Beyond #InspireInclusion: Building a brighter future for women in tech
In the wake of International Women’s Day, the global conversation around gender equality continues to gain momentum. This year’s theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’ calls for a world where all women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive. The world of tech is no exception, and women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping its future.
In this spirit, we’re shining the light on three inspiring female leaders from CARMA, a leading media intelligence specialist company – Krysia Lucuk, Orla Graham, and Jennifer Sanchis. These accomplished women share with us their valuable perspectives on navigating the professional landscape, the importance of diversity in PR, and the key to building resilience as a working parent and leader. Their insights offer invaluable guidance for aspiring female leaders, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.
Find your voice and uplift others
Krysia Lucuk, Head of Insights at CARMA, emphasises the importance of authenticity and embracing differences in the workplace. “As a professional woman and working parent, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity,” Krysia says, “Being true to yourself, embracing differences, and acknowledging our privileges is crucial. Humility is an essential skill for personal and professional growth!”
This philosophy fuels Krysia’s commitment to empowering others. She continues, “Inspired by my sister and the many role models in my life, I am committed to uplifting my team, supporting emerging female leaders, and creating an environment where we can celebrate our achievements and overcome obstacles together. My goal is to always empower other women.”
Krysia’s core message is clear – empowering other women is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and successful industry. By embracing authenticity and supporting one another, women can create a powerful force for positive change.
Diverse minds drive richer insights
Orla Graham, Insights Consultant at CARMA, injects a fresh perspective, highlighting the critical role of diversity in research and analytics. She argues that a variety of backgrounds and experiences are essential to overcome confirmation bias and generate richer insights: “Communications and PR insights specifically is an interesting field when it comes to gender diversity. Perhaps because PR is female-dominated, we do tend to see a strong representation of women within the field. But that doesn’t mean that more can’t be done – particularly to make sure that women aren’t just entering the field, but are being supported into leadership positions.”
This focus on diversity aligns perfectly with the exciting and multifaceted career path that PR analytics offers. “It’s a great industry for women who are interested in research, but don’t necessarily want to go down a very STEM or academic-driven route”, Orla says, “The range of skills needed – research, analysis, written and verbal communication, project management, presentation skills, visual storytelling, relationship building, to name just a few – makes it a varied, engaging and ever-evolving career path”.
By combining these insights, Orla emphasises the importance of not just attracting women to PR analytics, but also fostering their journey to leadership roles within the industry.
Build resilience and invest in yourself
Jennifer Sanchis, Insights Consultant at CARMA, shares invaluable observations from her experience as a woman and an expat who built her career from the ground up. Her core message? Cultivate resilience and continuously invest in yourself.
“Resilience comes from putting yourself outside your comfort zone a little bit more every day,” says Jennifer. “It doesn’t always have to be big changes – it starts with taking a client call, leading a presentation, applying for that job or just striking up a conversation with a stranger.”
This journey of self-discovery extends beyond daily challenges. Jennifer emphasises the importance of continuous investment: “Invest in your professional development, invest in your life experiences, and invest in your own wellbeing. If I have learnt one thing during my (short!) life, it’s that this kind of investment is the safest you can make. It is the best return on investment you can ever get.”
Jennifer’s message is a powerful call to action for female leaders. Trust your instincts, prioritise your well-being, and never stop investing in yourself and the experiences that bring you fulfilment. By following this advice, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Leading the charge
Krysia, Orla, and Jennifer are more than just inspiring leaders – they’re a blueprint for success. Their stories echo a powerful message – authenticity, diversity, and self-investment are the keys to unlocking a future where women not only thrive in media intelligence, but lead the charge.
By fostering a culture that celebrates differences, overcomes confirmation bias, and empowers women to prioritise themselves, we can all contribute to a brighter future for women in leadership roles. The technology industry awaits – a dynamic and rewarding field primed for the unique perspectives and talents women bring to the table. Let’s step up, invest in ourselves, and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders. Let’s inspire inclusion beyond International Women’s Day.
