Reflecting on my 15-year corporate journey, I see it as a continuous learning cycle. From the early days of striving for visibility and acceptance as a woman in the corporate world to the point where I now face challenges with confidence and maturity, it has been a relentless march forward.
Like many women, whether in corporate roles or entrepreneurship, I have countless stories to share. However, today, I want to focus on the key lessons that have guided me through the years and laid the foundation for my journey of self-evolution.
Tech Adaptability: Embracing Change
With the rapid technological advancements of the past decades, women are expected—now more than ever—to adapt and evolve. Keeping pace with innovation is not just an option; it’s a necessity. Sticking to daily routines without prioritizing learning and upskilling can lead to redundancy. The key to staying relevant is not just mastering current tools but preparing for the innovations of tomorrow.
The Perfectionism Paradox
One of the most overrated traits associated with women in the workplace is the need to be “perfectionists.” More often than not, we impose this pressure on ourselves. While attention to detail has undoubtedly advanced my career, I have learned to distinguish between excellence and perfectionism—the former drives progress, while the latter often hinders it.
I recall spending countless hours refining reports beyond what was necessary, while others confidently delivered work that was “good enough.” Over time, I have learned to apply my detail-orientation strategically—focusing on precision where it adds value and letting go of perfection where progress matters more.
For women entering the workforce today, I suggest reframing “perfectionism” as “strategic excellence”—use your keen eye for detail as an advantage, but never let it become a roadblock to completion and growth.
Navigating Perception: Ambition Without Apology
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of my career has been dealing with perceptions around female ambition. Women often walk a fine line—deemed either “not assertive enough” or “too aggressive,” regardless of the industry. However, for every stereotype, there are also supportive leaders and colleagues who recognize these challenges and stand by you. The key is to remain authentic in your leadership style.
Clearly articulate your ambitions, align them with organizational goals, and let your results speak for themselves. For the next generation of women leaders, my advice is simple: Don’t waste energy managing perceptions you cannot control. Instead, focus on building influence, mentoring others, and driving meaningful outcomes that render gender biases irrelevant.
Looking Forward
My final thought this International Women’s Day is that the glass ceiling hasn’t disappeared—it has simply evolved, becoming more sophisticated with hidden fractures.
The future of women’s leadership is not just about individual achievement but about collective transformation. When we reach positions of influence, our responsibility extends beyond personal success to reshaping the systems themselves.
For women at all stages of their corporate journey, remember this: Your presence alone is revolutionary. The foundation we build today will create endless possibilities for those who follow. Your career isn’t just your personal journey—it’s part of a larger movement toward change.
About the Contributor – Isha is a dynamic sales professional with over 14 years of experience driving business strategy, market development, and revenue growth. As a key contributor at Arab Business Machine, her expertise in crafting strategic partnerships and sales leadership has consistently enhanced brand market share, business profitability, and team performance. Throughout her career, Isha has demonstrated a talent for identifying emerging opportunities and implementing innovative solutions that deliver measurable results across diverse industry landscapes.
This contribution is under the International Women’s Day initiative #SheIsInfinite.
All Content Rights Reserved by The Catalyst.
