20-22 May 2025
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"Leap Before You’re Ready: How to Lead When You’re Still Figuring It Out"
"Leap Before You’re Ready: How to Lead When You’re Still Figuring It Out"
Don’t miss out and join visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders from all over the world at the Women in Tech Global Conference.
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Session: Leap Before You’re Ready: How to Lead When You’re Still Figuring It Out
In this TED Talk-style session, we’ll share the highs, lows, and lessons learned from our respective career journeys—starting with the uncertainty of our first jobs out of college and leading to our roles as product managers at large-scale tech companies. As early-career women, we’ll break down how discomfort and imposter syndrome weren’t signs of failure, but key signals of growth. Drawing from our own experiences, we’ll talk about how we created our own opportunities in the absence of ideal mentorship, and how defining clear career goals—despite not knowing exactly where we were headed—set us on the path to success.This talk will offer practical insights on how to navigate the real challenges of career progression, including how to push through self-doubt, embrace learning curves, and handle setbacks with grace. The key takeaway: your career trajectory isn’t linear. Don’t be afraid to take ownership of your journey, create opportunities, and give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.
Key Takeaways
- Discomfort is okay. It is not validation that you don't belong, it's a sign you're growing.
- Own your career growth. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities, even when clear guidance isn't offered.
- Learn to be easy on yourself. It's normal to feel stalled at times - progress isn't a straight line.
Bio
Jesse Wayne is a Product Manager at Cisco Systems, specializing in automation solutions for large-scale tech networks. She holds a Tech MBA from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, where she learned early on the power of women supporting women, a lesson that’s guided her career. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, kiteboarding, and spending time with her husband, Simon, and their dog, Molly.Ellaha Sharifi is a passionate Product Manager at Cisco, working at the intersection of technology and business. She holds a Tech MBA from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College. Dedicated to empowering women in tech, Ellaha co-leads Cisco’s SheSpeaks+ program under Women of Cisco and runs a mentorship program to support emerging talent. Outside of work, she finds joy in motherhood, running, and exploring new destinations through her love of travel
