It’s Time to Break Up the Boys' Club in Tech Leadership

Why Representation in Leadership Matters for Career Transitions?

Let’s be real:?tech leadership is still a boys’ club. Women and nonbinary individuals—especially from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds—are woefully underrepresented. Skillsoft directed a study and found that in 2023, only 14% of tech leaders were women, and women hold only 11% of executive roles in the tech industry.?These numbers are staggering, and DEI initiatives often feel like empty gestures. For tech professionals, this lack of diversity is a brick wall standing between you and the leadership roles you’re more than ready for.?

Representation in leadership isn’t just a checkbox—it’s about creating space for diverse voices to drive real change. Seasoned professionals in tech are crucial to advancing these efforts. You have the experience, the vision, and the fire; all you need are the skills and connections to break through those barriers.

But How Does This Apply to a Mid-Career Pivot?

One of the biggest obstacles during a mid-career pivot is this very lack of diverse leadership. Women, nonbinary professionals, and underrepresented groups still struggle to secure their seat at the table, keeping the industry stuck in a loop of familiar thinking. Add to that the chaos of constant company culture shifts and buzzwords like “agile” and “innovative.” For seasoned professionals, keeping up can feel exhausting. Then there’s burnout—after years of managing teams and delivering results, the spark can start to fade. And let’s not forget the juggling act of personal responsibilities like family, finances, and self-care.

But here’s the good news: 73% of women are considering a career change, seeking better work-life balance and more fulfillment. These challenges are also opportunities—especially for those from underrepresented groups ready to push boundaries and reshape the game.

So, how can you pivot with purpose? Start by reassessing your goals—whether it’s stepping into leadership or diving into new fields like AI. Upskill in high-demand areas like cybersecurity or AI, and leverage available resources. Build a strong network by connecting with mentors and advocates who can guide your transition.

Read the full article on navigating a tech career pivot.