FEMGINEER FORUM

Learning to be a Leading Lady in Tech...

Poornima VijayashankerSponsored by: Quirky & Undercurrent

June 19, 2013poornima@femgineer.com

@poornima#femgineerforum

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INTRODUCTION

• Duke University - ECE & CS • R&D Engineer @ Synopsys• Founding Engineer @ Mint• Founder of BizeeBee• Founder of Femgineer

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FEMGINEER FORUM: Learning to be a Leading Lady in Tech

Inspiration for Femgineer Forum

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FEMGINEER FORUM: Learning to be a Leading Lady in Tech

Format

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AGENDA

• LEADERSHIP IN TECH

• HOW TO TRANSITION

• SUPPORT & MENTORSHIP

• Q&A• BREAK OUT SESSION

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Why is leadership in TECH important?

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By 2020 US businesses will need1.4M

computer scientists

Credit: She++7

Based on today’s graduation rate only 30%

will be filled by American graduates

Credit: She++8

Only 19Fortune 500 Companies are run by Women

Credit: She++9

Why is it important to have ladies who LEAD?

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What does leadership look like in TECH?

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Where AND how do you START?

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TECHBusiness Engineering

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Transition.

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• ROLE: requirements

• Clarity & PRECISION

• PORTFOLIO: papers, projects, products

• STREET CRED: Stories

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What is standing in our way?

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IMPOSTER SYNDROME.

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COMPARISON

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ENVIRONMENT

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Leadership

MentorsSupport

Environment Experience

Network

MenteesChanging Landscape

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Support.

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Find a BIG brother or sister.

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1. No INVITATION? Learn to crash!

2. BE informal.

3. ASK FOR help!

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BAD experience?

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BAD environment?

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Needs and GOALS.

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Workplace Flexibility

Drawing Credit: NYTimes30

It is possible!

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Review.

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NEXT FORUM:

Staying TechnicalThoughtWorks - San Francisco

July 24, 2013

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GROUP MENTORING

Femgineer Friends

Visit femgineer.com/mentoring

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Q&A

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KEY OBJECTIVE(S) AGENDA

DELIVERABLE

BREAK OUT SESSION

Get comfortable telling stories that demonstrate leadership abilities.

30 minutes Get into groups of ~5 people.

1. Introduce yourself to the group.

2. Describe the role you’re interested in.

3. Tell the group a story that demonstrates why you are a capable leader.

4. Refine story.

5. Present.

Short presentation

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