Give to Gain: Why investing in others is the best career decision you'll make

Last year, I attended the Traders of Tomorrow event organised by The Trade Desk in Paris. The panel was 100% women-led. What struck me most was that it wasn't promoted as a 'women in adtech' discussion. The focus was purely on the panellists' expertise and the industry challenges they were there to discuss. Their gender wasn't the headline nor emphasised during the session. Their voice was.

That felt both unusual and incredibly powerful. It showed what real inclusion looks like: when representation is natural, not exceptional, and expertise speaks for itself. That's the kind of industry we should all be building; one where talent is recognised on merit alone.

This year's International Women's Day theme, Give to Gain, resonates with me because of experiences like that one. By creating space, visibility and opportunities to grow – and embedding them into our programmes and values –we strengthen our industries and ourselves.

Overcoming unconscious bias in high-stakes environments

Having worked in adtech and sales, two traditionally male-dominated environments, I've seen both the progress we've made and the work that still needs doing. 

Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership, particularly in key areas like sales, where credibility can still be tested differently. The pressure to repeatedly prove expertise and push harder for visibility is real. And it's draining, not just for individual ambition but for our capacity to support others.

Change can't rest on individual resilience alone. It needs active participation at all levels within companies, from leadership teams down, as well as among peers. Hiring practices make a big difference, as does sponsorship and thoughtful representation at industry events. When we advocate for a colleague's promotion or make space for a different voice on a panel, we build something that benefits everyone.

Building communities to make a genuine impact

One of the most valuable things I've done was joining a network called International Women in Business. Being part of a community of women who openly shared their experiences, including challenges that were comparable to my own, allowed me to find perspective at critical moments. It gave me confidence and guidance when I needed direction and practical advice when I needed to push forward.

Something fundamental changes when you hear someone describe a challenge you thought was yours alone. It removes isolation and replaces it with purpose. That's why, after a few years, I decided to become a mentor myself. And supporting other women turned out to be just as rewarding as being supported.

That's the essence of Give to Gain. When we invest in others, we grow as leaders and colleagues. And when we realise that even the most successful people have faced similar moments, the journey becomes less lonely.

To the next generation coming through: Don't go it alone

This International Women's Day, my advice to the next generation of women in tech is simple: find your network. Whether it's a formal organisation or a loose circle of peers, being part of a community has a real impact. These spaces meet women where they are, whether that's returning to work or looking for guidance at a critical moment in their career. 

Seek mentors. Share your experiences; collective wisdom is underrated. And know that there is space for you, for your leadership style, your background, your voice. The more we give, the more we all gain.