An Unconventional Path to IT
Building a career in IT isn’t always a straight path. For some, it’s a lifelong passion. For others, like me, it’s a second career—one that followed an unexpected journey through opera singing and business before landing in private equity and, ultimately, IT. This unconventional path has given me a unique perspective on the industry, especially as a woman navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
The Challenges: Competence vs. Likability
One of the most persistent challenges women in IT face is the balance between competence and likability. Technical expertise and confidence are essential to being taken seriously, yet interpersonal skills must be carefully honed to avoid the “likability gap.” Women are often held to an unspoken standard—expected to be both highly skilled and approachable, authoritative yet agreeable. Striking this balance can be exhausting, but it’s a reality many of us face.
Advice for Aspiring Female IT Leaders
If I could give one piece of advice to women looking to advance in IT leadership, it would be this: Find the helpers. Mr. Rogers famously said, “Look for the helpers,” and that wisdom applies here. Seek out the people who recognize your contributions, who support your visibility, and who value your work. These allies—mentors, sponsors, and peers—can make all the difference in your career growth. And once you’ve found success, pay it forward. Be the helper for the next generation of women in IT.
Moving Forward Together
This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrates the collective strength and influence of women dedicated to mentorship, education, and leadership. But there’s a hard truth we need to acknowledge: Some of the most talented women in IT remain on the sidelines.
Too often, women with immense potential are stuck in supporting roles, making others look good while their own contributions go unnoticed. They’re passed over for leadership because their collaborative or supportive leadership style doesn’t fit outdated expectations of “executive presence.” These women are not lacking in ability—they’re lacking in opportunity.
Great leaders don’t just rise to the top; they lift others with them. We need to actively seek out the women whose talents are being overlooked, mentor them, and create pathways for their success. Leadership isn’t about individual achievement—it’s about empowering those around us.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s commit to moving forward together, not just in words but in action. Who are you mentoring? Who are you lifting up? Because when women support women, we all win.
