A huge thank you to Brittany Giudici, founder of Treasure Valley Women In Tech, Inc., for the incredible work you’re doing to empower and uplift women in this space—and for inviting me to join such a thoughtful and dynamic Leadership Panel discussion with the incredible & insightful Michelle Haynes (VP, GM of Services Business, In Time Tec) and Diane Bevan (President & CEO, Idaho Technology Council). The energy in the room Tuesday night during the Winter Networking Event was truly palpable, and being surrounded by a group of innovators and trailblazers was nothing short of inspiring.
Our conversation covered so much ground, from our individual paths to leadership to the unique challenges and triumphs we’ve encountered along the way. Here are a few key insights that resonated deeply with me and, I hope, will inspire you:
??Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Each of us on the panel shared how our paths have been shaped by moments of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Leadership isn’t about always having it figured out—it’s about showing up, staying curious, and learning along the way.
??Roadblocks are opportunities in disguise. From being underestimated to navigating imposter syndrome, we’ve all faced challenges that could have derailed us. But the common thread was this: we turned those moments into learning experiences, sought out mentors and allies, and used our unique perspectives to push forward.
??Celebrate your successes and own your wins. Too often, women downplay their achievements. A key takeaway from our discussion was the importance of celebrating milestones—big or small—and using them as fuel to keep going.
??For those early in your career: trust yourself. As Brittany so beautifully put it, "Ready isn't a time…it's a feeling." Sometimes, the perfect opportunity will show up before you think you’re ready. Lean into those moments, trust your instincts, and take the leap. Growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones.
I left the panel feeling deeply inspired—not only by the stories shared but by the collective drive in the room to create a more inclusive and innovative tech industry. Thank you again, Brittany, for creating this space and for reminding us all that being "ready" is a state of mind.
I also appreciate all of the attendees who stopped by afterwards to introduce yourselves & to share the amazing projects you're working on.
Huge thanks to Sarah Gounder LaRussa for the pics ??!!
Let’s keep this conversation going. What does "being ready" mean to you? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!
Check out www.tvwomenintech.org for more information on the organization!
#WomenInTech #Leadership #Innovation #JoyfulPurpose #PowerofListening
