The Dual Reality of Women in Tech: Resilience Amid Imposter Syndrome and Gender Bias 

In a male-dominated sector, leadership demands not only technical expertise but also the resilience to face challenges head-on. For women in tech leadership positions, these challenges are amplified by systemic issues like gender bias and imposter syndrome. 

Despite the challenges faced, 90 per cent of women tech leaders find their careers rewarding, despite the 80 per cent who say they have encountered challenges on the way to becoming a leader, according to the AND Digital Rewards & Resilience report. 

Feelings of imposter syndrome, team achievement and resilience against bias highlight a dual reality and paint a clear picture of the unique journey women face in navigating the road of leadership. 

Imposter Syndrome and Technical Proficiency 

Imposter syndrome is an obstacle that most female tech leaders have had to contend with at one stage or another. Inevitably, feelings of being an imposter appear more intense in younger women earlier in their careers, but they can exist through life, particularly when starting a new role. 

At the heart of imposter syndrome lies the question: Am I really qualified to lead? This question, for many women doesn’t stem from a lack of qualifications or capability, but often from internal perceptions around technical proficiency. 

Women tech leaders who may not have come from technical backgrounds often feel the weight of expectations to master the technical landscape to ‘earn’ their place. 

But unfortunately, the technology industry continues to hold an outdated narrative that technical proficiency is linked with leadership success. This can trigger feelings of inadequacy, no matter the level of expertise. 

Women who have been in the industry for longer often report that technical proficiency, while it is important, is only one part that makes a great leader. The ability to think strategically and manage teams effectively is, if not more important and once this realisation takes over, the feelings of imposter syndrome begin to shrink. 

Team Triumphs over Solo Success 

In an industry that often praises individual brilliance, women tend to draw success from collective achievements.  

79 per cent of women leaders in the Rewards & Resilience survey felt that they had succeeded in their role, with virtually all of these women seeing a significant part of their success through the lens of team achievement. Whether the challenge is relocating a team, bringing a team together or leading a high-performing team, success is rarely seen as a solo endeavour.  

This means prioritising team development, inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Women leaders know all too well about being in an environment where they have to fight to be heard, so they often place value on ensuring that everyone’s voices and ideas are considered. 

This not only makes them effective leaders but also helps to break down the barriers that hold women back in tech.  

Tactics to Overcome Imposter Syndrome  

One of the ways in which women can overcome imposter syndrome is by writing thoughts and feelings down and having the courage at appropriate moments to share these, to foster psychological safety between teams necessary to surface challenges and over come them together. A notebook or slack groups serves as a place to capture positive comments and document moments of satisfaction or feedback that stand out. 

But it can also be used during times of emotional struggle when challenges or triggers arise. Recording these experiences can often provide a pathway for self-coaching to help navigate difficult emotions and regain confidence and clarity.  

Resilience in the Face of Bias 

From conversations with female tech leaders, 90 per cent of women have faced gender bias, with more than 60 per cent saying they have experienced gender discrimination at least once.  

Gender bias is not a new topic in the tech sector, but what continues to evolve is how women in tech navigate it to thrive in a male-dominated industry. Women love tech and have a genuine passion for the challenges it brings. 

Women in tech have long known that they often must work harder, shout louder and prove themselves even more to have similar opportunities to men. While it shouldn’t be the case, it has also created a powerful resilience that allows them to handle biases head-on.  

This is not about developing a ‘thick skin’ but instead about channelling this resilience into fuel for success and turning obstacles into learning opportunities and biases into motivation to push harder, climb higher and inspire other women to follow. 

The resilience of women in tech offers hope for a future where leadership isn’t defined by gender or outdated perceptions of technical skills but by the ability to drive success, encourage inclusive environments and break down the biases that have held the industry back. 

Women leaders are proving that despite the obstacles, it is possible to have rewarding and impactful careers in tech, not just for themselves, but for generations to come.