Entrepreneur and Women in AI representative Yasmin Al Enazi believes these tips can help female founders and women in tech get ahead in their careers.
As one of the first women to join Women in AI from the Middle East, Yasmin Al Enazi has been advocating for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry for years. Robotics engineer, entrepreneur, AI leader, and mother, Al Enazi—who was recently named one of the 10 women shaping the future of robotics in 2024—believes that women need to be mindful of the choices that they make going into business.
Al Enazi is also acutely aware of the challenges that women face in their careers, from achieving work-life balance to finding a place that appreciates and rewards their talents. And with AI on the rise, Al Enazi believes that setting out on a career in tech means that professionals in the field must continually upskill and invest in their education in order to stay relevant.
Here are seven tips that Al Enazi believes can help women in tech and female founders achieve their professional goals.
- Choose your company
“When you join a company, make sure they respect you as a woman and a mother,” says Al Enazi. She notes that, while some companies have policies that respect women and families, others lag behind.
How can you tell if the company you are applying to will accommodate your needs? Be on the lookout for companies that encourage remote and hybrid work environments. Other tell-tale signs are whether they have women in leadership positions, she tells us, giving the example of companies like NVIDIA and IBM.
“Do they respect you as a woman, as a human being, or are they exploiting you?” she says, stressing that being in a place that appreciates your talents will help you thrive as a professional.
- Focus on quality time
Now, we cannot always have a work-life balance, but quality time is key to the success of women , Al Enazi tells us. That includes making time for family and for self-care alongside work. This comes from managing priorities, not just time.
“It’s essential to take care of your mental health because you are the role model for your children and for the women around you. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely and depressing. I have been through that myself and it is nothing to be ashamed of. But I empowered myself and I was brave enough to face my problems and seek help,” she says.
She cites therapy, sports, and a supportive community of friends as essential to the success of any entrepreneur, but especially so for women.
- Be confident
Al Enazi stresses that women, more than men, often lack the confidence required to propel themselves forward in their careers. This includes everything from applying for a job, negotiating your salary, doing presentations, or pitching to investors.
“When you present your idea or apply for a job, statistically, men feel confident applying for a job even if they only have 20 percent of the skills, whereas women could have 80 percent, yet they don’t apply,” she says.
Her advice: “Own your privilege and know that you are a powerful person.”
- Keep your eye on your career goals
Not keeping your eye on the target means that you often lose momentum before you get to where you want to be. “Unfortunately, most women globally stop and quit before they meet their career goals or before the mid career level in technology. You need to focus on your professional goals and make a timeline for yourself to get there,” she tells us.
By knowing exactly where you want to go and setting a clear timeline for getting there, you will hold yourself accountable to your own goals. This makes you less likely to veer off-track or say yes when what you really need to say is no.
- Be flexible if your plan
While it’s key to set yourself on a track to success, it’s also important to know when to pivot or stop working mindlessly at a job that isn’t rewarding.
“Having a career plan with a timeline is important, but be mindful and open to changing your plans if you need to,” says Al Enazi.
- Lead with integrity
For women in tech, claiming leadership positions can be challenging, especially if their skills are primarily technical.
“Don’t shy away from leadership, be yourself and be proud of who you are. Step up and lead the field rather than staying on the sidelines as a programmer or coder,” says Al Enazi.
- Diversify your income
According to Al Enazi, one way to become independent professionally is to diversify your income. She recommends seeking out freelance opportunities and consultancies to open new doors and create opportunities outside your niche.
Diversifying your professional opportunities also gives you the chance to explore new skills and create a larger and more diverse network.
reference www.msn.com