Celebrating tech leadership journeys at the WomenWiseRise event
Last week, our London office was buzzing with energy as WomenWiseRise hosted an inspiring panel event, bringing together women who are technology, data and transformation leaders from across a range of industries to discuss their journeys, challenges, and insights.
This event, organised by Kalina Tomova, Mariam Naskidashvili and Natalie Whittlesey, was all about connecting female leaders in tech and data to share their career stories, discuss their transitions to leadership, and offer real-world advice on career advancement.
The WomenWiseRise community focuses on fostering supportive connections and empowering women in tech, data and transformation through mentorship, open discussions, and shared learning. This event featured a panel of inspiring tech leaders who spoke candidly about their career paths and offered insights into what it takes to thrive at the C-suite level.
Moderated by Natalie Whittlesey, C-Suite Engagement Director of The IN Group, the panel explored leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Take a look at the key takeaways and themes:
Building a career in tech: the importance of curiosity and adaptability
Liz shared how her journey started in data entry and evolved into significant roles at KPMG and Clarion Events. Liz highlighted that "a job became a career" when she pursued new challenges with a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Her advice for those aspiring to leadership? Stay relentlessly curious and willing to “roll with the punches,” a mantra that allowed her to grow and explore new avenues in the tech industry.
Carole echoed this sentiment by emphasising the power of curiosity. Moving from publishing to consulting, she found herself drawn to new roles by continuously asking questions, solving problems, and being unafraid to take risks. Her career has been defined by her willingness to “stick her hand up” and tackle the unknown, illustrating how embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.
Navigating the C-Suite: shifting roles and overcoming isolation
For many women in technology leadership roles, the transition to the C-suite presents unique challenges. Liz reflected on the importance of “delivering through others,” underscoring how leadership at this level is about empowering teams to drive results. She noted that aligning personal goals with commercial objectives is crucial when making decisions that impact the business as a whole.
Carole also spoke about the isolation that can accompany C-suite roles, candidly advising attendees to “be careful what you wish for.” She emphasised the importance of having a network of mentors and colleagues, not only for support but for honest feedback on how to tackle difficult issues. The ability to connect with others and learn from their experiences is vital when navigating the pressures and responsibilities of the boardroom.
Embracing diverse perspectives and managing bias
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) emerged as a significant topic, with Liz advising women to “vocalise what you want.” She encouraged attendees to seek support, communicate openly about their goals, and reset expectations as needed. Carole and Nadine echoed the need to address DEI actively, sharing their own experiences of working in male-dominated environments. Nadine reflected on her journey of managing an all-male team, often older and more experienced, noting how she learned to leverage her unique perspective to build successful teams.
Key takeaways on leadership and well-being
As part of the event’s Q&A, attendees also asked how to handle burnout, a topic many tech professionals encounter. Nadine reminded everyone that “balance doesn’t exist in the way we’d like to think,” urging the importance of being selective about commitments. Carole added that focusing on tech’s impact on the business, rather than getting caught up in all technical details, can help leaders make better decisions while preserving their energy.
The panel concluded with insights into the power of having a sponsor in one’s career. Most panellists agreed that having a sponsor is instrumental in advancing to leadership roles, as they provide both guidance and advocacy within an organisation.
Building a supportive community for women in tech
The WomenWiseRise event highlighted the invaluable support that communities like this, and also sister group WomenWiseData. provide to women. With leaders like Liz, Carole, and Nadine openly sharing their journeys, attendees gained practical insights and felt empowered to tackle their own challenges. From learning to communicate goals effectively to building a robust professional network, the event reaffirmed that through shared experiences, we can inspire and lift each other up.
To learn more about our WomenWise communities and how you can get involved, contact founder Kalina Tomova.