Keisha Bell, Managing Director and Head of Diverse Talent Management and Advancement, DTCC
The best piece of advice I have for women is to focus not on being perfect, but instead, giving your best performance every day. It can often be easy to get caught up in trying to be the perfect friend, boss, colleague, partner and parent, but these are unrealistic goals that can take a significant amount of time and energy. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned to focus on the bigger picture, to be kinder to myself and to strive to make a positive impact in everything I do. This mindset has enabled me to prioritize better, build greater confidence and grow in my career and achieve success.
The shift to remote working and home schooling has exacerbated the challenge of juggling jobs and parenting and, in many cases, women continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic’s impact. However, the pandemic has also prompted businesses to take a more flexible approach to work– a positive result during such a challenging time. This has also created opportunities for businesses to take a creative approach to fostering collaboration and inclusivity through virtual training, webinars and other activities that foster engagement, build relationships and create a more supportive environment – all of which will pay dividends now and in the future.
Lynn Bishop, Managing Director and Chief Information Officer, DTCC
There is a significant gender gap within the technology field, and while change doesn’t happen overnight, there are actions that we can and should be taking now. First, it is critical that we continue to encourage young women and girls to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to ensure a diverse pipeline of tomorrow’s talent. Second, these efforts should be supplemented by programs and initiatives within firms that help women to reach their full potential. These efforts can include delivering career development opportunities and cultivating an environment where women have broad support across an organization, enabling them to build a network of sounding boards and sponsors.
