IWD 2025: The Everyday Leadership of Women in Tech

When I was asked to reflect on being a female leader in tech for International Women’s Day (IWD), I won’t lie—imposter syndrome hit hard. Leadership, in my mind, was reserved for the bold, Type A personalities—none of which I’d use to describe myself.

But having led digital teams for over 10 years, I’ve realised that leadership is something we as women practice every day–whether at work, at home, or in other areas of life. It’s in the way we support our teams, drive meaningful change, and challenge the status quo.

For some of us, leadership doesn’t stop when you leave the office. In fact, it’s only just beginning.

Before we dive in, a quick caveat: after 9 years of being a mum, my leadership and working style have inevitably evolved. So, I know my experiences won’t resonate with every woman—because, let’s be honest, we’re a complex and unique species.

There are countless reasons as to why women make exceptional leaders, but I won’t cover them all—partly because I can’t remember what it was like to be in my late 20s and child-free (or perhaps I’ll blame the perimenopause brain fog). And yes, I know there are men who take on the bulk of parenting and household duties. But for the majority of women, the weight still falls on their shoulders.

As anyone who’s been through the parenting trenches knows, leading at home requires a unique set of skills - or, more accurately, you don’t have much of a choice but to develop those skills.

You quickly learn that what works one day may not work the next. Just like agile sprints, every day feels like a mini cycle of planning, execution, and reflection. 

And just like any parent knows, the unexpected is always around the corner. Much like leading a team through change, it's all about adaptability and communication. And understanding what motivates each individual to succeed–whether it’s a sticker chart or some positive reinforcement–is key.

At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about getting things done, even if that means a bit of creative problem-solving or, let’s be honest, a well-timed incentive. This type of leadership, while messy at times, translates directly into the workplace.

Leading a team or a digital project requires the same skills: constant recalibration, quick problem-solving, a lot of empathy and a very high awareness of how you react. So, while I might not be managing a multinational corporation at home, I am certainly fine-tuning the art of leadership—one bedtime at a time.

Staying ahead—whether in tech or parenting—means constant learning. Whether it’s decoding my son’s gaming lingo or navigating dev talk about Git merges, the approach is the same: sit down, listen, and learn. Growth happens when we learn together—whether it’s with your kid or your team.

Leadership is more often than not, something we as women practice daily—whether we’re managing a team at work, organising a community event, a girl's night out, or balancing multiple priorities in our personal lives.

Leadership isn’t confined to titles or boardrooms—it’s an ongoing process that shapes us, and we bring unique perspectives, often balancing empathy and decisiveness in ways that drive both innovation and teamwork.

It really does take a village - whether it's at home or in the workplace. Having more women at the table—mum or not—isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. But beyond the studies that prove this, it’s ultimately about balance. The concept of Yin and Yang teaches us that both masculine and feminine forces are essential for harmony and progress. If monks have trusted this wisdom for thousands of years, maybe it’s time we do too.

So, what systemic change do we need to restore this balance? Honestly, I’m not sure. But what I do know is what’s worked for me:

Find a place—an environment—that supports you, understands your challenges as a woman, and helps you show up as your best self.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible managers and mentors who’ve had my back—giving me the flexibility to work part-time, the confidence to set boundaries (like not feeling guilty to say 'no' to outstation travel when my son was young), and that steady voice of reason when I needed it most.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There were times when I had to choose work over family or face the 'up or out' mentality—where it's either climb the ladder or be left behind. In those moments, you learn. You adjust, recognise the red flags, and make a mental note of your ‘non-negotiables’ for the future (easier said than done, but crucial to do).

And those places that don't evolve and stick to their old ways? I have faith that they will slowly wither away... just like outdated software that no longer gets updates or security patches. Eventually, they become vulnerable, inefficient, and irrelevant in a world that’s constantly advancing. So let them and remove yourself. 

It's so important to have people in your village who not only support you but also advocate for what you deserve, like fair pay and equal opportunities. Having that voice of reason—someone who knows your worth and reminds you of it when you need it most—makes all the difference.

It’s these voices that help ensure that we don’t just survive, but thrive, in an environment that truly values us.

On that note (and I truly mean this with no intention to promote), I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a company like Aceik, where I’m supported not just as a woman, but as a leader.

The flexibility I’m given is a workplace culture that values balance for everyone, including men who also work part-time, who need time off to recuperate or recover or time off to take care of their partners. It’s this kind of environment that truly allows me to show up as my best self. I’m surrounded by leaders who embody the values of mutual support, personal growth, and the understanding that we’re all in this together.

So, to summarise with this year’s IWD theme, it's clear that accelerating action isn’t just about jumping on opportunities when they arise—it’s about creating the right environment where we can thrive and make progress, even when things aren’t perfect.

It’s about taking intentional steps to foster flexibility, empathy, and adaptability in both our personal and professional lives. Whether you're navigating a busy schedule at home, leading a team through a project, or learning new skills, it’s about making decisions that keep moving us forward.

By embracing challenges, responding proactively, and supporting each other, we don’t just wait for change to happen—we accelerate it. Let’s continue pushing the boundaries, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to lead and contribute to a brighter future.