Session: Understanding the Worth of Individuals in the World of Tech
It has been a struggle for many women to understand and display their own worth in the workplace, and this is especially true for those in the tech industry. In addition, there is a need for leadership to help employees understand their own value through mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship as these tools will create more supportive relationships at work.
While there has been a lot of discussion about whether or not women, especially in the tech industry, feel respected, what is truly needed is for professionals to learn how to identify and respond to the challenge of not being shown respect or gratitude for their accomplishments.
In the context of mentorship and networking, there are unique opportunities to validate ambitions and realities in an adaptable and professional way. However, professional communication does not have to keep individuals in relationships from putting themselves out there. Confident transparency does sometimes have its place in mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship.
One of the most valuable things to consider when addressing worth in the workplace is how much effect both external and internal biases really have on overall work environments, whether employees work in traditional in-office models or embrace remote and hybrid methods. And this is something our panel has clear, actionable plans to address.
In addition to working through employee-based value, it is also important to establish a profound basis for understanding individual worth, which can only happen when each person acknowledges they can work through their limiting thoughts through relationships and self-advocacy. This is why it is vital to bring the idea of alignment into the conversation.
When healthy self-advocacy is combined with professional relationships and resources, there will be a clear path to career growth for women in tech.
Bio
Malia Lym
Malia Lym is a retired oil and gas engineering specialist. Founder and CEO of Savvy LeadHER, corporations hire her to provide women- focused professional development training and workshops for women and ally leaders. Savvy LeadHER women learn to navigate traditionally male workplaces as a woman so they advance further, faster and stay longer while becoming confident Savvy LeadHERs.
Dr. Farzana Chohan
Dr. Farzana Chohan is a leader with lived experiences with a transformation purpose to create inclusion and belonging for women in male-work environments like engineering, science, technology and more. Dr. Farzana is a founder and CEO of an advocacy platform, helping corporations through strategic consulting, coaching and speaking engagements to "create a culture of workplace belonging" with a focus on women. She has professional working experience as an healthcare architect on two very different continents.
Anne Irene Ryan
Anne Irene Ryan is the Founder & Chief Career Coach at Anne Ryan Consulting, LLC. She loves speaking to students and professionals about how crafting a great professional brand, resume, and LinkedIn profile leads to infinite career possibilities. She works 1:1 with clients and facilitates workshops for colleges, professional organizations, and nonprofits.
Nancy Burger
Nancy Burger is a communications strategist and coach who guides companies to foster emotionally healthy cultures. Weaving together 10+ years in communications expertise and research in psychology and neuroscience, Nancy works with executives and teams across many industries to elevate workplace connections. She also delivers workshops and talks to universities, leadership organizations, and networking groups, all with the aim of cultivating clear, effective, and productive communication dynamics.
Nmadinobi Chloé Nwangwu
N. Chloé Nwangwu is a brand scientist who consults, researches, and speaks on the relationship between brands, bias, and influence to equip leaders to build legacies tackling the world's most pressing social injuries.