30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 18
What challenges have you faced?
s women, we inevitably encounter
challenges, but I see these challenges as
opportunities for growth. For instance,
while I was pregnant with my second child, I was
working part-time and was not in a lead role but
was still heavily involved in signi昀椀cant projects. I was
presenting a large speci昀椀cation document I had
compiled, and a contractor’s representative openly
questioned whether they would have to work with
me, directly challenging my role in front of my
colleagues and boss, who, disappointingly, did not
support me at that moment.
A
L
This was not an isolated experience and I have
encountered many other disrespectful behaviors
and each has taught me to become more resilient
and effective at coping with these situations.
Working in challenging environments, there is a risk
of perhaps becoming too tolerant or desensitised to
such disrespect, which is why I 昀椀nd mentorship and
community opportunities so valuable. Engaging with
mentors and peers not only helps navigate these
challenges but also provides a platform for mutual
learning and support. Mentorship has shown me
that professional growth involves both teaching and
learning—gaining insights from the experiences you
share and the feedback you receive. It’s about moving
forward and evolving for not just women but all
colleagues in the industry.
Instead of dwelling on the negativity, I focus on what
each experience can teach me. It has taken a lot of
courage to continue to believe in myself and my
potential, but in persisting in the profession, I have
gained the respect and trust of the teams that I have
worked with. I have worked hard and tried my best
to make myself available to every opportunity.
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ife experiences give you humility, and also the
ability to be open and curious, without fear.
This continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and
applying new knowledge is vital not just for navigating
professional challenges but also for personal growth
and development. For any newcomer into the industry
I would emphasise how important it is to be present,
be visible and believe in yourself.
