Tea, Talks and Tech: Equity for Women in Tech Breakfast | by Tee Moyo

Who Knew Discussing the Journey of Women Working in Tech Paired So Well with Pastries and Breakfast Muffins? 

Enjoy a cuppa as I detail the highlights of the discussions had over a delicious breakfast at Multiverses Equity for Women in Tech Breakfast. (In case you are wondering, we had sweet potato hash with avocado, smoked tomato salsa and crumbled feta. It was incredible!!) In this blog, I wish to share with you the following: 

• What was the purpose of all of us coming together?
• Why is it important for women to have equity in tech? 
• What were the key takeaways from the discussions had and shared? 
• Actions to TAKE 

There is always a misconception that only women come together and benefit from celebrating International Women’s day. Contrary to this misconception, the room was filled with diverse identities, genders, races and professional backgrounds, all coming together to contribute to the discussion of women in tech. 

There is an advantage of having a plethora of voices, and perspectives. Whilst you had some whose intention was to speak up, share and advocate, there were others who came to listen and learn. This is exactly how we progress and invoke change and progression as a community. I intended to gain insight into how a creative, ambitious, and energetic personality like mine can find its place in the world of tech. 

There were so many avenues to explore and luckily the conversations were guided and structured by designated facilitators, who used specific questions to incite some of the great key takeaways. 

It was pivotal to first understand why it is important for Women in Tech to have equity. It goes beyond creating equal opportunities for women. Tech is for everyone and not just for a specific profession. So, women should not be afraid to enter the world of tech. Moreover, a career in tech is not exclusive to those good with numbers or computers, but also for those who are creative, problem solvers, and good with people. This really highlights the need for more female representatives, who are as equally recognisable as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. We need women who began and grew in the tech industry, women who transitioned from different fields, and women who began their careers in tech at a later stage.

Speaking Up as a Woman

There is also a need for Women to speak up and self-advocate. Speaking up doesn’t always look like getting up on a stage and speaking into a megaphone. Speaking up can begin in a meeting room. How many times have you sat in a meeting and come up with a brilliant idea or a potential solution to a problem, and didn’t speak up? Worse still, what about when someone else comes up with that very same suggestion? It is time to stop working in fear and allow your voice to be heard. If you are unsure or not confident, it is okay- we have all been there. Back that idea up with data and evidence because nobody can argue with numbers. Learn to become your biggest supporter and shout out your achievements. 

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Sometimes shouting ourselves out can be difficult because of imposter syndrome. I know because I have gone through it myself and in the words of Sam Smith, “I know I am not the only one.” At one point or another, we have all experienced imposter syndrome whether it is because we are the most junior in the room, the newest in the team or the “only one”. Regardless, this doesn’t change the value of our contributions. And think about it; lack of experience can be increased, seniority in the workplace can be earned and equity for women in tech will increase representation. One thing that helped my imposter syndrome was learning not to fear those who are better than me, but instead be inspired and motivated by them.

You will soon find that once you conquer that fear of “looking stupid”, you begin to understand that you are not an imposter, but simply someone who is looking for a clear understanding to better do your job. We have all heard the saying “there is no such thing as a stupid question”, but is that true? The act of asking questions should not be what makes one feel unintelligent, instead, how you pose your question should be a demonstration of intelligence. There is power in transparency, as the majority of the time you are asking questions that everyone else is asking; and how you ask the questions can leave a great impression.

In your next meeting, instead of asking for repetition, try repeating what you understood, and ask for clarification or correction of your understanding. This way, you are demonstrating that you are attentive, and your intention is to leave the meeting with clarity. 

Taking Action
We spoke about why there is a need for more Women in Leadership, and why imposter syndrome isn’t so uncommon, but what actions could be taken from toast and talking? 

There is no successful woman I have met who made it without a mentor. At one point or another, they sought guidance from someone wiser, older or in a better position to help them navigate the next steps in their career. So, find yourself a mentor. My advice is to find someone in a position you wish to be in and ask them to support you in getting there as a mentor. Multiverse offers a mentorship programme, where you will be matched based on your personality. What better way to be mentored by someone who gets you? 

Continue to build your network. Do this for yourself, and others. Gain support and be supportive of others. Attend events, reach out to people, build a community around you, and share tips and advice. No one has ever not benefited from a hand up, so also be that hand that reaches out to other women.

The way forward for women is to remember to take others up with them every time we succeed. That way we can all meet each other at the top.

Tee Moyo is a Multiverse Alumnus who completed the Business Associate programme.