Each year, International Women’s Day provides a chance to celebrate achievements, acknowledge ongoing struggles, and reaffirm our dedication to gender equality in leadership. As we honor the pioneering women in the fields of technology and business, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned, obstacles surmounted, and the insights that will guide future leaders.
For numerous women in technology, ascending to leadership roles comes with distinct challenges: navigating biases, validating their expertise, and striking a balance between visibility and authenticity. However, it also offers opportunities—to drive meaningful change, to mentor future generations, and to forge a legacy of resilience and innovation. To commemorate this day, ETCIO consulted some of the most inspiring female leaders in technology. If they could write a letter to their younger selves, what guidance would they offer? Their reflections create a blueprint for aspiring leaders, providing insights into the importance of confidence, strategic thinking, overcoming biases, and the necessity of visibility for career advancement.
Here’s what they would communicate to their younger selves and to every leader stepping into their power today.1. Confidence is Your Most Important Asset
Jyothirlatha B, CTO of Godrej Capital, highlights:
“True leadership is grounded in unwavering confidence, radical honesty, and assertiveness. An exceptional leader not only leads but also inspires and mentors, addressing their team’s needs with wisdom, empathy, and strength.”
Confidence is not synonymous with arrogance—it is about trust. The Center for Creative Leadership reports that 70% of effective leaders attribute their success to self-confidence and resilience. A study by Gartner indicates that confident leaders inspire more productive teams and make more decisive, strategic choices. Genuine confidence means welcoming failure as an integral part of personal growth.
2. Lead With Strategy, Not Just Tactics
Saloni Vijay, Vice President of Information Security at VOIS, Vodafone, advises:
“Leadership transcends operational management; it requires vision. Always think strategically and find ways to link technology to revenue, business growth, and risk mitigation.”
Technology leaders are now seen as more than just IT heads—they are business facilitators. According to Gartner, by 2026, 60% of CIOs will be assessed on their capability to generate revenue rather than managing IT operations. Strategic CIOs align their objectives with business priorities, ensuring their contributions tangibly affect growth. As leaders, we must transcend mere execution and consider how technology propels transformation.
3. Confronting Bias: A Shared Struggle
“One of the significant hurdles I encountered was confronting unconscious bias. There were numerous instances where I felt compelled to validate my worth more than my male colleagues,” reflects Vidya Rao, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at Genpact.
While gender bias is often discussed, various other biases—such as age, background, and industry experience—can impede leadership advancement. A report from McKinsey & Company discovered that diverse leadership teams outperform their counterparts by 36% in profitability. The takeaway? Master your craft. She recommends: “Possessing deep knowledge enables you to assert your viewpoints with confidence.”
In leadership, competence serves as your armor. The most effective way to shatter biases is through unquestionable expertise, a robust network, and a proven history of delivering value.
4. You Don’t Need to Conform to Lead
Rao asserts that, “No one is inherently a leader. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers from day one; it’s about evolving into the role, continually learning, and progressing with confidence.” She shares a significant personal insight:
“Reflecting on my journey, one of the largest hurdles I faced as a woman in leadership was maneuvering through spaces where I didn’t always embody the traditional image of what a leader ‘should’ represent. Being of average height as an Indian woman in environments filled with towering figures—both literally and metaphorically—could have been daunting. However, I never allowed that to define me.”
5. Visibility is Crucial: Work Alone Won’t Suffice
Mitali Biswas, CIO of CK Birla Hospitals, shares a lesson learned the hard way:
“I always assumed my work would gain recognition on its own, but I came to realize that you need to actively promote your achievements. Don’t take for granted that people will notice them automatically.”
This is a common misstep for many leaders. A LinkedIn survey indicates that 85% of career success derives from personal branding and networking. Mitali emphasizes: “To advance in your career, it is essential to be recognized within your organization.”
It’s not merely about self-promotion; it’s about ensuring that the impact of your work is acknowledged and understood. High achievers often assume that results alone will lead to recognition; however, the truth is that visibility plays a pivotal role in career progression.
6. Seek Mentors, Sponsors, and Allies
Leadership is not a solitary endeavor. Vijay underscores the significance of professional relationships:
“Cultivating professional connections within the workplace is equally vital; seek out sponsors and mentors who can guide and support your development.”Saloni Vijay, Vice President Information Security, VOIS, Vodafone,
As we observe International Women’s Day, these reflections serve as a reminder that leadership isn’t about conforming to a pre-established mold—it’s about carving out your own space and owning it. The pathway to leadership is laden with lessons, many learned the hard way, but each experience shapes a stronger, more impactful leader.
To all those embarking on their leadership journeys today: Advance with confidence, think strategically, and ensure your contribution is felt. The world is watching, and you are more than equipped for the challenge.
