Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 48
Where do you see your career going next?
I’ve asked myself this question a lot, especially because I feel like I’ve
grown quite quickly in a relatively short space of time. At my core, I am
a worker bee. I enjoy doing the work. My current role however has really
shown me that I don’t have to stay in that space. I can lead and think
strategically. A lot of what I do now is strategy, working with the C-suite,
shaping direction rather than just executing on it.
I’m also learning how to loosen the reins a bit and allow other people to
step in, to take ownership, to grow. That’s part of how I see growing as a
leader. I want to nurture people and develop the next cohort of “worker
bees”, and help them grow into their own roles.
There’s also a personal element to it. I’ve spent most of my career in
male-dominated industries, often being the only woman in the room.
You do have to prove yourself in different ways, and there can sometimes
be an unspoken question of why you are there.
In crypto, I did a lot of speaking, and part of me sometimes wondered
whether I was being invited for my expertise or because I was the visible
woman in the room. Over time, I’ve realised the real issue is not visibility
itself, but how it is earned. I have no interest in tokenism or being
included for optics. I want to be recognised for what I know and the
value I bring. But when capable women reach those positions on merit,
that visibility does matter, because it shows others what is possible.
I want to get to a place where I’m recognised for what I know. I want to
be in a leadership position where I’m invited into the room, or onto a
stage, because of my expertise and the value I bring. That, to me, is the
important shift.
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