International Women's Day Livestream: Women In Technology For Good

TL;DR

In a fireside chat, May-Li Khoe and Marta Kosarchyn, two tech leaders at Khan Academy, discuss their career journeys, the need for more women in leadership roles, and how to navigate challenges in the tech industry.

Transcript

• Hello, and welcome to Khan Academy's International Women's Day fireside chat. I am Rachel Cooke, the senior communications manager here at Khan Academy, and you are in for a treat today because we have some amazing conversation on deck with some two badass tech chicks from Khan Academy. Super excited to introduce them and talk with them today. I ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👩‍💻 The tech industry still has low representation of women, and there is a need for more inclusive and supportive environments.
• ❓ Developing resilience and learning from setbacks are essential for success in any career.
• ❓ Finding mentors, seeking diverse perspectives, and being authentic are crucial for developing effective leadership styles.
• 🧔‍♀️ Building a network of supportive women can provide encouragement and guidance throughout one's career.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did May-Li and Marta navigate their career paths in tech?

Both May-Li and Marta took non-traditional routes, exploring different roles and fields along the way. They followed their passions and were open to learning new skills, which eventually led them to leadership positions at Khan Academy.

Q: How did May-Li and Marta handle obstacles and setbacks in their careers?

May-Li and Marta emphasized the importance of resilience and self-reflection. They turned rejection and challenges into learning opportunities and focused on filling any gaps in their skills. They also sought support from mentors and surrounded themselves with supportive colleagues.

Q: How did May-Li and Marta develop their leadership styles without many female role models?

May-Li and Marta both cultivated their leadership styles by focusing on their strengths and being authentic. They learned from colleagues of all genders and sought advice from other women in leadership positions. They also prioritized creating inclusive environments that valued diversity of thought.

Q: How can individuals who prioritized family in their 20s pivot towards career growth?

May-Li and Marta emphasized the importance of being passionate about your work, learning from others, and finding mentors who can guide your professional growth. They advised focusing on problem-solving and being proactive in learning new skills to position yourself for career advancement.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• May-Li Khoe and Marta Kosarchyn share their career paths, which were filled with various roles and experiences in tech.

• They discuss the importance of having female mentors and pioneers in the industry, who inspired them to pursue their passions.

• Both May-Li and Marta highlight the struggles they faced in a male-dominated industry, including doubts about their abilities and the need to prove themselves.