As part of the Dynamic(s) Women in Tech initiative, Dynamics Communities hosted the first Dynamic(s) Women in Tech webinar. Each webinar is structured to create a space for attendees to participate in discussions, share insights and experiences, and connect with other women in tech, specifically within the Dynamics ecosystem.
For January’s session, Dynamic Communities’ Pam Misialek and Cam Sessinger moderated the discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Highlighting Career Paths and Leadership Lessons.” Attendees explored what their tech journeys have looked like, challenges faced, and how they’ve overcome them.
The full Dynamic(s) Women in Tech webinar, “Breaking Barriers: Highlighting Career Paths and Leadership Lessons,” is available to watch here now on demand.
The One-Word Journey Spectrum
The conversation started with attendees sharing one word to describe their tech journeys so far: Exciting. Interesting. Intimidating. Sledgehammer. Learning. Rollercoaster. Eye-opening. Transformative.
Just from these one-word responses, it’s clear that the women in tech journey isn’t one-size-fits-all; there’s a spectrum of experiences. Attendees also expanded on their one word and shared how they gained opportunities to grow and find their place in the tech space. This highlights why it’s vital for women to connect in this industry, as women can gain support from others who are where they are now and advice from those who have been where they are now.
Overcoming Challenges
What does breaking barriers mean in your career? Women responded to this question by sharing personal stories and practical advice.
A common challenge that women in tech have faced over the years in being underestimated, especially those who come from non-technical backgrounds. One attendee explained how, when she first started in the industry, she heard a lot of “Well, you don’t know how to do that” as a response. She developed a habit of replying positively, that she could “do that.” Sometimes, this meant learning how to do something new outside of work and performing the task the next day.
With the tech industry constantly evolving, there’s always going to be something to learn. This can now be used as an advantage. Women provide unique skills and abilities. For instance, an attendee noted how women tend to be great at multitasking and organizing. She encouraged others to remember that our natural strengths will make tech better.
Another attendee suggested a perspective to be confident and not put pressure on yourself. Tech is such a large spectrum; you don’t have to be a coder or developer or project manager to be a woman in tech. It can be easy to put so much pressure on yourself, but once you find what you enjoy in the tech industry, and as long as you’re doing a good job and fulfilling your role, you’re successful in tech.
Supporting Women in Tech and Leadership
What can we as a community do to support more women breaking into leadership roles or tech spaces? Networking, sharing resources, practicing interviews, reviewing resumes, and having meaningful conversations are all ways that we can support fellow women grow their success in the tech industry.
One suggestion was to make it more pronounced and know that there are so many different avenues to explore and positions to take on within tech. There are roles that some women feel are more tech adjacent and don’t exactly make them a woman in tech, such as working in marketing or editorial. But the women fulfilling those roles at tech companies are just as much “women in tech” as any other role. The importance of vocalizing that fact was emphasized during the discussion.
Attendees recalled the topic of the Women in Tech Luncheon at Community Summit North America this past fall: Does tech need a rebrand? They elaborated on discussions from that luncheon, exploring what that transformation could look like to support women in tech coming from untraditional backgrounds and even how the space can shift for moms returning to work.
An attendee expressed how she has been able to talk to her daughters about opportunities in tech that she hadn’t known about before. She explained that this matters so future generations can feel like there’s a space for them and they will be educated about their options and opportunities. She stated that where tech is now, “it will meet you where you are, no matter where you are, no matter what level you are on, how much education you have – you can come in at any phase and you can find a space in tech…For women who are breaking into leadership roles, it’s just going to continue to give them that continued support.”
Final Thoughts
Having consisted of meaningful conversations, the webinar wrapped up with attendees expressing their eagerness to give back to the community, whether that’s as mentors or being a bridge for someone’s next connection or next step in the industry. Sessions such as this webinar and communities like the Dynamic(s) Women in Tech page are great ways for women to expand their networks and continue growing in their career journeys.
Dynamics Communities will be hosting the next Dynamic(s) Women in Tech Webinar on Wednesday, February 25th from 12pm to 1pm EST covering the topic “AI and Automation – Opportunities for Women in Tech.” Register now for the upcoming event!
The post Dynamics Communities Launches First Dynamic(s) Women in Tech Webinar on Breaking Barriers appeared first on Dynamics Communities.