Women Of The Channel: Stop Hurting Your Own Careers

Often one of the biggest barriers to success for women in the channel is themselves, a panel of women executives said at the 2015 XChange Solution Provider in Dallas.

According to a recent Hewlett-Packard internal study, which was trying to determine why there were fewer women in senior leadership roles, women were counting themselves short when applying for a new position. The study found that women would only apply for a role when they felt they had met 100 percent of qualifications, while men would apply for the same role when they felt they had only met 60 percent of the same check points.

"We tend to want to be perfect and approval seekers and [are] holding ourselves back," said moderator Lisa Marie Jenkins, author and founder of Lisa Marie Jenkins LLC.

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Jessica Yeck, vice president of sales, HP Solutions, at Avnet Technology Solutions, said she often finds the person holding her back is herself. To achieve this high level in her career, Yeck said she has focused on building "authentic confidence" in herself to create a better internal dialogue and recognizing that others want her to succeed. 

Gwen Milligan, senior director of strategic partner initiatives at Oracle, said she found in the past that she often holds herself back from reaching for a higher position because she wants her current position to feel "perfect" first. That's a problem she sees many women having, she said.

"If you feel that you're second-guessing yourself or not deserving to be here, just be engaged because it will provide you time to show those unique qualities," Milligan advised.

Shannon Sbar, vice president of channels, North America, at APC by Schneider Electric, said she has seen success from not holding back in her career.

"I do not hold back. I really try to at least show that confidence," Sbar said.

Next: An Extra Boost Of Confidence