22% of women in tech feel they haven’t succeeded in their role

78 per cent of women leaders in technology roles felt they have succeeded in their roles, with the proportion of women in tech feeling they have succeeded, increasing with age, according to a new AND Digital report.

The findings were revealed in AND Digital’s new ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report, which surveyed 200+ women leaders in tech roles to highlight the successes and challenges of being a woman leader in the industry.

The report found that feelings of imposter syndrome are more intense earlier in a career, but they can persist throughout life, with confidence growing with age and experience, especially when starting a new role.

80 per cent of women have encountered challenges on their journey to becoming a leader, linked to these feelings of imposter syndrome.

Technical proficiency is a major source of imposter syndrome. Several contributors discussed having to recalibrate their own sense of ‘value’ so that they didn’t measure their worth purely by software engineering skills.

Virtually all of the contributors saw a significant part of their own success through the lens of team achievement, whether the challenge was relocating a team, or leading a high-performing team, success is rarely seen as a solo endeavour.

Despite these challenges, the findings reveal a positive side: 90 per cent of women find their careers rewarding, despite also having been subjected to gender bias, highlighting the dual realities women experience in tech.

Wendy Stonefield, Hub Executive for London at AND Digital commented:

You need to let go of your doubts and insecurities. It’s common for women to feel less confident and proficient enough – it’s so common. Yes we need to stay current and keep learning, but we also have many other skills that make us well- rounded and able to operate at the next level within technology.

Wendy Stonefield, Hub Executive for London at AND Digital

‘Rewards & Resilience’ is the latest in a series of measures by AND to champion the role of women in tech roles. The company is rolling out initiatives to support women in tech, including a dedicated women-in-tech community, the AND She Can programme, and truly flexible working policies.

Dame Stephanie Shirley, author of Let It Go commented:

This report stands as a testament to the collective efforts of private individuals, organisations and communities dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equity. It celebrates all those who have blazed trails, shattered glass ceilings and inspired the generations to come.

Dame Stephanie Shirley, author of Let It Go