Alaina Percival, co-founder and former CEO of Women Who Code, shares her inspiring tech journey, from leading product initiatives for Puma in Germany to navigating developer outreach in San Francisco. She candidly discusses imposter syndrome, suggesting it reflects personal growth rather than inadequacy. Alaina highlights the critical role of community support in overcoming challenges and emphasizes that women in tech must advocate for themselves to ensure retention and career advancement. Her insights offer encouragement and practical strategies for aspiring women in technology.
Alaina Percival discusses the prevalence of imposter syndrome in tech, suggesting it reflects necessary growth and challenge in one's career.
The episode highlights the urgency of addressing women's underrepresentation in tech, advocating for supportive communities and equitable career pathways.
Deep dives
Embracing Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is presented as a common experience, especially in fast-paced industries like tech, where growth and learning are vital. The notion that if one isn't feeling imposter syndrome, they may have become too comfortable in their role emphasizes the importance of continual development and ambition. Maintaining a balance, where 40% of one’s work should induce a sense of learning and challenge, is crucial for professional advancement. This perspective encourages individuals to seek new opportunities and the next steps in their careers, reframing imposter syndrome from a negative feeling to a sign of growth.
Women’s Underrepresentation in Tech
The episode highlights the ongoing underrepresentation of women in computer science and technology fields, with current statistics showing only 26% of professional computing jobs are held by women. This decline, which began in the 1980s, has roots in cultural portrayals of technology that have alienated women from these career paths. Despite historical contributions from women in computing, societal narratives have often painted tech as an exclusive 'boys club,' affecting perceptions and participation. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for change in how the tech industry is marketed and how it can better welcome and retain women.
Advocating for Career Advancement
To prevent the exodus of women from the tech industry, it is essential for organizations to foster clearer career pathways and equitable pay. Women often wait until they feel they meet every qualification before applying for roles, which can stall their career progression. Encouraging women to voice their aspirations and seek mentorship or referrals can significantly shift their outlook and access to careers in tech. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment and community where women feel empowered to pursue opportunities and advocate for themselves, ultimately benefiting both their careers and the tech industry as a whole.
In this special episode, we’re taking you back to Season 1 for Andrea Gallego’s conversation with Alaina Percival, co-founder and then CEO of Women Who Code—the largest and most active community for technical women worldwide.
Alaina shares her career path; she’s run niche products for Puma in Germany, led developer outreach for a technical recruiting company in San Francisco, and taught herself to code. As the CEO of Women Who Code, she works to inspire women to thrive in the tech industry. Alaina shares how she navigates the always near and dear imposter syndrome; if you aren’t feeling it—you may have been in your role too long. There should always be 40% that you don’t know. She also emphasizes the importance of community and support; don’t be shy to reach out and share your goals—there is a very accessible and supportive community willing to help.
Visit Women Who Code to access free resources & workshops, browse job & scholarship opportunities, and engage with an amazing network of technical women across the globe.
Join us every episode with hosts Suchi Srinivasan & Kamila Rakimovha from BCG to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, technology, and business.