I recently took part in a leadership training with over 100 people. Naturally, I started to notice a trend in who was speaking up. Who was asking questions. Who was overall engaged in the class. With that I began to silently survey the room. Only to notice a keen distribution that had significantly change since my more junior level trainings.
This brought to mind a chapter in a book I recently read “Burnout”. The Chapter titled “The Game is Rigged”. Emily and Amelia Nagoski opened my eyes and actually made me realize…I’m not crazy. Something is off quite off. While elated to realize it wasn’t all ‘gaslighting’ I also started to get a bit irritated. How is this possible? We’re living in this advanced age and yet change is slight and incremental.
With about 20% of technology jobs held by women, as you move up the percentage significantly drops off. I wouldn’t dare call myself a feminist. But these are facts. When you look around and stand out it’s hard to not wonder…what the hell is going on?! But the amazing fact is women are making advancements in technology.
An interesting article in Forbes: “The Unvarnished Truth About Being A Female Leader In Tech”
States: institutions need to keep up with the changing norms diverse voices and perspectives in technology. They are necessary or we run the risk of gender bias in board rooms and in artificial intelligence. The statistics are unquestionable, only 13% of fortune 500 CEOs look well…like me. In 2019, this is a sad truth. But the fact is this is not one sided.
We have to do something. We have to start fighting for what we want. Pushing forward to make a statement, whether it is liked or not. Facing each battle one day at a time. Encouraging each other to grow together.
We have to stop this Burnout.