When one thinks about the tech industry, often the big names that pop  up are the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Sundar Pichai. Without a doubt, the world of IT has been painted as a male dominated industry. However, that hasn’t stopped women like She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers from making an impact in the tech world.

Leanne hails from Singapore. Together with Virginia Tan and Rhea See, she co-founded She Loves Tech. She Loves Tech takes pride in being the world’s largest startup competition for women and technology. Through their collective efforts, She Loves Tech has paved the way in creating a network of women on a global scale, banding together world-class investors to close the gender funding gap. They also provide boot camps based on experiential learning, peer coaching, and mentorship for women worldwide. Hoping to encourage others about the importance of empowering women and letting the thrive in any industry, Leanne shared her story at SM’s International Women’s Day Celebration: Investing in Equality Toward Gender-Inclusive Prosperity in SM Aura. Here are some key takeaways from her talk.

Inclusivity is key

Upon being asked about the inclusion of transwomen in women’s spaces, Robers highlighted how inclusivity and achieving a diverse workplace is key to running a successful business. By having people from all walks of life present, you are presented with different perspectives. This allows you to approach all possible angles and expand your reach in the market. Plus it ensures your workers feel safe and cared for in their workspace, in turn making them more effective in their work. According to Robers, the beauty of technology is that it doesn’t discriminate based on gender. This means anyone with the right drive and proper mindset can succeed in the tech industry. 

Curiosity is vital

Curious minds and a willingness to learn will always help push you forward. Robers openly admits how at first, she had little to no knowledge about technology, having taken psychology in college. She 
shares how it was her openness to learn and familiarize herself with the world of coding that led her to where she is today. Robers also warns of people falling victim to the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) mindset. These are the negative thoughts that play endlessly in anyone’s mind, discouraging them from trying harder in fear of failure. By submitting to these thoughts, many fail to achieve growth and learn from their experiences. To avoid falling victim to ANTs, Robers recommends being around others who can lead you to your fullest potential via guidance, support, and encouragement. Ensure  that these same people are never afraid to point out any mistakes 
you make along the way, providing constructive criticisms to help build up your character.

Robers also shares how a willingness to talk about one’s achievements can help propel them further in the business world. “Everything that makes us a woman, makes us powerful,” remarks Robers. Rather than being shy and hesitating to share them in fear of showing off, Robers encourages women to be proud of what they have done. 

Burnout is your worst enemy

As Robers points out, women tend to tackle many challenges in the professional setting due to them having to deal with other roles and responsibilities. She notes how women are often expected to be the nurturers, caregivers, and emotional support systems around family and loved ones all while being expected to strive in the professional world. As admirable as multitasking and resiliency are often painted in the work setting, this can also lead to burnout. “When we are burnt out, we are depleted. Empty. Unmotivated and unable to cope with the demands of our daily lives,” shares Robers. She notes that recognizing the signs of burnout and taking steps to prevent it is crucial. For her, this entails setting up boundaries and learning to say no when needed. She emphasizes that self-care is essential in achieving productivity.