Career Confidence "I Couldn’t Even Write an Email": Stella’s Inspiring Path Back into IT Leadership After 8 Years Away
"Taking time away didn’t mean I gave up my career; it meant I came back stronger and more determined."
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Stella Noutsis on LinkedIn
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In this episode of the Career Confidence Podcast, we dive into the remarkable journey of Stella Noutsis, a Program Manager at UniSuper, who courageously re-entered the tech industry after an eight-year career break to focus on her family. Stella shares her experiences navigating self-doubt, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding her footing in a rapidly changing field.
From her early days as an IT graduate to becoming a leader in project management, Stella's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and grit. Whether you're considering a career change, struggling with work-life balance, or seeking inspiration to pursue your goals, Stella's insights are both relatable and motivating.
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Takeaways from This Episode:
- The Power of Resilience: Stella talks about how she navigated her return to work after an eight-year break, from not knowing how to write an email to becoming a confident leader in tech.
- Imposter Syndrome is Real—But Manageable: Hear how Stella overcame her fears and self-doubt by investing in mentorship, networking, and continuous learning.
- Networking and Mentorship Matter: Stella reveals how her connections helped her land new opportunities and how finding the right mentors has shaped her career.
- Balancing Career and Family: Learn Stella’s strategies for juggling motherhood and a successful career, and why flexibility and organizational support are crucial for women in tech.
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Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Intro: Stella’s Background and Career Overview
- 03:05 – Starting in IT: From Graduate Program to Project Manager
- 05:57 – Taking an 8-Year Break: Why Stella Chose to Focus on Family
- 10:35 – The Challenge of Returning: Feeling Like a Newbie Again
- 19:09 – Finding a Way Back: Stella’s Unexpected Role in Recruitment
- 23:17 – The First Day Back: Battling Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
- 28:51 – Building Real Confidence: The Impact of a Women in Leadership Course
- 31:14 – Returning to Project Management: Adjusting to the New World of IT
- 36:48 – Networking During COVID: How Stella Made Connections Remotely
- 41:10 – The Role of Mentorship: Why Having Multiple Mentors Matters
- 46:12 – Program Management at UniSuper: What Stella’s Role Involves
- 49:29 – Advice for Women Entering Tech: Skills, Traits, and How to Get Started
- 52:11 – What’s Next for Stella: Future Career Aspirations in Strategy and Business
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🔗 Related Links & Resources:
- Sisterhood Mentorship Program – Learn more about how mentorship can transform your career.
- UniSuper Careers – Explore opportunities to join a company that supports women in leadership.