centered on cultivating a distinct leadership voice and style. I left the event with a wealth of inspiration and am eager to share my key takeaways, which I believe will benefit not only women but also anyone working or living alongside female leaders.
1. Women have particular habits that hold them back within the workplace.
Not only is it important for female leaders to understand what these traps can be- it is also important for senior leaders to be aware of these particularly “female” habits and gently challenge women to break out of them. Overcoming deeply ingrained gender-related habits requires both self-work and support/mentorship. For a comprehensive list of these habits, refer to "How Women Rise" – a resource that will undoubtedly have many of you nodding your head!
2. Women are keen to create community and do the work- but there is also systemic bias that can only be shifted by bringing managers along.
At one of my tables, I had two moms that had to leave the Summit early for work flights. They both had multiple children under 5 at home and had recently battled shingles. Not only are they tackling big jobs but they are also communicating with daycare, organizing playdates and choosing between pasta and sausages for dinner. Dessert is a heaping dose of guilt for not being good enough at work or at home. As a community, we must reflect on how we can better support these exceptional women as they navigate the delicate balance between ambition, family life, and well-being. What more can we do collectively to foster empathy and ensure their successful journey through this intense period, ultimately making them eligible for top leadership positions in the near future? While there are no easy answers, increased awareness of these challenges can pave the way for meaningful solutions.
3. Becoming an authentic leader requires both articulating and celebrating your strengths.
Focusing on improving areas of weakness mitigates failure but focusing on strengths leads to significant performance improvement. At one point, one of the fabulous facilitators ran a session on Clifton Strengthsfinder. (highly recommend taking the assessment!) There was a breakout where women were encouraged to discuss their favourite strength traits, but I was surprised to find that the conversations often veered toward traits they disliked. Some traits were labelled as "masculine" and others as "too soft," leading to their dismissal rather than internalization. Interestingly, when women were asked to discuss another person's strengths, the atmosphere became lively and celebratory. Some even jokingly suggested hiring each other as "ghost writers" for their performance reviews. While that might be handy, there is genuine power in taking control of your narrative and embracing your strengths. Personally, I may not be the person who excels at building complex Excel models, but I am the one who generates innovative ideas and assembles an exceptional team to execute them. Each of us possesses unique strengths, and it's crucial to embrace and celebrate them in all aspects of our lives.
4. Own your story.
When you craft and share your story in an empowering way - it introduces people to your leadership style and it can open doors for you and for others that look like you. Organizations don't hire skills; they hire people. Clients don't buy solely based on data; they buy based on stories and trust. When you take charge of your narrative, embrace your individual style, and amplify your personality, you empower yourself to thrive in various situations. Whether you find yourself in an elevator with your CEO, introducing yourself to a new client or team, or presenting at a conference, a well-crafted story is adaptable and empowers you to stand confidently in your own power. During the summit, these remarkable women practiced sharing their stories, each taking a unique approach, some opting for vulnerability while others focused on polish. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for telling your story; the key is to ensure it remains authentic to your values and experiences.
I was so impressed with the content and the quality of this event. My mind was firing with different thoughts and ideas. I hope it will also spark some inspiration and introspection for you in your leadership journey.
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