To grow the number of women in any field, you need to “promote”…
Recently a headline from Fast Company caught our eye. It said, “To grow the number of women in tech, you need to promote the ones you have.” Ruth Reader, a writer for Fast Company, was writing about the recent Harvard Business Review article from Sherry Correll and Lori Mackenzie, “To Succeed in Tech, Women Need More Visibility.” (Hear, hear…)
Let’s define “promote” (thank you Google.)
1. Further the progress of (something, especially a cause, venture, or aim); support or actively encourage. “Some regulation is still required to promote competition.”
2. Advance or raise (someone) to a higher position or rank. “She was promoted to general manager.”
2. Advance or raise (someone) to a higher position or rank. “She was promoted to general manager.”
Sometimes, you have to promote someone in order to promote them. We talk frequently about how Visibility = Opportunity. Every time you get on stage, either as a speaker or as a panelist, you have the opportunity to tell your story and connect with peers, partners, customers, or investors. Maybe you can connect with a new job, or a board seat. But sometimes, it can be something as simple as a new title. A promotion tells others you are valued. Your ideas are ones the organization wants to showcase.
Much has been made over the years about the lag in women’s pay, which is often tied directly to the lag in promotions. Fewer senior positions held by women, the less we earn.
Often speaking engagements are a path to recognition, expert status, and yes, promotions. So, keep on promoting! Take a few moments and check out our list of new speaking engagements.
