In the fast-evolving tech landscape, community is crucial for women’s growth, economic empowerment, and success. Below we’ll explore how women in tech can leverage executive preparedness, mentorship and community to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions through the insights of four influential leaders involved in the Insider Circle programme from Women In Cloud.

Contributors to the discussion are: 

Cass Cooper, columnist on inclusive leadership, CRN.com; principle strategist and keynote speaker, Know Better Do Better Consulting
Niya Desai, founder of Women in the Making
Rebecca Mayville, partner marketing manager, Google
Sandhya Prabhakar, senior manager information technology, Boeing India

Here they highlight their experiences and the importance of collective support in unlocking your full potential.

Niya Desai, founder of Women in the Making, passionately said of her journey with Insider Circle: “There was a moment that defined everything for me—standing on stage at the #empowHERaccess Awards. This was the moment I felt my executive gravitas—the energy of true leadership—unleash itself fully.”

Moments like these are not only milestones but also reflections of the transformative power that a supportive community can provide.

The Insider Circle is an annual leadership programme from Women In Cloud designed to prepare women for economic opportunities while uplifting women in tech.

It exemplifies how executive preparedness, coaching and mentorship can help individuals reach their fullest potential.

“Through the Insider Circle programme, I learned that true authority doesn’t stem from just what you say, but how you make others feel,” Niya explains.

This focus on emotional resonance highlights a crucial aspect of leadership: the ability to inspire and connect. In a field often dominated by impersonal metrics and data-driven decisions, the art of listening and engaging becomes invaluable.

Rebecca Mayville, partner marketing manager at Google, emphasises this, stating “some of the best leaders are those listening,” underscoring that leadership is not solely about being heard, but also about understanding and empowering others.

Moreover, the sense of camaraderie fostered within these communities leads to a culture of mutual respect and support.

Sandhya Prabhakar, senior manager at Boeing India, reflects on her experience, stating: “What truly sets apart is the way individuals lift up each other with mutual respect and support irrespective of their positions at career stages.”

This sentiment is echoed across the board, as women learn not only from formal training but also from each other’s experiences and insights. The act of lifting one another creates an environment where everyone can thrive, illustrating the profound impact of community on individual growth.

In a tech industry often perceived as isolating, these communities serve as a lifeline, providing the executive preparedness, coaching and mentorship necessary to navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

Cass Cooper, a columnist on inclusive leadership, notes the distinction between gravitas and executive presence, emphasising that “gravitas is more about dependability, consistency, confidence, and being viewed as a trusted authority”.

By fostering an understanding of these qualities within a community setting, women can cultivate the skills that not only enhance their professional presence but also contribute to a more inclusive and supportive tech landscape.

In essence, the journey of women in tech is enriched by community—a space where mentorship flourishes, relationships are built, and potential is realized. As women lift each other, they collectively rise, transforming not only their individual careers but also the very fabric of the industry itself.

Providing a support system for goal achievement

The role of community in achieving goals cannot be overstated. Niya Desai reflects on her journey, stating, “before I joined, it felt like I was moving through my career on an island, where wins were celebrated in isolation and failures were shouldered alone”.

This stark contrast highlights the profound difference a supportive community can make. With the Insider Circle, Niya discovered a tribe that not only celebrated her victories but also offered real accountability and guidance during challenging times.

“We rise by lifting each other,” she emphasises, capturing the essence of collective empowerment that propels members toward their goals.

Cass Cooper echoes this sentiment, explaining: “Community is building relationships we need, as we need it.”

She shares how the Insider Circle has transformed her perspective on support, especially after the pandemic, stating: “We are building a cohort of people, women, who want us all to win—to build—to grow into the best version of ourselves.”

The environment fosters a spirit of collaboration and encouragement, where each member pushes one another to excel, creating a ripple effect of growth.

Sandhya Prabhakar adds: “when women genuinely lift one another up, it fosters an empowering, inclusive environment which drives both personal and professional growth.”

In this way, community not only supports individual ambitions but also cultivates a collective strength that leads to shared success in the tech industry.

Thought leadership preparation

Engaging in community initiatives or groups such Insider Circle can also catalyze personal growth and thought leadership among women in tech.

Niya Desai recalls a pivotal experience with the Insider Circle, stating: “One of the most pivotal moments for me was the opportunity to do video campaigns and interviews for Hollyshorts during the screening of ‘ICONS.’”

This experience allowed her to expand her platform and discover new capabilities, transforming her from a podcast host into a “true media personality”.

Niya reflects “our voice is our most powerful tool, and how we wield it defines the impact we make,” illustrating how the community pushed her to explore new avenues for self-expression and influence.

Cass Cooper highlights a similar evolution, noting: “Being a part of the Insider Circle has made me aware of the ways those experiences make me unique, but also how they are a strategic advantage as a business thought leader.”

This awakening has allowed her to embrace her diverse background as a source of strength, positioning her for greater impact. Likewise, Rebecca Mayville shares how her involvement has reinvigorated her sense of purpose, stating: “The energy that flows in this community is exactly the kind of energy I need to remind myself that I am worthy of my own attention.”

Through these experiences, members of the Insider Circle are not only enhancing their professional skills but also fostering a robust sense of identity and leadership that will propel them into future opportunities.

What advice would they offer to women in tech:

As women navigate their careers in the tech industry, the wisdom shared by these leaders offers invaluable guidance. Niya Desai emphasises the importance of self-empowerment, saying: “Own your narrative and never shrink to fit a smaller space.”

She encourages women not to wait for validation or permission, urging them to “create your own lane” and embrace opportunities with confidence. Her message is clear: “The only validation you need is your own belief in your worth.”

Cass Cooper echoes this sentiment, advising women to seek out supportive communities: “Get in the Insider Circle—or any other group that will champion you as you advance your career.”

She reinforces the idea that collaboration is essential, reminding us, “if you want to go far, you must go together”.

Surrounding oneself with inspiring women can be a powerful antidote to the challenges of a male-dominated industry.

Sandhya Prabhakar offers practical advice too: “Stay confident in your abilities and seek opportunities to learn and grow.”

She emphasises the importance of mentorship and the ripple effect of uplifting others, highlighting that “giving back to the community can create a ripple effect of empowerment and success”.

Rebecca Mayville wraps up this collective wisdom by urging women to “surround yourself with the most inspiring people you can find”.

She notes the importance of finding those who are positive and generous with their expertise, adding: “And once you find those people, don’t ever let them go!”

Together, these insights form a powerful call to action for women in tech: to own their journeys, seek out supportive networks, and lift each other as they rise.

Conclusion

These remarkable women exemplify the critical role of mentorship and community in their journeys to success, showcasing how collaboration can lead to transformative growth. Their stories highlight the value of rising together and ensuring that no one is left behind, fostering an environment where every woman can thrive.

For those looking to join this empowering movement, Women in Cloud’s Insider Circle offers an executive preparedness program and supportive community dedicated to championing women in tech. To learn more and become a part of this inspiring network, visit Women In Cloud’s Insider Circle. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and successful future in technology.