Mapping change: the future of women in leadership
Five Theydoers talk about their experiences as women in leadership and how we can shape an inclusive future at Theydo.
In an ideal world, leadership opportunities are equitable, allowing anyone with the ambition to drive innovation and empower others to do so, regardless of gender. Yet, despite progress, gender parity in the workplace remains an elusive goal. The latest Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum sheds light on the stark reality: while women make up 42% of the global workforce, they hold only 32% of senior leadership roles and 28% of C-suite leadership roles—with a mere 6% representation of women of color in these positions.
Our commitment to DEIB
At Theydo, our journey towards a more inclusive workplace mirrors our unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). In just over a year since the establishment of our People Team, we've seen a phenomenal 500% increase in women in engineering roles and have doubled the representation of women on our senior leadership team. Moreover, our recent funding round, garnering $34M from esteemed angel investors, predominantly composed of women, is a testament to the confidence and support vested in us.
Panel discussion: Women in Leadership
To deepen our understanding of women in the workplace and explore how our male colleagues can become supportive allies, Theydo hosted a panel on Women in Leadership. The panelists, five incredible women—Alexis (Head of Sales), Vess (Head of Biz Ops), Memie (Design Team Lead), Susan (Head of SDR), and Kristina (Talent Partner at our investor, Blossom Capital)—shared their invaluable insights and strategies for personal development and career progression.
Imposter syndrome and women in male-dominated industries
What’s real and what’s in your head? Alexis kicked off the discussion by defining imposter syndrome and its impact on individuals. She described it as a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their talent, skills, or accomplishments, feeling like frauds in their own space. She noted that women, in particular, are socialized to please and strive for perfection, which contributes to feelings of inadequacy.
She went on to discuss how this translates to the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, highlighting the lack of representation and the pressure to conform to high achievement standards. In this environment, she emphasized the importance of recognizing what can and cannot be controlled.
Alexis shared an anecdote about a woman self-editing in a professional setting, illustrating the tendency for women to hold back instead of stepping forward. She emphasized the need to be aware of behavioral patterns (both within yourself and around you) in order to eliminate assumptions and create an environment that is nurturing and inclusive.
Taking control of your narrative
Vess shared her journey of overcoming gender biases and carving her own path. She reflected on the times throughout her career where her gender seemed to overshadow her achievements, whether it was being referred to as ‘the young chick’ leading a project or having her contributions ignored.
Despite these obstacles, she highlighted the importance of taking control of her narrative and focusing on delivering impactful work. “When you control your work, you control your narrative. Don't wait for people to tell you who you are. You need to show them why you are here, what drives you, what your purpose is, and what you want to get out of something, even if it's just a meeting”. Understand your purpose, identify what unique qualities or skills you bring to the table, and demonstrate how your work contributes to the overall goals of the company or team.
Looking to the future of leadership at Theydo, Vess shared her vision for a culture where the content of a message is prioritized over the identity of the person delivering it. She also emphasized the importance of appreciating different leadership styles, to create an environment where individuals feel valued for their unique strengths and perspectives, regardless of gender or background. Vess acknowledged her role in driving these changes and committed to making them a reality within the company.
Unlocking leadership potential
Memie spoke about her experience transitioning to a leadership role for the first time, underscoring the significance of recognizing the leadership skills one already possesses (even those practiced without the formal title). She highlighted the value of building a personal advisory board comprising individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise to navigate new challenges effectively.
Memie recognized the support she has received from her advisory board, particularly in moments of uncertainty or when facing new opportunities. She emphasized the need to avoid creating an ‘echo chamber’ within the advisory board, where people may only tell you what they think you want to hear. Be sure to include individuals who are willing to give you that reality check when needed, with differing opinions to provide balanced perspectives and constructive feedback.
Mentorships and support networks
Throughout her career, Susan has been fortunate to have the guidance of mentors and support networks. One significant influence on her journey was witnessing the leadership of women CEOs early in her career. By observing and emulating their approach, Susan learned the importance of authenticity in leadership. Through real-time mentorship, these mentors encouraged Susan to voice her opinions and perspectives, fostering her confidence and growth.
Susan emphasized the value of finding mentors who resonate with one's personal style and strengths. She advised aspiring professionals to embrace authenticity and seek mentors who can bring out their best selves. "We all have different styles," Susan noted, "so look for mentors who excel in areas where you aim to grow."
In addition to mentorship, Susan has found support through participation in professional networks. She highlighted her involvement in a professional business women's group in California, tailored for women leaders in the tech industry. These networks provide a safe space for individuals to discuss challenges, seek support, and accelerate personal and professional development. She also advocated for open dialogue within safe spaces like Enterprise Resource Groups (ERGs).
How to find your voice
Kristina's journey to finding her voice in the workplace has been shaped by personal experiences and lessons learned along the way. She stressed the importance of understanding and respecting personal boundaries as a fundamental aspect of performing one's best work. Self-discipline is crucial, as slipping on boundaries can alter others' expectations.
In addition to personal boundaries, Kristina also highlighted the significance of defining your voice for the team. She advocated for establishing leadership mantras, such as ‘service leadership’ or ‘leading by example’, to guide your approach to leadership. Observe respected leaders and learn from their strategies for achieving results.
When considering your voice for the company, Kristina emphasized the importance of standing up for what matters to you. While this will, of course, vary depending on one's role within the organization, the need for clarity and conviction in advocating for important principles or initiatives remains the same.
Ultimately, Kristina underscored the value of understanding the ‘why’ behind your voice, whether you’re defending personal boundaries or guiding leadership decisions. She encouraged individuals to delve deeper into the reasons behind their approaches by continually asking themselves ‘why’, until they can articulate their arguments confidently and stand by their convictions.
Shaping a future of inclusive leadership
Reflecting on the insights shared by our panelists, it's evident that the path to inclusive leadership involves hurdles such as gender biases, imposter syndrome, and unlocking potential. At Theydo, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging, where every individual—regardless of gender or background—has an equal opportunity to excel. One thing is abundantly clear: the future of leadership is diverse, inclusive and empowering. As we continue to champion diversity and seek to empower women, we invite you to join us on this journey to transform the future of leadership.