Picture this: a conference geared specifically at women in tech, buzzing with anticipation, featuring an impressive line up of leading females in the industry. Excitement filled the air as we eagerly anticipated stories of ground breaking achievements and technological triumphs. Yet, as the day unfolded, a disheartening realisation set in - the majority of discussions weren't centred around celebrating accomplishments but rather on overcoming barriers.
In a room filled with remarkable women, who have undoubtedly reshaped the tech landscape, the prevailing theme wasn't the brilliance of their technical skills or the innovative projects they've spearheaded. Instead, the spotlight was on breaking through barriers, seeking the right support, and navigating the intricacies of a male-dominated industry. It left me pondering: if the gender gap in the tech space is globally recognised, why are we still consumed by conversations about proving ourselves?
Don't get me wrong, the conference showcased incredible achievements and highlighted the impressive journeys of these women. However, what became clear is that their ascent up the professional ladder wasn't solely propelled by their technical prowess. The conversations shifted towards tackling microaggressions, mastering stakeholder management, and deciphering the nuances of maneuvering in a world still largely dominated by men.
The unifying theme that wove through the entire day? Imposter syndrome. So, not only do women grapple with the frustration of not being acknowledged solely on their merit and skills, and the need to conquer various obstacles to thrive, but they also carry this nagging sense that maybe, just maybe, they don't truly deserve the success they've worked so hard for. It brought a welcome breath of fresh air when one of the speakers boldly proclaimed to the audience that a certain degree of imposter syndrome is actually beneficial. The idea conveyed was that without it, we might become too complacent. To truly progress, we need to embrace the discomfort of feeling a bit outside our comfort zones and stretching our abilities. The room collectively breathed a sigh of relief as the speaker successfully reframed a phrase typically burdened with negative connotations.
The question that lingers: Shouldn't we be at a point where women in tech no longer need to focus on navigating these obstacles? While there's a resounding acknowledgment of the massive shortage of female skills in the sector, could this fatigue coming from perpetually having to engage in these conversations be part of the problem? It's time to reconsider the narrative, redefine success, and explore a future where women in tech are celebrated for their skills, innovations, and contributions, rather than constantly having to prove their worth in an uphill battle.
In redefining this narrative, let's build together a future where conferences for women in tech will be spaces to celebrate achievements, shifting the focus from breaking barriers to recognising the immense value women bring to the tech industry. The journey towards gender equality is ongoing, but it's essential to reflect on the current landscape, acknowledge the challenges, and collectively work towards a future where every woman in tech can thrive without the weight of constant validation.
Wrapping up, it's important to note that my reflections are not intended to detract from the event's purpose and objectives in any manner. Overall, it was an outstanding day, and it felt incredibly invigorating to be in the company of fellow women earnestly navigating the challenges of this industry. There was definitely a different vibe to events and conferences I’ve been to before, and the conversation felt notably more relaxed.
While my key takeaways differed from my initial expectations, I gained valuable insights from the experience and I wouldn't hesitate to attend the next one. The event offered a unique and enriching perspective that added significant value to my journey in the tech world, a perspective that significantly shaped how I went on to deliver a LinkedIn Masterclass at Transform’s recent Career Discovery Day, specifically tailored for young women and non-binary people aspiring to enter the tech industry. It became increasingly important to position this opportunity as a platform for them to build their personal brand and showcase their skills and expertise to potential employers. The event, with its distinct atmosphere and insights, played a pivotal role in shaping my approach and underscoring the significance of empowering young women in their tech career journeys.
If you know any young woman or non-binary student that would like to attend a similar session, we're running another Career Discovery Day on February 16th. Drop us a note at transformation@TransformUK.com to register your interest.