{"id":617009,"date":"2023-03-12T08:57:22","date_gmt":"2023-03-12T13:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.sellorbuyhomefast.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/12\/women-on-boards-how-to-get-there-how-to-flourish-there\/"},"modified":"2023-03-12T08:57:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-12T13:57:22","slug":"women-on-boards-how-to-get-there-how-to-flourish-there","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/12\/women-on-boards-how-to-get-there-how-to-flourish-there\/","title":{"rendered":"Women on Boards: how to get there, how to flourish there"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"content-header\">\n<h2>Having a good network, listening to advice, taking on more responsibility coupled with drive and commitment can help women reach a place on the board<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-center\">\n<ul>\n<li><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i><\/li>\n<li><i data-icon=\"2\"><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"contributors-block\">\n<p><span>By<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\tBy Bev White, CEO, and Melanie Hayes Nash Squared<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n\tPublished: <span>08 Mar 2023<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section id=\"content-body\">\n<p>As International Women\u2019s Day comes round again, the technology industry continues to make slow incremental progress towards achieving a healthy gender balance. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nashsquared.com\/dlr-2022\">2022 Nash Squared Digital Leadership Report<\/a> showed that 14% of digital leaders are women. This is far below where it should be \u2013 but nevertheless it is the highest proportion we\u2019ve recorded yet. The hope must be that as the pipeline fills from below, the rate of change will speed up.<\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, how can talented women in technology break through that ceiling and reach a Boardroom position? The recently published FTSE annual Women Leaders Review found that 40% of FTSE 350 Board positions are now occupied by women \u2013 this is really encouraging progress, especially as the target has been reached three years early. So, how can we see similar results in tech Boardrooms specifically? And how can women make their mark and flourish there, acting as wayfinders for others to follow?<\/p>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Getting there\">\n<h3><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i><b>Getting there<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s important to appreciate that there are no easy paths to the Board \u2013 for either men or women. It\u2019s tough and competitive to make it up the corporate ladder. And there are trade offs that need to be made. Getting to a senior executive position means devoting a significant portion of your life to work, and that almost inevitably means some impacts on other areas. This applies whether you\u2019re a woman or a man, are in a couple or are single, have children or not, or have other hobbies, interests and passions. Whoever you are, you\u2019ll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t create a good work-life balance and have a rounded life. But it does mean hard work, commitment and a genuine drive to perform highly.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Another key point, therefore, is to do your homework and make sure getting to a senior position is what you really want. Some people, of both genders, reach mid-career and realise that actually they\u2019re happy in a middle management position or would rather go deeper into a specialism than try to climb higher on the seniority ladder. That\u2019s a completely valid decision.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0If you do want to make it to the Board position, then there are a number of things that could really help you on the way. For women in particular, having a good network around you of colleagues inside the business or external contacts who you can turn to for advice, support and encouragement is invaluable. Join a women\u2019s network or indeed other specialist groups relevant to your field. In particular, see if you can find a mentor (who could be of either gender) to act as a sounding board, coach and guide. Having a woman mentor who has followed this path is helpful though as they can speak from a point of knowing the challenges and the opportunities and offer practical advice. At those times when you\u2019re experiencing doubt, you feel like you\u2019ve hit a brick wall or you\u2019re having to deal with new and unfamiliar things, the wisdom and experience of a mentor can help you push on through and keep growing.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0The advice and support of others is golden \u2013 but it\u2019s also essential to stay true to yourself. Don\u2019t try to be something you\u2019re not. Find a way of working where you\u2019re comfortable with yourself, but are also pushing yourself to develop. Don\u2019t be afraid to speak up when you encounter poor behaviours either. Don\u2019t let sexism or other unacceptable attitudes perpetuate themselves by staying silent.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Finally, related to this, you can\u2019t just expect that the next step will simply come. The reality is that we still don\u2019t live in an equal and inclusive world. It\u2019s not a level playing field. So you\u2019ll need firstly to be patient and secondly to put your hand up for responsibilities that may go over and above your current role \u2013 offering to lead a project for example or to chair a committee. It\u2019s a bit like at school where extra-curricular activities gain you credits. Show a willingness to take on new challenges and opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Flourishing there\">\n<h3><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i><b>Flourishing there<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>So you got there? Congratulations! But what now\u2026?<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Taking up a Board position can feel strange and unfamiliar. It\u2019s a bit like watching a sport you don\u2019t know much about \u2013 baseball, for example. You sit there and think, \u201cWhat are the rules here? What does good look like? And who\u2019s actually winning?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Just so in the Boardroom. You\u2019ve got to get your bearings and understand the rules of the game. This means carrying on all the qualities that probably helped you get there \u2013 being inquisitive, curious, asking questions, digging deeper. It also means that you don\u2019t just accept what\u2019s in front of you. After all, you joined the Board to make a positive impact and contribution. Some Boards are dominated by certain characters. If women are in the minority, they (and the quieter men) may find it hard to get a word in edgeways. If that\u2019s the case, do something about it \u2013 go to the chairman, for example, and flag your dissatisfaction and that you want to contribute more. They\u2019ll probably give you first slot at the next meeting!<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Strive to make a positive and proactive contribution. Be prepared for the fact that, if you\u2019re going to have an impact, this may mean suggesting new things that could meet with some opposition. Again, it comes down to being confident and comfortable in your own skin.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Remember also that Boards succeed or fail together. The best Boards are a collaborative unit, working together for the best interests of the business. Play a full part in that, bring the best of yourself to every discussion, and be prepared to listen and learn \u2013 and you\u2019ll find yourself continuing to learn and grow as a professional.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Make yourself available to other women, too. Don\u2019t be one of those who are accused of \u2018pulling up the ladder\u2019 behind them. Be prepared to act as a mentor; give time to emerging talent; be a voice for women in the business.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-menu-title=\"Door ajar?\">\n<h3><i data-icon=\"1\"><\/i><b>Door ajar?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>There is still nothing like enough progress in getting women to the Boardroom \u2013 and ethnic minority representation is arguably even worse. However, there are signs of things moving slowly in the right direction. It\u2019s the responsibility of all leaders to own the issue and create the channels to bring more diverse talent through at all levels including the C-suite. This should be an agenda item in itself at every Board meeting.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0It\u2019s still harder for women than men to reach the top echelons. However, the feeling is growing that, if you push at the door in the right way, it may just open.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<i>Bev White, CEO, and Melanie Hayes, Operating Board member, Nash Squared<\/i><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"DigDeeperSplash\">\n<h4>\n\t\t\t<i data-icon=\"m\"><\/i>Read more on IT jobs and recruitment<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/podcast\/Podcast-2022-compliance-preview-GDPR-goes-global\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero Images\/Compliance-fotolia_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero%20Images\/Compliance-fotolia_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero%20Images\/Compliance-fotolia.jpg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Podcast: 2022 compliance preview \u2013 GDPR goes global<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/adshead_antony2018.jpg\" alt=\"AntonyAdshead\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Antony\u00a0Adshead<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/opinion\/Gartner-Four-ways-women-can-drive-a-more-inclusive-workplace\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero Images\/women-diversity-adobe_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero%20Images\/women-diversity-adobe_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/ComputerWeekly\/Hero%20Images\/women-diversity-adobe.jpeg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Gartner: Four ways women can drive a more inclusive workplace<\/h5>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/news\/252507308\/Stop-being-apologetic-for-differing-skillsets-says-Most-Influential-Woman-in-UK-Tech-2021\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/German\/article\/women-meeting-whiteboard-adobe_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/German\/article\/women-meeting-whiteboard-adobe_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/German\/article\/women-meeting-whiteboard-adobe.jpg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Stop being \u2018apologetic\u2019 for differing skillsets, says Most Influential Woman in UK Tech 2021<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Clare-Ellen-McDonald-140px.jpg\" alt=\"ClareMcDonald\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Clare\u00a0McDonald<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"DigDeeperItem-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/blog\/WITsend\/Visible-role-models-key-to-tackling-the-digital-skills-shortage\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/digdeeper\/4.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/digdeeper\/4_searchsitetablet_520X173.jpg 960w,https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/visuals\/digdeeper\/4.jpg 1280w\" alt ><\/p>\n<h5>Visible role models key to tackling the digital skills shortage<\/h5>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ttgtmedia.com\/rms\/computerweekly\/Clare-Ellen-McDonald-140px.jpg\" alt=\"ClareMcDonald\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><span>By: <span>Clare\u00a0McDonald<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/opinion\/Women-on-Boards-how-to-get-there-how-to-flourish-there\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><br \/>\n Qiana Guillemette<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having a good network, listening to advice, taking on more responsibility coupled with drive and commitment can help women reach a place on the board By By Bev White, CEO, and Melanie Hayes Nash Squared Published: 08 Mar 2023 As International Women\u2019s Day comes round again, the technology industry continues to make slow incremental progress<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":617010,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34599,46,999],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-617009","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-boards","8":"category-technology","9":"category-women"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617009","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=617009"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/617009\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/617010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=617009"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=617009"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=617009"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}