Tips by the Leading Women in Today’s Tech World

Technology is still a testosterone-infused industry. So, how to make it to the top? Some of today’s most successful female leaders share their insights…

Be heard

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”
– Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook

Seize opportunities

“Life doesn’t always present you with the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. Opportunities come when you least expect them, or when you’re not ready for them. Rarely are opportunities presented to you in the perfect way, in a nice little box with a yellow bow on top… Opportunities, the good ones, they’re messy and confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.”
– Susan Wojcicki, CEO YouTube

Believe

“When you enter tech, you realize that there are more men than women. You can’t deny that. But, I don’t think you can make that an obstacle. You can’t get deterred as a female founder knowing that’s the landscape. You need to ignore the naysayers and surround yourself with investors who believe in you, believe in your idea, believe in the market you’re going after, and believe in your ability to execute, most importantly.”
– Rachel Tipograph, Founder and CEO of MikMak

Get out of your comfort zone

“You always have to do something that puts you in a zone you don’t know. Someone once told me growth and comfort do not coexist. And I think it’s a really good thing to remember.”
– Ginni Rometty, Chairwoman, President and CEO of IBM

Know who you are and what you want

“Understand what your motivators are and work to identify what you want to get out of your career, what you want to give in your career, and what you want to avoid. You truly need to know yourself and make decisions accordingly.”
– Rebecca Jacoby, Cisco Senior VP and CIO

Dare to fail

“There will be times when you fail. Or nearly fail. But be creative, be fearless and try, try again. During my career, I have heard ‘no’ from people who I needed to hear ‘yes’ from, and I have made mistakes that set me back. But it always made me more determined and more resourceful and with that you gain confidence and success.”
– Neelie Kroes, former European Commissioner for Digital Agenda, Former Head of StartupDelta

Save the date

Get more top tips from successful female tech entrepreneurs at ‘Amsterdam Talks Women in Tech’ on October 11. Reserve your tickets here.