The Inspiring Journey of Furan Karel: A Woman in Tech
Imagine a little girl who lives in a small town long before the internet era. She dreams of being a software engineer but hasn't seen any woman do it before. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? Today, this girl has grown into a successful software engineer and is dedicating her life to inspire other girls into technology. I, Furan Karel, had no role models while growing up, and I wish to be one myself now. Here is my story.
Beginnings: Small town girl with big dreams
In my little corner of Turkey, dreaming of a career in tech as a woman was not just ambitious - it was unheard of. So, when I first shared my ambition with my friends at school, I was laughed at and reminded to 'come back to the real world'. That was when I decided that I would not only achieve my dream, but also inspire other girls to follow theirs.
From Turkey to Ireland - An International Tech Student
In the middle of my studies in Istanbul, I got transferred to Aloi IT in Ireland as an Erasmus student. Happiness knew no bounds when two weeks after graduation, I landed my dream job as a software engineer at Erickson. Yet, this was not the end of my career journey – it was just the beginning.
A Decade in the Tech World: Observations and Insights
Over ten years in multinational tech companies, I noticed a striking disparity - women were always in the minority, especially in terms of leadership roles. This reality hit harder when I realized that most tech company leaders lacked diverse ethnic backgrounds - most were less than 1%!
A Wake-Up Call and A New Cause: DiversIn Tech
Spurred by the need to change this narrative, I founded DiversIn Tech. The goal? To bring people from various backgrounds together to foster equal and happier workplaces. We now have over 20 ambassadors focusing on diverse areas including women in tech, LGBT groups, disabilities at the workplace, neurodiversity, ethnic culture, and gender diversity.
Leadership Redefined
Leadership, to me initially, seemed distant and elusive. I thought it meant managing a team or working in big companies. But then, a course instructor mentioned me as a leader who inspired diversity and inclusion, and I was taken aback.
I found solace in Bill George's definition of leadership: wanting to make a difference and inspiring others to join them in pursuing common goals. If Opera Winfrey and Malala Youssafzai, women who started with big dreams, can become leaders, why can't any of us?
Building Your Leadership Profile
Based on my experiences in large corporations and as an entrepreneur, here are some steps to shape your leadership profile:
- Document your Skills and Achievements: Don't underestimate your capabilities and don't shrink away from celebrating even small wins.
- Build Your Online Presence: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can aid visibility in your field and connect you with like-minded individuals.
- Ask for Help when Needed: People who aren’t shy to ask questions or seek assistance often navigate roadblocks more smoothly
- Network: Join clubs and groups relevant to your field to gain insights from others' experiences and make valuable connections.
- Embrace Public Speaking: It might be scary initially, but speaking in public boosts your image and establishes your authority in your field.
The Road Ahead
The stories of your journey, your struggles, your triumphs, and your dreams are what shape your leadership profile. It's time to let the world hear them! Remember, your authentic self should shine through in your journey as a leader. Always strive for inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in your leadership practice.
So what is your next step towards building your leadership profile? Maybe it's updating your LinkedIn profile, overcoming the fear of public speaking, putting more time towards networking or simply reviewing your accomplishments – the path is yours to choose.
Regardless of the direction you choose, remember to embrace your authentic self and empower others. In this way, we collectively contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, diverse, and authentic world.
Want to Connect?
Are you inspired to start your journey, or do you already tread on the path of leadership? Either way, I'd love to hear from you. Connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter and let's take the conversation forward.