30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 42
How do you see the role of women evolving in
the industry?
What are the characteristics of the women you
admire in the industry?
think many of us women really underestimate the impact we make and the value
we bring to the table, particularly in the data centre industry. Re昀氀ecting on my own
experience, it took me almost a decade to realize the breadth and depth of my
network and the high regard in which I’m held. This realization was eye-opening and
somewhat humbling. It often makes me wonder if they’re really talking about me,
which illustrates how much we might undervalue our contributions.
he women I admire in the industry all share a few distinctive characteristics.
Primarily, they have a very strong focus on what they want and are relentless
in their pursuit of these goals. They don’t let setbacks deter them nor do
they allow anyone to tell them it can’t be done.
I
Moving forward, I see the role of women in the data centre space evolving
signi昀椀cantly, but it requires us to be more vocal about our achievements. We need
to share our accomplishments more openly and make ourselves visible. We can’t rely
on the assumption that our hard work will be noticed without advocacy on our part. If
we want to climb the ladder, we need to be bold and brave, actively communicating
our successes. This isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about ensuring that our
contributions are recognised and valued, which is crucial for advancing within
the industry.
From a broader perspective, I would like to see more women in leadership roles
within the data centre space, in昀氀uencing policy and strategic directions. Additionally,
fostering an environment that supports women through mentorship programs,
networking opportunities, and career development initiatives is vital. We need
structures that not only recognize the unique challenges women face but also actively
promote their professional growth.
This support can help bridge the gap between recognising our own value and having
that value recognised by others in the industry.
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These women know exactly what they want in their careers and make very wellconsidered choices that might not always make sense to the outside world but are
right for them. They focus less on how things appear (the optics) and more on the
outcomes they are striving to achieve. This approach sometimes involves tough
decisions, but they manage to navigate these challenges effectively to achieve
their objectives.
Another admirable quality is their ability to be both serious about their work and
great fun to be around, which adds a human touch to their professional image.
There is also the storytelling aspect of their leadership—how they articulate what
we are doing, why we are doing it, and the impact it has—is crucial. This ability to
communicate not just the what, but the why, engages and inspires those
around them.
All these qualities—determination, strategic decision-making, approachability, and
excellent communication—are what make these women outstanding role models in
the data centre industry. They not only achieve their goals but also pave the way for
others in the industry, demonstrating what is possible through hard work and
focused leadership.
