From Tech Pro to Empowerment Coach: Harpreet Kaur’s Journey

The technology industry has experienced various innovations and rapid growth, but it has also experienced challenges in inclusion and diversity, especially in the leadership of women in specific management positions. However, this gap is filled by some change-makers, such as Harpreet Kaur to empower future technology leaders.

WhyBlendin has been launched by Harpreet Kaur who has chosen a rather specific field for her business: being a qualified product manager and AI professional with all-encompassing interests, she focuses on executive coaching. The exploration of her background from a technology professional to an influential coach provides the reader with critical and new perspectives on the leadership challenges in the modern world of technology.

Today, it is our pleasure to interview Harpreet personally and her experience and perspectives on the subject, as well as her role in the advancement of women in technology.

1. Can you tell us about your career path? From where did you get the inspiration to change your career from a technology professional to an executive coach?

My career path has been a winding journey, full of unexpected turns and valuable lessons. Initially, I aspired to become a doctor but couldn’t even pass the entrance exams. This led me to discover my passion for computers, prompting me to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. To support myself, I worked part-time jobs while studying.

I spent over a decade in management consulting before aiming to break into the big technology companies. This transition was far from smooth, as I faced numerous rejections from major tech companies. There were moments when I felt like giving up and often found myself in tears, doubting my capabilities. Despite the setbacks, I persevered and eventually succeeded in securing a position at Microsoft, where I’ve been for the past 14 years.

About five years ago, a health event made me reevaluate my life and legacy. I realized I wanted to give back and share my experiences with others. This introspection led to the creation of “Why Blend In,” a business dedicated to helping others navigate their careers and stand out in their fields. Since then, we’ve been growing and scaling our operations, making a positive impact on many lives and also ability to connect the right talent with the right opportunities.

2. In your experience, what are the most common challenges faced by women in tech industry in advancing to leadership positions?

From my experience, the top most common challenges faced by women in the tech industry when advancing to leadership positions (not limiting to work life balance and family things which we anyways have to go though) are: 

1. Bias and Stereotypes: Women often face implicit biases and stereotypes that can hinder their career progression. These biases can manifest in hiring, promotion decisions, and daily interactions, affecting their visibility and credibility.
2. Confidence and Self-Promotion: Women are often less likely to self-promote or negotiate for higher positions and salaries compared to their male counterparts. This can result in fewer opportunities for advancement and recognition. I see that all the time when I mentor women who constantly ask for the outside in reaffirmation.
3. Representation and Role Models: The lack of female representation in leadership positions can make it difficult for women to envision themselves in similar roles. It’s a catch 22. Seeing women in leadership can inspire and motivate others to pursue similar paths and so we need to make spaces for women to grow.
4. Organizational Culture: A male-dominated or exclusionary organizational culture can create an unwelcoming environment for women, making it harder for them to thrive and advance. We are still called aggressive if we ask for those promotions. 

3. Is your approach to coaching different when you are coaching women in technology or any different from other coaching clients?

Yes, my approach to coaching women in technology often involves tailored strategies that address the specific challenges they face in the industry. Here are some ways in which my approach may differ:

• Addressing Gender-Specific Challenges: I focus on the unique obstacles that women in tech encounter, such as bias, stereotypes, and work-life balance. This includes helping them navigate these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them.
• Building Confidence and Self-Advocacy: I emphasize building confidence and self-advocacy skills. Women often face societal pressures that can impact their self-perception, so I work on empowering them to assert themselves, negotiate effectively, and advocate for their career advancement.
• Mentorship and Networking: Recognizing the importance of strong professional networks, I guide women in identifying and building relationships with mentors and sponsors. I also provide advice on effective networking strategies within their organizations and the broader tech community.
• Work-Life Integration: I help women in tech find a balance between their professional and personal lives, offering strategies for time management, setting boundaries, and leveraging flexible work arrangements where possible.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: I work with my clients to foster supportive environments, both within their teams and organizations. This includes developing leadership skills that promote inclusivity and diversity, and advocating for policies that support women in the workplace.
• Career Advancement: I assist women in identifying career goals and creating actionable plans to achieve them. This includes preparing for leadership roles, enhancing their visibility within their organizations, and developing the skills needed for advancement.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Many women in tech experience imposter syndrome. I help them recognize their achievements, build their self-worth, and overcome self-doubt to reach their full potential.
• While these strategies are particularly relevant for women in tech, the core principles of my coaching—such as goal setting, skill development, and personal growth—remain consistent for all clients. The customization lies in addressing the specific context and needs of each individual.

4. You mentioned the correlation between the two concepts: coaching and being outstanding. What strategies do you use to ensure that the women you are working with within your tech company create a positive image for themselves?

To ensure that the women I work with in the tech industry create a positive and outstanding image for themselves, I employ several key strategies:

1. Personal Branding: I help them develop a strong personal brand that highlights their unique strengths, skills, and values. This involves creating a compelling narrative about their career journey and defining what sets them apart from others.
2. Visibility and Recognition: I encourage women to seek out opportunities for visibility, such as speaking at conferences, contributing to industry publications, and participating in high-profile projects. I also advise them on how to effectively showcase their achievements within their organizations.
3. Networking and Relationship Building: I emphasize the importance of building a robust professional network. This includes connecting with mentors, sponsors, and peers who can offer support, guidance, and advocacy. I provide strategies for effective networking, both within the company and in the broader industry.
4. Skill Enhancement: I focus on continuous learning and skill development. Encouraging women to pursue advanced training, certifications, and leadership development programs helps them stay current and competitive in their field.
5. Confidence and Self-Promotion: I work on building their confidence and teaching them the art of self-promotion. This includes techniques for articulating their accomplishments, negotiating for raises and promotions, and confidently expressing their ideas and opinions in meetings.
6. Leadership Development: I assist women in developing leadership skills that are essential for career advancement. This includes decision-making, strategic thinking, team management, and conflict resolution. Leadership training helps them take on more significant roles and responsibilities.
7. Work-Life Balance: I help them achieve a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for long-term success and well-being. This involves setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and leveraging flexible work arrangements.
8. Overcoming Barriers: I address specific barriers that women may face in the workplace, such as gender bias and discrimination. I provide strategies for navigating these challenges and creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
9. Feedback and Reflection: Regular feedback and reflection sessions help women understand their progress and areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop is vital for personal and professional growth.
10. Role Modeling and Mentorship: I encourage them to become role models and mentors for other women in tech. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, they can inspire and support the next generation of female leaders.

5. Do you have any particular experience or situation when you experienced a major challenge as a female in the tech field, and how did you have to overcome this challenge?

Yes, Something which stands out and I share that experience openly. There was a time, I felt I had consistently delivered exceptional results and taken on responsibilities beyond my role in my job. Believing it was time for a promotion, I had scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss my progress and career aspirations.

During the meeting, I presented my case for a promotion, highlighting my achievements, additional responsibilities, and positive feedback from peers and stakeholders. However, instead of receiving acknowledgment for my hard work, my manager responded by saying, “You’re coming across as aggressive by asking for a promotion. It’s important to be patient and let your work speak for itself.”

How I Overcame the Challenge:

1. Understanding the Feedback: Initially, I was taken aback and felt disheartened. I took some time to reflect on the feedback and understand the possible reasons behind it. I realized that while I was confident in my abilities, there might have been a perception issue that I needed to address.
2. Seeking Constructive Feedback: I asked my manager for specific areas where I could improve and what was expected for the next level. This helped me understand the gaps in my approach and the criteria for promotion.
3. Building Allies and Advocates: I worked on building stronger relationships with my peers, team members, and other leaders within the organization. By doing so, I created a network of allies who could advocate for my promotion and provide positive endorsements.
4. Adjusting My Approach: I adjusted my communication style to be more collaborative and less direct when discussing career progression. I focused on demonstrating leadership qualities and sought feedback regularly to ensure I was on the right track.
5. Continuing to Excel: I continued to excel in my role, taking on high-impact projects and delivering outstanding results. I made sure my contributions were visible to key stakeholders and aligned with the company’s goals.
6. Persistent but Polite Follow-Up: I maintained a polite and professional demeanor while following up on my promotion discussions. I scheduled regular check-ins with my manager to review my progress and ensure I was meeting the expectations for the next level.

Over time, my efforts paid off. I demonstrated my value through consistent performance, strong relationships, and a balanced approach to self-advocacy. Eventually, I received the promotion I had worked so hard for, along with recognition for my contributions.

This experience taught me the importance of balancing confidence with tact, understanding organizational dynamics, and building a network of supporters. It also reinforced the need to continuously seek feedback and adapt my approach to align with the company culture.

6. What role do you think AI is going to play in the future of leadership in technology? How are you positioning your clients to best understand AI?

AI is poised to play a transformative role in the future of leadership in technology, influencing how leaders make decisions, manage teams, and drive innovation. Here are some key roles AI will play and how I’m positioning my clients to best understand and leverage AI: I also wrote about it  AI: Fearful Foe or Career Catalyst? Decoding the Future of Professional Landscape – Economic Insider

Roles AI Will Play in Future Leadership:

1. Data-Driven Decision Making:
   • AI can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and provide insights that inform strategic decisions. Leaders can make more informed choices based on predictive analytics, trend analysis, and real-time data.
2. Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity:
   • AI can automate routine tasks, allowing leaders to focus on higher-level strategic activities. This increases overall efficiency and productivity within teams and organizations.
3. Personalized Leadership:
   • AI can offer personalized recommendations for professional development, performance improvement, and career progression for team members. This allows leaders to tailor their approach to individual needs and strengths.
4. Improved Talent Management:
   • AI-powered tools can help in recruiting, assessing, and developing talent by providing unbiased evaluations and identifying high-potential employees. This leads to better talent management and retention strategies.
5. Innovation and Problem-Solving:
   • AI can foster innovation by providing new tools and methodologies for problem-solving. Leaders can leverage AI to explore new ideas, streamline research and development, and bring innovative solutions to market faster.

Positioning Clients to Best Understand and Leverage AI:

• I ensure my clients have a solid understanding of AI basics, including how AI works, its potential applications, and the ethical considerations involved. I emphasize the strategic value of AI in achieving business goals.  I encourage my clients to stay updated on the latest AI developments and trends. This involves participating in AI-related training, attending conferences, and engaging with AI communities to continuously expand their knowledge.

By equipping my clients with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to leverage AI effectively, I help them position themselves as forward-thinking leaders who can harness the power of AI to drive their organizations toward future success.