Stepping into a CEO role, especially as a woman in tech, is no small feat – it takes guts, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose. Today women make up only about 5% of CEOs in tech globally. There are several factors behind this, which we explore in our blog Empowering Women in Technology. Many organisations and individuals are working hard to address the disparity in female representation. At Web Summit 2024 Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, and Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble, reflected on their leadership journeys and shared some great advice.
Be Bold, Authentic, and Build Your Image
Authenticity and confidence are central to leadership. Be unapologetic about your style – integrity, transparency, and collaboration matter more than fitting in. Show up as your true self and build a culture where others feel safe to do the same. Lidiane Jones advised, “Believe in who you are. Be convicted on how you move forward and do it with integrity.”
At the same time, developing a strong personal image is essential for inspiring trust and purpose. Sarah Franklin encouraged leaders to, “Develop career identity, do whatever you do with passion, and work with incredible people you trust.”
The Power of Mentorship and Supportive Networks
A strong network and mentorship go hand-in-hand. Make time to create and nurture your own network of people who will uplift, guide, and provide honest feedback – they are invaluable. Sarah Franklin said “We need people around us who will be truth-tellers.”
Lidiane highlighted the value of networks “Having a network is so important, especially for women as there aren’t enough of us. Men play a huge role as being great allies. Women supporting women and great male allies have an insane amplifier effect.”
Building long-lasting relationships founded on mutual respect – whether through mentorship or networking – can drive meaningful change. Jones captured this beautifully: “Create a culture where everyone is seen, everyone can do their best work and can be proud of the impact they are having.” Sarah Franklin echoed this: “Work hard and support each other, it’s a very important part of the journey. Whether it’s engineering, leadership or technology, there is not enough representation in these roles. I have a passion for changing these ratios.”
Tackling Unconscious Bias
The tech world is still male-dominated, and biases persist. Lidiane Jones advised, “Tune out stereotypes. They are just distractions.” Sarah Franklin added, “People want to put you in a box. Know there is no box!” Surround yourself with people who you trust and don’t let self-doubt stifle your growth.
It’s Okay Not to Have All the Answers
Leadership doesn’t mean knowing everything or doing it all yourself. Teams look to leaders for honesty and openness. Being authentic builds trust and inspires a shared vision. Sarah emphasised, “Have confidence in your ability to make decisions that are right at the time, bring your team with you and support them. Teams want honesty, transparency, accountability, they want you to be open and accessible. That builds trust.”
Balance with Boundaries
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Be fully present, whether you’re leading a team or spending time with family. Demonstrating this balance shows others that it’s OK to prioritise their own well-being too. Lidiane Jones noted, “Be thoughtful about your time. When at home, be truly present. At work, be 100% there.”
Inspire Through Role Models and Purpose
Representation and role models matter. Show up every day with purpose, connecting your work to broader goals. Franklin shared how her role as a CEO is deeply tied to mentoring the next generation, particularly young women. “If the next generation of girls can ‘be what they see’ and believe it, we can create a more balanced future and change the ratio” she explained.
Take These Lessons Forward
The journey to becoming a CEO is an opportunity to grow, inspire, and lead with your own style. The experiences shared by Sarah and Lidiane highlight the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and building strong networks – practical advice for everyone.
Discover more firsthand experiences from six inspirational Women in Tech via our podcast series. These engaging European leaders share their experiences and advice on personal growth and building successful businesses.
