This document discusses the importance of leadership for women in tech and provides tips for starting a career in tech leadership. It notes that by 2020, the US will need 1.4 million computer scientists but only 30% will be filled by American graduates, highlighting the need for more women leaders. Research shows companies led by women have higher returns. However, women face challenges like imposter syndrome and non-supportive environments. The document recommends finding mentors for support, being proactive about opportunities, communicating leadership abilities through stories, and considering flexible work arrangements to achieve career goals and become tech leaders.

1. Learning to be a Leading Lady in Tech
...
Poornima Vijayashanker
SheCodes Conference
August 9, 2013
poornima@femgineer.com
@poornima
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3. WoMAN.
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4. What does being a leader mean?
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5. To me.
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6. Why is leadership in TECH important?
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7. By 2020 US businesses will need
1.4M
computer scientists
Credit: She++
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8. Based on today’s graduation rate
only 30%
will be filled by American graduates
Credit: She++
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9. Only 19
Fortune 500 Companies are run by Women
Credit: She++
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10. Why is it important to have ladies who LEAD?
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11. • More capital efficient
• 35% higher ROI
• 12% higher revenue than male-owned tech companies
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12. Where AND how do you START?
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13. TECHBusiness Engineering
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14. Transition.
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15. • ROLE: requirements
• Clarity & PRECISION
• PORTFOLIO: papers, projects, products
• STREET CRED: Stories
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16. What is standing in our way?
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17. IMPOSTER SYNDROME.
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18. COMPARISON
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20. ENVIRONMENT
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22. Leadership
MentorsSupport
Environment Experience
Network
Mentees
Changing
Landscape
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23. Support.
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24. Find a BIG brother or sister.
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25. 1. No INVITATION? Learn to crash!
2. BE informal.
3. ASK FOR help!
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26. BAD experience?
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27. BAD environment?
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28. Needs and GOALS.
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29. Workplace Flexibility
Drawing Credit:
NYTimes
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30. Review.
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31. GROUP MENTORING
Femgineer Friends
Visit femgineer.com/mentoring
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32. KEY OBJECTIVE(S) AGENDA
DELIVERABLE
BREAK OUT SESSION
Get comfortable telling
stories that demonstrate
leadership abilities.
30 minutes Get into groups of ~5 people.
1. Introduce yourself to the group.
2. Describe the role you’re interested in.
3. Tell the group a story that demonstrates
why you are a capable leader.
4. Refine story.
5. Present.
Short presentation
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