Navigating a Successful Career: Insights and Lessons Learned from a Woman in Information Management

Today I'm sharing insights and experiences I've gained throughout my career. From taking on new challenges to dealing with workplace discrimination, these are tips for anyone looking to thrive in their professional life.

Embracing New Opportunities:

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received early in my career was to embrace new projects and opportunities, even if they seemed daunting. I learned this lesson from a very experienced woman at Bell Labs in the 1970s, who encouraged me to take on challenges that might seem scary at first. Her advice, "If someone gives you a challenging project don't walk away - do it - even if it scares you." The key takeaway? You don't know what you don't know, and you'll learn so much by stepping out of your comfort zone. I've noticed that men often do this without hesitation, and women should feel empowered to do the same.

Don't Be Afraid to Take Risks:

Building on the idea of embracing new opportunities, I emphasize the importance of taking risks in your career. If someone believes you can do something, they've likely identified qualities in you that indicate you're capable of succeeding. While not every risk has paid off for me, and I've even regretted some choices, my overall message is clear: don't let fear hold you back from potential growth and success.

Be a Leader and Get Involved:

To advance in your career, I believe it's crucial to be seen and recognized by people outside your immediate department. I suggest getting involved in various corporate events and activities, such as joining a company sports team or participating in cross-departmental initiatives. By forming connections with colleagues from different areas of the organization, I've expanded my network, learned about new opportunities, and even forged friendships with key players like the CFO while on a bowling league. These alliances aren't necessarily planned or even always bear fruit but listening what is going on in other departments can help guide and prioritize your efforts going forward.

Navigating Challenges and Discrimination:

Despite my many successes, I've also faced my fair share of challenges and discrimination throughout my career. From dealing with insensitive comments about my pregnancy ("When are you leaving???") to being told I couldn't be paid the same as a man because he "has a family,"(Hmm, as a single mother I had a family too.) I've encountered numerous obstacles. However, I've learned to stand my ground, advocate for myself, and not tolerate mistreatment. I also acknowledge the importance of having allies and supportive colleagues who have recognized my value and offered opportunities for growth.

Know Your Worth and When to Walk Away:

Finally, I stress the importance of recognizing your own value and being willing to walk away from situations where you feel marginalized or underappreciated. I share an example of leaving a role when the CIO expressed a disdain for training, which was my area of expertise and responsibility at the time. I knew I couldn't stay where the work I was doing wasn't appreciated or valued at the highest level. It wasn't personal - but it was a reality. The key is to mentally assess your situation and have the courage to make a change when necessary. Remember, you deserve to be in a position where you can provide value and be valued in return.

Conclusion:

The insights I've shared serve as a powerful reminder that a successful career is not without its challenges, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate the ups and downs with confidence. By embracing new opportunities, taking risks, building a strong network, advocating for yourself, and recognizing your worth, you can create your own luck and thrive in your professional life.

This blog post is based on an original AIIM OnAir podcast recorded on March 5, 2024. When recording podcasts, AIIM uses AI-enabled transcription in Zoom. We then use that transcription as part of a prompt with Claude Pro, Anthropic's AI assistant. AIIM staff (aka humans) then edit the output from Claude for accuracy, completeness, and tone. In this way, we use AI to increase the accessibility of our podcast and extend the value of great content.

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