16: The Leadership Skill No One Taught You in IT

25. How Introverted Women Leaders in IT Build Influence

Do you ever find yourself avoiding professional events where you walk into a room and know no one? For many years, I didn't realize how uncomfortable those situations were for me because I usually attended with a coworker. But when you're on your own, it can feel vulnerable. You walk into a room full of strangers and suddenly you're not quite sure where to begin. If you're an introvert, you're certainly not alone. I'm an introvert too, and many of the women leaders in IT I work with have shared similar struggles. So when people tell you to "network more" how do you do that when large groups drain your energy? But what if you don't need a bigger network at all? What if you just need a few trusted allies?  Some of the strongest allies and professional relationships I've built in my career came from one-on-one conversations and genuine connections. In this episode, we'll explore five ways to build allies, influence, and new opportunities in your IT career.  Tina Chapman helps women leaders in IT become more assertive and develop allies so they can confidently deliver on their best ideas. For step-by-step support, apply for Tina's Empowered Leadership Breakthrough program [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/work-with-tina/] and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call. Or if you're struggling with team accountability, sign up for a 90-minute Accountability Mastery session [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/accountability-mastery/] where you're learn how to confidently report status to stakeholders, earning their trust and respect, and transform your team dynamics and leadership skills.

24. The Real Reason Women Leaders in IT Struggle with Assertiveness

Have you ever agreed to take on something you didn't really have time for? Said "yes" when you wanted to say "no"? Avoided a difficult conversation because you didn't want to disappoint someone? If you're like many women leaders in IT, you've probably done all three. You care deeply about your team. You want to be supportive. You want people to feel valued and respected. But over time, those good intentions can sometimes turn into people-pleasing. And people-pleasing can quietly undermine your effectiveness as a leader. But what if those behaviors aren't simply habits? What if they're the result of messages you've been receiving since childhood? In this episode, we'll uncover the real reason women leaders in IT struggle with assertiveness—and how to lead with more confidence and credibility.  Tina Chapman helps women leaders in IT become more assertive and develop allies so they can confidently deliver on their best ideas. For step-by-step support, apply for Tina's Empowered Leadership Breakthrough program [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/work-with-tina/] and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call. Or if you're struggling with team accountability, sign up for a 90-minute Accountability Mastery session [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/accountability-mastery/] where you're learn how to confidently report status to stakeholders, earning their trust and respect, and transform your team dynamics and leadership skills.

23. Receiving Feedback with Confidence as a Woman Leader in IT

Have you ever received feedback that was hard to accept? Maybe it wasn’t delivered in a kind or constructive way. Or maybe criticism sinks deeper because of earlier experiences in your life. For some women leaders in IT, feedback immediately feels personal—like your brain goes straight to: “Here we go again…” And when that happens, it’s easy to either shut down or start questioning yourself. But feedback doesn’t automatically become truth just because someone says it. You have a choice in how you respond. Ask yourself: * Is this feedback valuable? * Is it being given with good intent? * Or is it more reflective of that person’s frustration or perspective? Not all feedback deserves equal weight. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to process feedback in a healthy, meaningful way—without losing confidence in yourself as a leader. Tina Chapman helps women leaders in IT become more assertive and develop allies so they can confidently deliver on their best ideas. For step-by-step support, apply for Tina's Empowered Leadership Breakthrough program [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/work-with-tina/] and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call. Or if you're struggling with team accountability, sign up for a 90-minute Accountability Mastery session [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/accountability-mastery/] where you're learn how to confidently report status to stakeholders, earning their trust and respect, and transform your team dynamics and leadership skills.

22. How to Stop Asking for Permission as a Woman Leader in IT

How often do you find yourself checking in or asking for permission, before making a decision? It’s something I see all the time with women leaders in IT. Capable, intelligent women who have learned to second-guess themselves. In leadership, you’re expected to think, decide, and act. While experience builds confidence, so does making decisions before you feel 100% ready. Mistakes are part of the process. Strong leaders don’t dwell on them—they ask, “What did I learn?” and keep moving. Gathering input is important, but at some point, the decision has to be yours. When you consistently ask for permission, it comes across as hesitation—and over time, that affects how much others trust your leadership. Shifting that pattern not only changes how you’re seen, it opens the door to your next opportunity. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to trust your decision-making, and lead with more confidence and clarity. Tina Chapman helps women leaders in IT become more assertive and develop allies so they can confidently deliver on their best ideas. For step-by-step support, apply for Tina's Empowered Leadership Breakthrough program [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/work-with-tina/] and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call. Or if you're struggling with team accountability, sign up for a 90-minute Accountability Mastery session [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/accountability-mastery/] where you're learn how to confidently report status to stakeholders, earning their trust and respect, and transform your team dynamics and leadership skills.

21. How Women Leaders in IT Turn Strengths Into High-Performing Teams

When was the last time you sat down with someone on your team and asked, “What helps you do your best work every day?” Not in a formal review, but in a real, curious conversation. Here’s what I see happen all the time—teams take assessments, learn their strengths and weaknesses and then nothing really changes...  And that’s where great leadership matters. When employees are utilizing their strengths at work, everything shifts. They enjoy what they’re doing. They perform at a higher level. They collaborate and contribute more. But when they’re not, they feel underutilized…or stretched in the wrong areas. And that’s the gap. It’s about taking the time to truly know your team and intentionally aligning their work so they can show up at their best. That’s how you unlock their genius. In this episode, we’ll explore how to move beyond assessments and start using your team’s strengths to optimize performance. Tina Chapman helps women leaders in IT become more assertive and develop allies so they can confidently deliver on their best ideas. For step-by-step support, apply for Tina's Empowered Leadership Breakthrough program [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/work-with-tina/] and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call. Or if you're struggling with team accountability, sign up for a 90-minute Accountability Mastery session [https://empoweredwomeninit.com/accountability-mastery/] where you're learn how to confidently report status to stakeholders, earning their trust and respect, and transform your team dynamics and leadership skills.