Diversity in leadership is important to the bottom line. It increases empathy, employee engagement and retention rates.
To celebrate Women's Month, we asked a few of our leaders how they got to where they are in the competitive and sometimes challenging technology industry. You can read the first interview here.
Next in our Women's Voices series is Bridget Bingaman – VP of Transformation
What led you to pursue your career in the technology and SaaS industry?
My involvement in the technology and SaaS industry happened later in life. I would have never considered myself to be overly technical, but always curious and inspired to take on new challenges. I love the fact that in this industry, there is something to learn every day. No matter how long you have been with an organization, technology is always changing, always updating, always providing the opportunity to learn more. A career in the technology / SaaS industry means never being stagnant.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to women who want to succeed in the technology sector?
There are roles for everyone, so don’t be afraid to take a chance on something new. The same attributes that make a woman successful outside of work contribute highly to success in the technology sector. Critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and being a good communicator are all qualities that are paramount to success in technology. Not everyone is a developer or must understand coding but being able to think through challenges and work with a team to develop creative solutions helps to create the other half of the whole.
In the era of “Me Too”, do you think the shift in workplace culture has removed barriers in order for women to succeed? Which barriers and why?
We are fortunate at Businessolver to have a history of strong women in leadership going back to the inception of the company over 20 years ago. So, while it hasn’t been a matter of breaking down barriers, the #MeToo movement has created an atmosphere where technology organizations, especially those that rose from the start-up culture, need to evaluate how resources work together on a day-to-day basis. This, coupled with a multi-generational workforce (my team alone hits Millennials, GenX and Boomers) forces a change to the way that we communicate, assign work, assess and promote. So, while many barriers have been lifted, I think there are a variety of influences at play.
Where would we find you on a Saturday morning?
It depends on the season. In the spring, I will likely be working in my flower beds. In the summer, I will be on the golf course with my husband. In the fall, I will be tailgating (Go Iowa State Cyclones!) and in the winter, hibernating with my dogs.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by kindness and humility. A lot of people are smart. A lot of people are successful. Those who use their talents to build up others by showcasing their authentic selves motivates me to do the same. If they do it with humor, that elevates it even more!
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