Reclaiming Your Career Path: Insights from the August WIT Forum
This month’s Women in Technology (WIT) Forum brought together a vibrant crowd at Maggiano’s for a conversation that was both energizing and deeply personal. The morning buzzed with connection, from first-time attendees shaking hands over coffee to long-time WIT members reuniting with colleagues and friends. The room was full, the energy was high, and the focus was clear: overcoming career stagnation in tech.
The forum, titled “Reclaiming Your Career Path – Overcoming Stagnation & Owning Your Next Steps”, centered on one of the most pressing and relatable topics facing women in the industry today. It’s a conversation many have quietly held within themselves about how to move forward when growth feels stalled. At this forum, it was brought into the open with courage and clarity.
Exploring the “Stuck” Moments
The panel opened with a shared acknowledgment: nearly every woman in tech has faced a moment, sometimes many, of feeling stuck. Whether it’s a lack of upward mobility, burnout, shifting organizational priorities, or the invisible weight of bias, stagnation is a challenge that touches all career stages.
The panelists spoke honestly about their own inflection points. One shared the disorienting moment of being told she wasn’t “CTO material,” despite being a top performer (and a current CTO). Another described hitting a wall after years of driving hard without a clear sense of personal purpose. These stories weren’t just raw, they were resonant. Heads nodded throughout the room as attendees recognized their own journeys in these reflections.
Turning Points and Pivots
The conversation quickly moved to the idea of reclaiming momentum. Panelists described the power of intentional pivots: moving laterally to build new skills, returning to old strengths to rebuild confidence, or stepping into unfamiliar roles with a mindset of growth rather than fear.
One panelist shared how identifying her ideal future role helped her back-map the experiences and skills she needed to get there. Others echoed the value of looking at career moves not just as upward climbs, but as horizontal explorations that round out a professional story.
These pivots weren’t always easy, but they were purposeful. And they were often fueled by one key ingredient: belief. Sometimes that belief came from within. Sometimes it came from a mentor or sponsor. But in every case, it made all the difference.
Confidence, Community, and the Inner Critic
Another theme echoed throughout the morning was confidence and the inner dialogue that can hold it back. Imposter syndrome was called out plainly, with panelists sharing how it’s shown up even in the most senior roles. Rather than being defeated by it, they named it, challenged it, and reframed it.
“You don’t have to know everything,” one panelist reminded the group. “Ask questions. Say you’re learning. You belong here.”
The power of community was also central. Whether through formal mentorship, informal peer networks, or simply showing up at events like the WIT Forum, every panelist emphasized that growth is rarely a solo endeavor. Relationships matter. They offer support, open doors, and reflect back our potential when we’re struggling to see it.
Work-Life Boundaries and Giving Yourself Grace
A standout moment came during a candid discussion on work-life balance. The message was clear: you can do everything, just not all at once. Panelists encouraged setting intentional boundaries, saying “no” when needed, and building a network of support both at work and at home.
And most of all, giving yourself grace. One speaker put it best: “You will make mistakes. Own them. Learn. Keep going.”
Action and Advocacy
As the forum came to a close, attendees were invited to reflect on their own next steps using a guided worksheet. From setting a 30-day goal to identifying someone to reach out to for mentorship, the session emphasized personal action and peer accountability.
The panel also encouraged participants to advocate for others. Speak names in rooms where decisions are made. Mentor those who may be navigating the same “stuck” points they’ve overcome.
Takeaways to Carry Forward
This forum was more than a conversation. It was a catalyst. It reminded every woman in the room that their next step doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be intentional. That stagnation is real, but so is momentum. And that in a community like WIT, you are never alone in finding your way forward.
If you missed this event, don’t worry. WIT Forums happen regularly, each one offering connection, learning, and renewed inspiration. Let this be your nudge to take the next step on your own path.
For now, here are a few key things to remember.
- Career growth isn’t always linear: Lateral moves, skill-building pivots, and redefining your path can be just as powerful as promotions.
- Confidence is built through community: Surrounding yourself with supportive peers and mentors helps silence self-doubt and reinforces your value.
- Sponsorship and mentorship are not the same: Seek both—mentors guide you, but sponsors advocate for you when you’re not in the room.
- Work-life balance requires intention: Saying no, setting boundaries, and giving yourself grace are essential to sustaining a fulfilling career.
- Action fuels momentum: Reflect, set goals, and commit to one next step—even small moves forward can reignite your path.
Join us next month as we continue building careers, confidence, and community together.
