Attending the IWD Expo was both insightful and empowering. It was a reminder that while women have made incredible strides in leadership and digital transformation, the challenges we face remain significant— but so do the opportunities to create change.
One panel session that stuck with me significantly was the Women in Digital Transformation session, not only was it great to see women of different colors lead, but it was also very affirming that they were leading in tech and have faced similar challenges.
Below is a summary of my notes from the session, I also highlighted notes from the other sessions below. Enjoy!
Challenges Women Face in Digital Transformation
The conversations at the event reaffirmed the hurdles many women encounter in leadership, particularly in the tech and digital space:
- Imposter Syndrome – That nagging feeling of not being good enough? It’s more common than we think. The key to addressing it is to know your worth, tackle each challenge head-on, and build a track record of excellence.
- Mansplaining & Proving Ourselves – Too often, as women (in leadership), we find ourselves in situations where men feel the need to over-explain concepts, even in areas where we are just as—if not more—knowledgeable. It’s the unspoken assumption that we need extra clarification simply because we are women. So what should our response be? Stay firm, own your expertise, and keep delivering value. Eventually, competence speaks louder than bias.
- Representation & Belonging – It’s tough walking into rooms where no one looks like you. But rather than letting it discourage us, it should fuel our determination to be the representation we wish to see.
- Workplace Bullying & Abuse – From dismissive comments to outright hostility, many times, we face workplace toxicity. A practical response? Ask for clarification and insist on respect. Sometimes, making someone rephrase their words can make them rethink their behavior.
Empowering Women in the Little Things
One powerful theme that weaved through the different sessions was that change doesn’t always have to come from big, sweeping moves—it starts in the small things.
- Give women opportunities, then step back and let them thrive.
- Persevere, but also recognize when it’s time to leave the room—especially when faced with toxic or narcissistic environments.
- Confidence is optional—just take action. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Women & AI: Shaping the Future
On Artificial Intelligence (AI) and why women need to stay engaged in the conversation. If we shy away, we risk an industry where bias gets embedded into the systems shaping our future. Bias in, bias out.
We need more women actively contributing to AI, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in its development.
A Lesson in Possibility: Age is No Barrier
One of the most inspiring moments came from hearing about Eman, who mentioned that she started learning to fly planes at 50! Whew! That’s proof that we truly can achieve whatever we set our hearts to, at any stage of life.
We need more women actively contributing to AI, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in its development. Share on X
Supporting the Next Generation
Lisa’s words stuck with me: Go out and talk to the next generation. Be the model that shows them what’s possible.
This is a call for more mentorship and coaching, especially for women transitioning from school into the workplace. The gap is real, and it’s on us to bridge it.
Go out and talk to the next generation. Be the model that shows them what’s possible. Share on X
Final Thoughts
The conversations at the IWD Expo weren’t just about acknowledging challenges—they were about finding solutions, taking bold steps, and making room for more women in leadership.
The takeaway? We belong in these spaces. We are capable. And if we don’t see the representation, we become it.
What’s one bold step you’re taking to empower yourself or another woman today?
Cheers to the most wonderful month of the year, and women’s month – March!💜
We belong in these spaces. We are capable. And if we don’t see the representation, we become it. #CelebratingWomen #IWDExpo #IWD25 Share on X
