Why women quit technology careers (article and commentary)

Article Link: http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=319212&pageNumber=1

Maven Commentary:
The Athena Factor study finds that having a mentor or a sponsor is a key factor in order to stem the flow of technical women away from their chosen careers. I do agree with the assessment that this is important, however, I think that it is equally as important for women to take a page out of their brethren's bible (so to speak) and make sure they are well and purposefully networked. Mentors are a vital part of that network but should not be the sole connection.

What stands in women's way of strong networks? Mostly themselves. The tendency to form or desire close personal relationships with mentors and others in their networks tends to limit the perceived options. The belief that they have limited things to give in return further complicates things. Moving beyond the need to be BFFs (Best Friends Forever) and understanding that they have many things to give in return opens up many more options.

Maven simplified categories of who should be in your network:
Colleagues - People you work most (current and former)
Mentors - People who take an active part in helping you develop your career
Recommenders - People with whom you've done business (i.e. clients or vendors) who would recommend you to others, should you ask
Champions - Influential people who will actively champion you to their networks, advocate for you, let you know of opportunities and open doors

Branch out. Do not be limited to workplace only connections. Some of the most important connections often come from the least expected places.

What I'm reading… "The Joys of Much Too Much"

I just finished reading the book The Joys of Much Too Much: Go for the Big Life--The Great Career, The Perfect Guy, and Everything Else You've Ever Wanted by Bonnie Fuller.

If you are looking for a checklist or the recipe of exactly what to do, this book isn't for you (in fact, you'll probably hate it). However, if you are looking for inspirations and a few key nuggets, I'd highly recommend this book.

I'm not going to post a spoiler but there were some very interesting takeaways. Bonnie doesn't break her life up into roles… she just treats her life as one big thing. She really advocates keeping and staying very active, ignoring the negative messages and insecurities, not worrying about psycho-analyzing character flaws, etc. There were lots of examples of the importance of networking, tips for everything from interviewing to creating proposals.

It's a very easy read and I found it to be a very interesting view of the life of a woman who simply embraces her whole life 24x7… no excuses, no apologies.

Travel Tip 1: Packing light... Dealing with the liquids

There is nothing more difficult then packing when you are going on a business trip, whether it is for 1 night or 2 weeks. Especially if you are like me and you don't want to have to check your bags. When carrying on, not only do you worry about the 3-1-1 rule for liquids but your bag can only be a certain size to go through the security scanner and fit in the over-head bins.

In my job, I am out on business travel 70-90% of the time. I can't even guess how many miles I flew in 2007 and 2008 is on track for more of the same. I thought I'd share a few tips and tricks that I've developed along the way.

Today's tip is about Dealing with the liquids:

1. Leave the shampoo and conditioner at home. I haven't been in a hotel in the world that doesn't provide at least shampoo and 9 out of 10 provide conditioner as well. If you have longer hair or hair that requires a conditioner, get a spray-on, leave-in conditioner and transfer it into a small bottle. A 3 oz bottle will hold enough to last you more than a week.


2. Get travel sizes of everything. Almost any personal care product can be purchased in travel size. I use an aerosol hairspray (normally purchased at the local beauty supply) and have found that I can pick a small size up even at the grocery store in a pinch. A small size toothpaste can last a week or more as well. If you are gone longer, take two. It's suprising how many small bottles you can fit in a quart-size bag.


3. Deodorant solids and other solids don't need to go into your 3-1-1 Ziploc bag. Things that are not liquids, don't need to go into your Ziploc bag. If you usually use a gel deodorant, switch to a solid. You may be able to do this with other products as well. For instance, instead of a liquid styling cream, talk to your hairstylist. You may be able to get the same results with a solid styling wax or similar product.


4. Use the zip-top bag. You get at least an extra half inch of space because the zipper lays flatter then the non-zipper type.

The TSA has thoughtfully provided a comprehensive list and a quick perusal can save a lot of headaches.

I think you'll be amazed at how much space you'll save. It might even be enough for that extra pair of shoes!

Adjusting the sails...

I heard this quote yesterday and I thought is was never more relevant.

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” William Arthur Ward (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

Latest Catalyst "Women in Technology" report published

Well, the latest Catalyst report came out last week it seems that women are preceiving things in high-tech are getting better.

Still a lot of barriers though. Some barriers are products of the environment, some self created. Mentoring and networking still show up on the list as an important way for women to get ahead.

Read the full report.

Portable technology... good or bad?

OK, so I'll admit to laying in bed with the flu while writing this blog. "You should be resting!" Well, for me, this IS resting and a bit boring. The nice thing about computing while lying down is that when you get tired, you just close your eyes. This doesn't work so well in the office.

I was in Vegas last week at a conference and a gentleman in the elevator commented on my BlackBerry (which I was using at the time... well sort of... there is no signal in Palazzo at Venetian elevator). "Everybody is using those things. Can't get away from the email." Admittedly I was a little irritated because his comment seemed to imply that was a negative thing. So I said, "Well, to me it's freedom. It's work hours and I'm out and about vs. tied to my computer. What's bad about that?"

And so I mused... was this true? was this how I actually felt? Yes, actually it is. Freedom. Able to be in touch at a moments notice. Able to respond (or ignore...) instantaneously. No longer tied down to a desk or a hot spot. Able to go to that hard to schedule appointment in the middle of the day. Look up "who was that actor" to solve disputes over drinks with colleagues. Text message with your kids. There is a long list! How cool is that?

OK, so I admit, using it on the golf course when you are with your boss is probably completely unnecessary. If your boss isn't there, then it's understandable!

At the end of the day, I firmly believe moderation is the best policy... so if you are in need of BlackBerry guidance, I recommend the Ten BlackBerry Commandments.

Initial Musings

I have lots of musings but for some reason they never make it into my various blogs so I thought it was time to just create a spot for my short thoughts and observations. Enjoy.