Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - 37

IT is still a man's world - but only if you don't speak up.

M

y IT career has been a journey of constant
learning and personal development. I had
experience as a consultant and now work in
a large corporation, and both have required
me to master complex tasks in challenging
environments. But looking back, I think two of
the biggest lessons I've learned in my career
involve two things that you might think would be
very simple: talking and listening. Let me explain.

TALKING THE TALK

speaking education club. Maybe they could
give me more skills and self-assurance in my
speaking.

IT'S STILL NOT UNCOMMON FOR
ME TO BE THE ONLY WOMAN
IN THE ROOM, BUT BETWEEN
WHAT I'VE LEARNED ABOUT
TALKING AND LISTENING AND MY
STRONG SUPPORT NETWORK, I
NO LONGER EVEN THINK ABOUT
BEING A WOMAN WHEN I SIT
DOWN AT THE TABLE.

Of the two, I found talking the hardest when
I began my career, mostly because I was, as
women IT executives often say, "the only woman
in the room." I had the answers, I knew what
needed to happen, but when I walked into
the room and saw all those male faces, I felt
unable to share my thoughts. Having all these
men around me hampered how I thought, how
I processed information, and the things that I
would say.

That advice was spot on. Toastmasters has
made a huge difference in my life, and I would
recommend it to any leader who wants to
improve her speaking skills. I've been involved
with Toastmasters now for ten years, and I've
reached a point where I'm coaching others.

I had a conversation with my mentor about
my being guarded in such situations and he
suggested that I try Toastmasters, the public

One of the things I learned in Toastmasters is that
women will sometimes use a softer voice if they
are unsure that they are saying the right thing,
37



Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology

Contents
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Cover1
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Cover2
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - 1
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Contents
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Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Cover4
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Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Poster 1
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Poster 2
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Poster 3
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Poster 4
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Poster 5
Straight Talk Special Issue: Women in Technology - Poster 6
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