Being Confident and Successful as a Woman in the IT World

How do you learn to thrive as a woman in a man's world?Show more

Nikki Evans carved out a remarkable career path working in the IT world as a successful woman. She started out with a degree in psychology when a friend of hers started a software developing company.

Shortly before she graduated, the company hired her and taught her all she needed to know about software development.

That was 20 years ago. Back then she wasn't aware of the kind of obstacles she was going to face in this male dominated field.

She began working alongside male friends who were supportive and believed in the work she did. Eventually she found herself working in spaces where she was the only woman in the room.

She started to realize that she was different, asked to do things that weren't expected of her male colleagues.

These men assumed that she did not have as much knowledge about the IT world as her male peers. Her skills were often minimalized, making it a challenge for her voice to be heard. If she raised her voice, she was seen as hysterical. If the men raised their voices, they were seen as confident and assertive.

Thankfully, her male counterparts would often be an advocate for her. Unfortunately, not much has changed in the IT world even 20 years later.

In this very informative interview, find out the different ways Nikki Evans successfully navigate a male dominated field.

∙ How her confidence was diminished as a woman.

∙ How she learned to be more diplomatic and found allies who will stand with her.

∙ How she educated her male peers so they could see things from a different perspective.

∙ How she mentored other women so they could have the skills to confidently navigate male dominated fields.

∙ Why looking "overly feminine" in the IT world is perceived to be a dangerous thing.

∙ How she takes back her power to make it a win/win situation.

∙ The advice Nikki would give to her daughter if she pursued a career in a male dominated work environment.

After listening to this interview, we would love to know,

Do you associate jeans and a plain tee shirt with someone who has a higher IQ?

Where did we get this idea of wearing something pink and frilly with someone who has a lower IQ?

Here's how you can get in touch with Nikki Evans:

www.ridgelinecoaching.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ridgelinenikkievans

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Episode Keywords:

Women in tech, women in IT, women tech leaders, technology, The Million Dollar Style Show, podcast, ascension through style, The Ascension Stylist, The Reinvention Stylist, social inclusion, diversity, workplace, feminine power, personal style, personal power