How to thrive in the workplace as a woman in tech and in diaspora by Donna Künzler

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Thriving in the Workplace as a Woman in Tech and in Diaspora

Hello and welcome to my session on how to thrive in the workplace as a woman in tech and in diaspora. I am Donna Kunzler, currently serving as the head of Procurement Process Excellence and Digital Transformation for A B BS Robotics and Discrete Automation business. With almost 25 years of professional experience in tech and finance, I have gathered valuable insights that have helped me thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.

About Donna Kuznler

My career has spanned across multiple roles in audit, consulting, finance, program management, and business process leadership. With qualifications including a bachelor's degree in accountancy, certifications as a Public Accountant, Information Systems Auditor, and MSP certified Program Manager, I've brought a rich tapestry of insights and expertise to renowned companies across the globe.

A Woman in Diaspora

Born and raised in the Philippines, I have lived overseas for more than 20 years across the US, UK, and currently, Switzerland. This international exposure enriched my appreciation for diverse cultures and added a unique dimension to my experiences as a Filipina in tech.

Award-winning Author

Apart from my primary focus, I embarked on a personal project that led to the publication of a self-help book. Titled "The Overseas Fabulous Pinay", this book offers practical advice to help women successfully plan their move abroad and integrate into a new society. The book became an Amazon best-seller and earned the Best Independent Book Award (BIBA) for Non-fiction.

Five Golden Rules to Thrive in the Workplace

Drawing from my personal journey, I delve into the heart of my talk - the Five Rules of Work that have helped me thrive as a woman in tech and in diaspora.

Rule 1: Do Your Job Right

This basic but critical rule is all about credibility. The ability to perform your job well, especially in a new environment with possibly higher expectations, lays the foundation for success.

Rule 2: Stay Professional at All Times

Professionalism entails dealing with conflicts constructively, communicating effectively while observing basic etiquette, and conducting oneself according to the workplace norms and culture.

Rule 3: Break Negative Stereotypes and Leverage Positive Ones

A key strategy involves identifying stereotypes associated with your racial or cultural background. Breaking away from negative stereotypes and capitalizing on the positive ones can have a profound impact on your career growth.

Rule 4: Build Your Network

Networking opens doors to opportunities, provides valuable contacts for references, referrals, and mentorship, and allows for the sharing of knowledge and valuable information.

Rule 5: Don’t Burn Bridges Unless Necessary

Maintaining positive relationships is vital, contextual only to situations that might endanger your job, threaten your well-being, or lead to illegal practices.

In conclusion, these rules amalgamate to form a robust strategy for professional success in tech, particularly for those in diaspora. Armed with these tips, I hope to encourage more women to carve their own path in the tech industry fearlessly.

If you have any questions or need further clarifications, feel free to ask. I'm here to empower you to thrive, just as I did.


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