Succeeding in Male-Dominated Industry by Stefanie Khan

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Rising Above Challenges: A Women in Tech Perspective

I am grateful to contribute to this amazing tech conference, sharing my experiences not just as the senior director of Data Analytics for Red Hat, a Fortune 500 company that's spearheading open-source solutions, but also as a woman who has navigated the tech industry's ups and downs for over 15 years. It's not my successes that have crafted me into the leader I am today, but rather the challenges and rough times that have pushed me to learn, grow, and become better.

Know Your Worth and Stand Up for Yourself

I can recall vanquishing the disappointment, betrayal, and anger I felt when I was overlooked for a promotion that a less-qualified male colleague landed instead. After some contemplation, I took my career into my own hands, standing up to my superiors and expressing my worth. To my surprise, they agreed, and I was promoted a week later. The lesson? Sometimes, you have not given what you deserve; you have to stand up for it and demand it. Recognize your worth and do not hesitate to demand what you're worth.

The Value of Feedback and Self-Reflection

An experience that greatly shaped who I am today occurred when I was transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader. During my first quarterly review, my boss told me that I was unapproachable – a somewhat shocking revelation for someone who thought she was doing a great job. Yet rather than take this negatively, I used it as an opportunity for self-reflection. Through observation and self-awareness, I was able to adjust my approach and communication style to be more approachable, yet still remain assertive and direct.

Feedback isn't always easy to digest, but it's an invaluable tool for growth. The next time you're given feedback that doesn't align with your perception, pause and observe your own interactions. Take it as an opportunity to grow rather than a setback.

Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

Women, despite making up more than half of the population, are considerably underrepresented in senior leadership roles in tech, accounting for only 25 percent. This imbalance can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but it's far from insurmountable. By leveraging our unique perspectives and experiences, we can drive change, challenge the status quo, and contribute to innovation in meaningful ways.

When you're engaging with stakeholders, don't let being outnumbered intimidate you. Similarly, don't hide who you are. Embrace your unique qualities — your millennial mindset, background, and any other elements that contribute to your diversity. Don't be afraid to "be the pink in a sea of gray," driving the change you wish to see and setting an example for others. After all, changing the status quo begins with ourselves.

Becoming Your Own Advocate

Reflecting on my journey, it becomes clear that overcoming challenges requires embracing who you are and using it to your advantage. Harnessing your unique skills and perspectives can help you stand out, push boundaries, and contribute to your field in a unique way.

Recognize and learn from your failures, don't be intimidated by them. They shape you and help you grow. Stand up for yourself, know your worth, and don’t be afraid to demand recognition for your work. Feedback is vital for self-improvement and development; treat it as a learning opportunity. Embrace your diversity and use your unique experiences as an advantage. Dare to dream, and continuously challenge your perspectives.

The take-home message?

  • Don't let your differences deter you.
  • Stand for what you deserve and continue striving for excellence.
  • Become the change you want to see in your industry.

So, women in tech, remember: be the pink in the sea of gray. Dare to stand out. Dare to be different. Thank you for your time and I look forward to learning more about each of your journeys. Take care!


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