Women in Tech: Empowering the Next Generation in Your Executive Encore

Women have been breaking barriers in the tech industry for the past few decades. Many of these trailblazing leaders are approaching their Executive Encore phase and remastering their lives and work to nurture the development of the next generations of women in STEM.

In this blog, we will explore empowering women in tech and senior executives transitioning from corporate, bridging their technical and leadership skills for success in their executive encore by continuing to contribute their knowledge and experience.

We are witnessing rapid advancements and innovation led by dedicated women leaders standing at the forefront, weaving their hard-earned technical skills with innate leadership abilities to drive positive change. Yet, beyond the demands of board rooms and exciting product launches lies a unique phase of their careers and lives— their "Executive Encore." This is a stage where fulfillment manifests not through personal and professional milestones but through intentionally empowering the next generation of women. They have invested in their careers and are now paying it forward. As these women transition from the corporate world, they create a lasting legacy and find fulfillment through their extended roles as mentors, coaches, and advocates for women engineers and professionals.

Mentorship is crucial during their transition in personal and professional leadership. By sharing their extensive experience, women who have excelled in technical skills and leadership can inspire competence and vision in younger professionals, especially those aspiring to follow a similar path. This mentorship not only empowers these emerging talents but also enhances women's overall validation and value in their professions. This knowledge transfer is crucial for personal and collective development and for cultivating an inclusive culture in the tech industry, where diversity is celebrated and diverse perspectives contribute to business success. These experienced women professionals exemplify the importance of women's perspectives and leadership in historically male-dominated industries.

I remember my discomfort of sitting across from an IT Director in a boardroom primarily dominated by men, where women's contributions were often overlooked, trivialized, or credited to a male colleague. That was three decades ago, and unfortunately, not an isolated experience for women. However, little did he realize that his behaviour would ignite a determination among the women present, including myself, to claim our seats at the hi-tech table and ensure our voices were heard. We were determined to pass that resolve on to the women who came after us as their mentors.

Establishing a mentoring relationship during the Executive Encore phase can be immensely rewarding. It allows seasoned women leaders to reflect on their journeys, showcasing the connection between past achievements and future aspirations. By serving as role models, these leaders impart invaluable insights, empowering their mentees to recognize their potential and navigate the complexities of career advancement while living fulfilling lives. Furthermore, mentorship cultivates an environment where innovation flourishes as diverse ideas and fresh perspectives come together.

Ultimately, for women entering their Executive Encore, intentional knowledge transfer and mentoring are a testament to their lasting legacy. They immortalize their contributions while laying the groundwork for future innovations. In this two-way street of mentorship, both mentor and mentee experience growth—one by imparting wisdom and insight and the other by embarking on a journey enriched by guided learning. Through such endeavours, these mentors create ripples of change, ensuring that the torch of progress is always passed on, brightly illuminating the paths of women who follow.

Personal Stories

Sairan Aqrawi. In a recent video podcast interview, my guest, Sairan, described her journey in the tech industry as one of resilience, transformation, and dedication. Like other women in tech, Sairan faced challenges that tested her technical skills and adaptability early in her career. There was a pivotal moment when Sairan was entrusted with leading a project that involved integrating emerging technologies with existing systems. Her approach was not just about leveraging her technical expertise but also about fostering a team spirit and encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones - especially women. By cultivating a supportive environment and encouraging innovative thinking, Sairan and her team successfully completed the project ahead of schedule, earning applause from senior leadership. This project solidified her belief in the power of mentorship and the importance of nurturing talent within her team.

Patricia. My journey has taken an inspiring turn as I embrace my Executive Encore. My dedication to mentoring women entrepreneurs of all ages has opened a unique opportunity to impact the entrepreneurial landscape. By engaging with accelerator programs designed for aspiring female business leaders, I aim to make a meaningful difference in their journeys. My mission is all about sharing valuable business knowledge and fostering an atmosphere filled with inclusivity, innovation, and a sense of worth and belonging for women.

As I concentrate on consulting for underrepresented businesses, I am dedicated to dismantling barriers, challenging misconceptions, dispelling myths, and offering strategic guidance for sustainable growth rather than succumbing to the allure of trendy side hustles and scaling hype. Working alongside enthusiastic women in accelerator and certification programs allows me to expand my mind and share conventional wisdom and new insights into sustainable business practices that truly empower the multi-generations of women business owners.

My work isn't just about equipping mentees with essential skills; it’s about instilling the self-trust and determination needed to overcome the challenges women entrepreneurs often face. Witnessing the impact of mentorship reinforces my belief in creating pathways for success and visibility for women in the business world. Together, we can cultivate a thriving community of empowered women entrepreneurs and women in tech who are poised to reshape their industries and contribute to a more equitable economic landscape¹.

Through our narratives, Sairan and I demonstrate how purposeful mentorship and leadership can drive significant personal and professional transformation for us and future leaders who will emerge and innovate.

Let us come together and harness our collective strength as we embark on this journey during our Executive Encore years! Your voice is invaluable, and I look forward to discovering how we can empower each other and the generations that follow to create meaningful change.

Resources:

1. Explore the following link to deepen your understanding of women's economic empowerment. Facts and Figures presented by UN Women

Your Next Steps
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Listen to the podcast and watch interviews on YouTube with women continuing to contribute their leadership skills in their Executive Encore.

Are you ready to commit to making your Executive Encore the most incredible performance of your life? Contact Maestro to inquire about our Executive Encore programs. Let's remaster your encore phase, create a symphony, and celebrate the rhythm of life!

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