This blog post is part of our ongoing Women @ Work series.
Despite large cultural shifts and dedicated efforts to empower women in the workplace, the reality is that there is still much work to be done in the technology industry to elevate women as leaders. And unfortunately, the pandemic’s shadow looms as one of the biggest setbacks for gender equality we have seen in years. Data show that 1.3 times as many women than men actively considered opting out of the workforce last year.
However, there are encouraging signs coming from organizations around the world that have stepped up by implementing and supporting aggressive Women in Technology (WIT) and STEM programs to support gender equality in the workforce. Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Intel are building STEM into their social responsibility statements and making it a prominent part of their corporate agenda.
The channel ecosystem — where my work happens — is no different from the rest of the business world. Inequities still exist, and changes are needed to even the playing field. At Citrix, we actively create opportunities on our teams and through organizations like the Women’s Inspirational Network employee resource group to mentor, promote, and celebrate the achievements of women.
My career and experience serving on the advisory board for CRN’s Women of the Channel have contributed to my passion for community building and advocating for my teams, partners, and other women. In this blog post, I wanted to share some approaches and best practices that have worked for me and that I think can help guide other women as they work to maximize their career opportunities, whether in the channel or elsewhere.
Be willing to switch roles: Broadly speaking, you must be willing to take risks when it comes to your career. Sometimes making a lateral move is better than moving “up” if your experience fits and the role will lead to continued growth.
Find mentors: This one is critical! Find and build relationships with a strong set of mentors, advocates, and sponsors who believe in you. This support system will not only empower you to step outside your comfort zone in the workplace but will also create a foundation for your continued business success.
Build, use and maintain your network: Never underestimate the power of your network and past relationships. Each new role I have had was because of a connection I had made in the past. It’s important to build a strong network and then work to maintain those relationships to stay connected — you never know when you might need them.
Understand your partners’ businesses: When it comes to building partner relationships in the channel, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of their business and how they think about profit and predictability. Your business acumen and understanding of your partners’ businesses will profoundly impact the quality of your working relationship (this holds true outside the channel, too).
Support other women: Remember, we are all human and setbacks are natural, especially during challenging times. It’s very important to support yourself and look for ways to support other women on your team or in your network.
Technology is constantly evolving, and there will always be new opportunities for women to pursue leadership roles, but they must have the right tools and support to succeed. I hope these approaches and best practices will help women everywhere embrace and take advantage of those opportunities.
