It’s important to understand that you don't have to figure out everything on your own; there are people who've been there and done that.
From battling societal perceptions to managing imposter syndrome, women in the corporate world continue to navigate many challenges. Often, the women we mentor have a lot of clarity in what they want to accomplish and yet continue to question their abilities and hesitate to seek help. As a result, many might not give themselves an opportunity to realize their dreams.
Despite being leaders in two completely different domains, our journeys have been contrasting, yet our experiences are similar. We wanted to share a few lessons from our experience that have helped us, and we hope they do the same for other women.
Vice President, Engineering,
Target in India
Be open to diverse career options: Your path to reaching your professional goals may be different from others around you. When presented with a new opportunity at work, it is essential to ask yourself, “What is it that I bring to the table and what do I get to learn?” Over the years, we’ve learnt that every career experience, every learning and every relationship built will set you up for success. The more diverse your experiences, the more confident you are to seek new challenges.
Be your own advocate: Being intentional about your career means figuring out what you want to do and being a strong advocate for yourself. Advocating for yourself does not mean being self-centred – it shows confidence and conviction in your beliefs. Voice what you need at every step and understand the power that lies in your choices to help you achieve your professional goals.
Lean on your tribe: It’s important to understand that you don’t have to figure out everything on your own; there are people who’ve been there and done that. And they are ready to help, but we need to reach out to them. Leverage their experiences, learn from them, and lean on them through your professional journey.
Vice President, Inventory Management & Supply Chain Operations,
Target in India
Invest in your career – We need to think of our development as an investment in our career – whether its spending time learning a new skill, staying informed about current happenings in our domain, or meeting others in the industry. By being intentional about our development, we are, in effect, investing in ourselves.
At any given time, there may be instances that can demotivate you – for example, a delayed promotion, or personal priorities that need immediate attention. Don’t let these derail you. Instead, leverage your support system. Think of your career as a marathon rather than a sprint and remain focused.
Don’t let your career be optional or second to anything else. Remember that the tone you set at the beginning of your career journey will help you achieve your true potential as an impactful leader. Your career is as important as everything else you do in life.
