Career Advice I Wish I Was Given: Key Insights from Dr. Galia

Ever feel like your career is a never-ending maze, full of twists and turns that others seem to navigate with ease? If so, you're not alone. Many of us, especially women, face unique challenges and hidden biases that can make progress feel elusive and frustrating. These thoughts were front and centre during the #10KWomen: AI Advantage Bootcamp, where Dr. Galia BarHava-Monteith shared career advice that every professional woman should hear. Her insights really got me thinking, and I believe they offer valuable perspectives for anyone navigating their career.

Dr. Galia started by highlighting how the challenges we encounter in our careers often have roots in subconscious biases that start forming as early as childhood. She pointed out that in STEM fields, these biases can be particularly damaging—leading to women being 1.5 times more likely than men to leave these fields during higher education. Recognising these invisible forces is the first step toward overcoming them, making better career choices, and ultimately, thriving in our professional lives.

One of the most eye-opening moments for me was when Dr. Galia discussed the "school success formula" many of us unconsciously carry into our careers. Remember how in school, working hard, following the rules, and waiting for feedback was enough to succeed? Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work in the real world. In our jobs, feedback isn’t handed out as predictably, and waiting for recognition can often leave us feeling stuck. This really made me reflect on my own beliefs about perfection. Growing up, I thought mistakes were unacceptable, and that mindset has sometimes held me back in my career. Dr. Galia encouraged us to let go of that old mindset—embrace imperfection, actively seek feedback, and take charge of our own progression, rather than waiting for a "Career Prince Charming" to come along.

She also introduced us to the PIE framework—Performance, Image, and Exposure. I was surprised to learn that performance alone accounts for just 10% of career success, while exposure, or who knows you and your work, makes up 60%. This really drives home the importance of being visible and strategically networking to advance in our careers.

To avoid being your organisation’s best-kept secret, Dr Galia shared some practical advice: Seek out secondment opportunities, find mentors and be a mentor yourself, speak up in meetings, and make sure your contributions are seen. In today’s world of remote work, something as simple as keeping your camera on during online meetings can make a difference.

Dr. Galia also stressed the importance of focusing on what we can control. She pointed out that 86% of bosses believe a lack of exposure can harm career progression, so it’s vital to take charge of our visibility, set clear boundaries, and regularly seek feedback.

Saying no is something many of us struggle with, especially when it comes to non-promotable tasks that drain our time and energy. Dr. Galia encouraged us to set clear boundaries and practice the art of saying no so that we can focus on what truly aligns with our career goals. She also reminded us to keep a record of our achievements and to actively challenge that inner critic many of us have—a voice that can often undermine our confidence.

Finally, embracing authenticity was another key takeaway. Dr. Galia highlighted that being genuine in our interactions not only helps build our personal brand but also fosters meaningful professional relationships.

All in all, Dr. Galia’s insights offer a powerful roadmap for navigating our careers. Whether it’s understanding the biases that hold us back, focusing on what we can control, or strategically positioning ourselves for success, the advice is clear: career success is about more than just hard work. It’s about visibility, networking, and being intentional about how we present ourselves. If someone believes in you, listen to them. But most importantly, believe in yourself, embrace your imperfections, and take control of your career journey.

Thank you, Dr. Galia BarHava-Monteith for your insightful advice at the #10KWomen: AI Advantage Bootcamp. As someone in the career development field, I really valued how you brought fresh perspectives that can help professionals at all stages advance their careers!