As part of our commitment to empowering women in tech, WomenTech Network invited Akamai Technologies to share their valuable expertise on the transformative power of support networks in the industry. In this insightful interview with Kate Prouty, CIO of Akamai Technologies, she highlights the transformative impact of structured support systems for women in tech, the challenges these communities address, and the invaluable benefits they offer. Prouty also shares her personal experiences and advice, emphasizing the importance of confidence, mentorship, and authenticity in building a fulfilling and impactful career in technology.
1. Inside Akamai's Support Networks for Women in Tech
Can you describe the structure and activities of the support networks for women in tech that your organization is involved with or supports?
At Akamai, we take diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously, supporting two Women's Forum collectives, one that is focused on women and allies at all levels of the organization and one that is an executive level group, recognizing that as you grow in your career you need different levels of support, guidance and development opportunities. Appreciating that becoming a parent can often be a crossroads in career for women, our parent ERG provides a community and resources to support working parents. Helping women maintain a foothold in their career when they first become a parent has historically been an overwhelming balancing act for women, and again, a time when they leave the workforce, often to never return.
Akamai’s Flexbase program, in my opinion, is the single most impactful game changer for women wanting a career and a family. Flexbase is our remote work framework that provides employees the tools to choose where they do their best work; at home, in the office, or some combination of that. Eliminating stressful commutes and allowing parents to build flexibility in their day to manage activities at home is a gift for working parents. Last, Akamai invests time and money into supporting the next generations of women in tech, partnering with Girls Who Code (USA), Rocket Girls (Costa Rica), and other NGOs around the world that work to increase STEM awareness and education for our young underserved learners.
2. Challenges Women in Tech Face and How Support Networks Help
What challenges do women in tech face that support networks uniquely address, and how do these communities provide solutions or assistance?
In my decades working in technology, I have been exposed to many incredibly talented women at all levels. The thing that always surprises me is how so many of us live with imposter syndrome or a lack of appreciation for what we are capable of achieving. This mindset can hold us back. And this syndrome really rears its ugly head when it comes to taking on larger, more expanded roles. I am sure it is not, but it seems to be a uniquely female trait that many of us are afraid to take a job that we are not 100% sure we can do perfectly; we want to be doing the job before we take the title.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to take on a much larger role, and I was really conflicted about going for it. I was worried because there were aspects of the new job that I didn’t have experience in. A member of our Executive Women's Network reached out to me and said you are capable, you got this, there isn’t anything you don’t know that you can’t figure out and I am here to support you along your journey. Those few words of encouragement were all I needed. Confidence is a game changer in life; when we operate with confidence the whole world can see it and it will open doors. This is a perfect example of what our community of women does for each other – we support, encourage, and lift each other up. We give each other that little push when we are holding ourselves back. Our communities help support each other in so many ways, most of them quite simple, like advice, encouragement, and support. These communities help us to build our networks and develop relationships that lead to mentorship or even better sponsorship. I find the willingness women have to invest their own time in helping to support members of our community is like no other. For those who have reached the top floors, they are absolutely sending the elevator down to bring others up.
3. Impact of Support Networks on Women’s Tech Careers
How has being part of a support network or community impacted your career in tech, and what specific benefits have you observed?
A strong community builds confidence and confidence opens doors to new opportunities. When a person has a strong support system they are also more willing to take risks. Combine confidence with a bit of courage and the sky is the limit! I strongly believe you will never reach your full potential if you aren’t willing to take risks. Throughout my career I have been incredibly fortunate to work with kind, generous, supportive people who have given me the confidence to raise my hand to take on jobs I wasn’t sure I could do and to take risks where outcomes were uncertain.
4. Advice for Building Supportive Communities in Tech
What advice would you give to women in tech looking to find or build a supportive community or network within their industry or organization?
To build a formal network, your best bet is to find an executive sponsor within your organization who has a passion for the community and can help build a platform, charter, and goals for your community. A good executive sponsor will help drive membership and amplify your message across the company. If you are looking to build informal networks, look to find like-minded people and light-lift ways to bring them together, like coffee or lunch. Over time, find opportunities to educate and learn from each other.
Be on the lookout for a good mentor and cast a wide net to build up relationships that can help you. That often means putting yourself out there or raising your hand for something that might push you out of your comfort zone.
My broader advice to women looking to find their place in tech or whatever field they have chosen is to be themselves. In my experience, women often feel pressure to act like the person they think looks and sounds like what others expect to see. The qualities that make you uniquely you are the reason you will be successful. Never compromise yourself for others; be who you are. Being the best version of yourself will ultimately help you connect with others.
Kate Prouty’s perspective underscores the critical role of support networks in empowering women in tech, fostering confidence, and driving progress within organizations and beyond. Through initiatives like Akamai’s Women’s Forum, flexible work policies, and partnerships with organizations like Girls Who Code, Akamai demonstrates how businesses can create an environment where women thrive. Prouty’s advice to embrace one’s authentic self, seek mentorship, and build communities highlights the importance of collective efforts in overcoming barriers and creating a more inclusive tech industry for current and future generations.
