What if you could work in a technology company where women are not only valued, but also supported? Where you can develop your skills, advance your career and have a positive impact on the world?
SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
A Statista report from 2023 states that the proportion of female leaders in technology companies worldwide peaked at 14% in 2022. Although this represents progress - in 2015 the figure was 8% - this statistic shows a significant leadership gap that is more evident in the technology sector than in many other industries.
With 41% women in the workforce and 26% female leaders, All for One CX is redefining the standards of the technology industry. These figures reflect All for One CX's ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Gerlinde Wiest-Gümbel, Managing Director at All for One CX
The WOMEN IN TECH-Initiative at All For One CX
Inspired by the experiences of Gerlinde Wiest-Gümbel, Managing Director at All for One CX, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the company was motivated to take action.
Sandra Kaupa, Marketing Expert at All for One CX, says: "During a coffee, Gerlinde told us her story. Hearing how she had to assert herself in a patriarchal industry and suffered from impostor syndrome despite her obvious skills and successes was the spark that ignited our WOMEN IN TECH initiative."
Launched in May 2023, the initiative is part of the Group-wide WOMEN@ALLFORONE network, which provides inspiration, networking and training for female talent within the Group. Its family-friendly policies include flexible working hours and remote opportunities to enable women and men to develop their careers at the All for One Group without compromising their family commitments.
"All for One CX's WOMEN IN TECH is more than just showcasing achievements in our own organisation," Sandra continues, "It's about creating a space for women to find their voice and providing a platform to share their stories to inspire other women and give actionable advice. Encouraging them to embrace their differences and have the confidence to aspire to leadership positions. Also, to inspire women to enter the tech industry. To show them what is possible in tech companies that truly embrace gender equality.
A FEMALE TECH EXECUTIVE'S JOURNEY FROM SELF-DOUBT TO SELF-EMPOWERMENT
A recent study by KPMG found that 75% of female executives in various industries have experienced Impostor Syndrome at some point in their careers. Impostor syndrome is the experience of doubting one's own abilities or achievements, despite obvious successes.
All for One CX's Managing Director Gerlinde says: "I often felt shadowed by my male colleagues, despite being a top student and achieving success in my career."
Her initial strategy was to model herself on her male colleagues by swapping her colourful fashions for suits in muted colours. However, Gerlinde soon realised the power of her uniqueness. "I learnt that my femininity brought a different, much-needed perspective to our workspace. It was about accepting that I stood out, not trying to fit in".
THE POWER OF AUTHENTICITY AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF IMPERFECTION
Gerlinde emphasises the importance of authenticity and accepting your own imperfections. "Understanding that Impostor Syndrome is part of the professional journey can actually fuel the pursuit of excellence. It's not a weakness, it's a recognition of ambition. Building a robust network is critical to overcoming feelings of loneliness and recognising that even the most successful women have doubts and insecurities. In fact, leaders and employees of all genders do."
"I used to admire women in technology who seemed flawless. Now I understand the power of being a role model who embraces imperfection. As a mother, wife and female leader in tech, I think it's important to openly share my challenges and struggles."
"Women need to remember that everyone has weaknesses, even those who appear perfect on the outside. Self-confidence comes from being aware of our strengths. Let's not be afraid of differences. We can't stand out just by the way we look. Standing out as the colourful ball in a basket of grey balls is actually an advantage."
Gerlinde believes that the visibility and accessibility of female leaders in tech is a game changer for other women. "Seeing women in leadership positions and having them as mentors is inspiring. It makes the leadership career path more attainable and less intimidating."
BUILDING A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
The WOMEN IN TECH initiative is growing beyond its original scope and is developing into a larger, more networked programme. Sandra Kaupa says: "It's amazing how this initiative is blossoming. We have started to network with other 'Women in Tech' groups, such as the one at SAP and DSAG (the largest German-speaking SAP user group). The idea is to learn from and support each other".
This collaborative approach extends to United VARs, an alliance of more than 70 SAP partners working together on global SAP implementations. "Having United VARs support our initiative is a game changer. It really helps to raise the visibility of women in technology in our wider global SAP partner network," she adds.
Sandra explains: "We're not just about events or meetings. We are building a community that values diversity and inclusion. It's about creating a space where everyone, men and women, feel part of something meaningful."
Do you have questions for Gerlinde? Then simply network with her on LinkedIn ;-)
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Feb 27, 2024 9:40:53 AM
