How to Build Confidence and Visibility in Your Career: 5 Lessons from Uma Thana Balasingam

A 2023 KPMG study reveals that 75% of female executives across industries have faced imposter syndrome—that nagging sense of inadequacy and self-doubt that makes them question their qualifications, no matter their education, certifications, or training.

So, if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your role or doubted your worth, you’re not alone.?

In today’s dynamic job market, confidence and visibility are crucial to climbing the professional ladder. Yet, many professionals, especially women, shy away from the spotlight, fearing criticism or failure.

Uma Thana Balasingam’s career journey offers a fresh perspective on overcoming these challenges and thriving in any industry. A remarkable leader in the tech industry, she is known not only for her technical insight but also for her unwavering commitment to empowering women in the workplace. As the founder of Lean In Network Singapore and ELEVATE, Uma has dedicated her career to promoting gender equality and nurturing the next generation of women leaders.?

Uma’s story underscores the importance of self-promotion, mentorship and lifelong learning for career success in today’s fast-paced professional environment. Drawing from her insights shared on the Rewrite The Rules podcast, here are five steps to help career professionals and women leaders build confidence and visibility in their careers.

Step 1: Overcoming Confidence Issues

Uma’s journey to confidence, apart from overcoming challenges in tech, has been replete with societal blocks and deep personal introspection. Growing up in Malaysia, she encountered a culture that often celebrated lighter skin, leading to significant insecurities about her appearance.?

"I did not like what I saw in the mirror till I was in my thirties."?

Overcoming such ingrained beliefs required substantial mental and emotional effort.

If you’ve similarly struggled with self-confidence, Uma suggests starting with small, achievable goals. Each minor victory can gradually build a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. So, work on your confidence incrementally by tackling and celebrating each success along your career path.

Things To Do

• Set micro-goals: Break down larger career goals into manageable tasks, such as leading a small project or presenting in a team meeting.
• Celebrate wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for every achievement, like successfully closing a deal or receiving positive feedback.
• Self-reflect regularly: Keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on your strengths and areas for growth. Challenge any negative beliefs that arise.
• Positive affirmations: Start your day with affirmations reinforcing your worth and capabilities as a leader.
• Build a support network: Connect with other women executives and mentors who can provide encouragement and share their own experiences.

Step 2: Mastering the Art of Self-Promotion

Visibility in the workplace is critical. Uma emphasises the importance of self-promotion.

"This concept of working hard and hoping people will notice did not work for me. It does not work."?

Championing yourself means actively communicating your achievements and contributions. For women executives, it's essential to start by sharing your accomplishments with your immediate colleagues and gradually expand this to other teams and leadership.?

Using platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable in significantly enhancing your professional visibility.

Things To Do

• Actively communicate your achievements: Share your successes in team meetings, reports and one-on-one discussions with supervisors.
• Leverage LinkedIn: Update your profile regularly with your latest accomplishments and participate in discussions to showcase your expertise.
• Highlight your impact: When sharing achievements, focus on the specific impact your work has had on projects, teams and the organisation.
• Engage in thought leadership: Write articles or posts about industry trends and insights, demonstrating your expertise and thought leadership.
• Network strategically: Connect with key stakeholders and leaders within and outside your organisation to build a solid professional network.

Step 3: Moving Ahead with Strategic Mentorship

Mentorship is a powerful tool for professional growth, and Uma's career is a testament to the value of having supportive mentors. Her mentors provided guidance, opened doors, and helped her navigate the complexities of leadership.?

To find and utilise mentors effectively, start by identifying individuals you respect and with the experience and insights you seek. When approaching a potential mentor, be clear about what you need help with.?

Uma’s advice:

“Write this message or say this: 'I've been following your work, and I love what you do around [specific area]. I would love some help on [specific need]. Would you be able to grant 30 minutes of your time?'”

The key, thus, is to nurture long-term mentorship relationships through a series of intentional steps.

Things To Do

• Identify potential mentors: Look for individuals whose experience aligns with your professional goals and who you respect.
• Make specific requests: Clearly articulate what you need help with to make it easy for potential mentors to understand how they can assist you.
• Follow up thoughtfully: After meetings, express your appreciation and share how their advice has helped you progress.
• Build lasting relationships: Regularly seek guidance, implement their advice and keep them updated on your progress.

Step 4: Redefining Success on Your Terms

Success is a dynamic and deeply personal concept. For Uma, the definition of success evolved from merely achieving titles and financial stability to making a meaningful impact.?

"I think along the way, especially when I started Lean In Singapore, I first took real notice of impact."?

This pivotal shift in perspective led her to focus more on the broader influence of her work and the positive changes she could bring about.

For many women leaders, the traditional markers of success—such as titles, salaries, and promotions—are often emphasised. However, Uma’s journey illustrates the importance of looking beyond these conventional metrics. By prioritising the impact of her work, Uma found greater fulfilment and a deeper sense of purpose. This approach can be particularly empowering for women leaders seeking to make a difference in their fields.

To define your success, consider what is most important to you at different stages of your career.?

Things To Do

• Reflect on success: Regularly contemplate what success means to you at various stages of your leadership journey.
• Set value-aligned goals: Define personal goals that resonate with your core values and leadership vision.
• Prioritise well-being: Balance your career ambitions with your well-being to ensure long-term fulfilment and prevent burnout.
• Reassess regularly: Continuously evaluate and adjust your goals as you grow and progress, ensuring they remain relevant and meaningful.

Step 5: Embracing Lifelong Learning?

In the rapidly changing tech industry, as well as many others, continuous learning is essential for staying relevant and competitive. Uma underscores the importance of this commitment. For women leaders, this means not only keeping pace with technological advancements but also enhancing leadership and interpersonal skills.

"Sharpen your communication skills because no matter what job you do, communication skills are what's going to set you apart."?

To stay ahead, immerse yourself in learning opportunities. Engage in diverse activities to enhance your skills, stay informed about the latest trends and technologies, maintain a competitive edge and inspire your team.

Things To Do

• Leverage diverse learning opportunities: Attend workshops, webinars and conferences and enrol in online courses tailored for women leaders.
• Engage in peer learning: Join professional groups and networks to gain insights from the experiences and insights of other women leaders.
• Stay informed with industry literature: Regularly read books, journals, articles and other industry literature to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in technology and leadership.
• Develop essential skills: Focus on honing communication skills and other key competencies such as emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.

Here is the lasting truth for all women leaders: Finding confidence and visibility in your career often involves putting yourself out there, advocating for your contributions and seeking meaningful impact within your industry.?

Uma’s journey demonstrates that building confidence and visibility is not just possible but can lead to a more rewarding and impactful career. Her story underscores the importance of self-promotion, mentorship and continuous learning in achieving professional success.?

Here are the main takeaways as we see it:?

• Embrace self-promotion: Actively communicate your achievements and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to step up your visibility.
• Seek mentorship: Identify potential mentors and build meaningful relationships to guide your career growth.
• Define success personally: Regularly reassess what success means to you and set goals that align with your values.
• Commit to lifelong learning: To remain competitive, continuously enhance your skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Remember, career growth doesn’t mean sticking to one role or path indefinitely. It’s about finding a trajectory that aligns with your values, passions and evolving interests.

What are your personal insights on career growth and visibility?

We are a community focussed on helping all women executives and leaders mark, build on and highlight their professional achievements. We hope this newsletter provides clear insights on how to smoothen your path to success.

To learn more about Uma's journey, watch the full episode linked here. If you want to hear and share inspiring stories of women across Asia, reach out to me by email or on LinkedIn.