Being the Only Woman in the Room, and Using That Seat to Lead with Saima Khan

Hey Trailblazers! Get ready for a conversation that hits different. Tiffany Benitez sits down with Saima Khan, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Digital at Compass Digital, to talk about what authenticity and inclusion actually look like when you are living it out in tech.Saima takes us back to the dot-com era and walks us through her journey to leading large-scale healthcare technology today. Along the way, she unpacks the questions so many of us wrestle with. How do you keep your confidence when you are the only woman in the room? What happens when you stop waiting to feel ready and step forward anyway?Representation also takes center stage in this episode. Saima shares how one female CEO changed the trajectory of her career. “There’s just so much power in seeing someone that looks like you and talks like you.” Her story proves why visibility is not optional; it is essential.The conversation gets practical, too. Inclusion here is not a slogan; it is action. Saima talks about the real moves leaders can make, from amplifying overlooked voices to building women in tech groups that keep people engaged and growing. If you want to see allyship in action, this episode lays it out.Here are the key takeaways: (2:48) The power of authenticity and inclusion (7:12) Starting out in tech during the dot-com boom(13:17) Why representation changes everything (14:31) The impact of seeing women in leadership(16:57) What real inclusion looks like at the table (18:21) Creating space and building diverse teams (22:14) Mentorship that actually works(26:32) Final advice: don’t be afraid to be yourself By the end, you will find yourself thinking about the spaces you sit in and the voices you invite in. Tune in to hear Saima’s take on authenticity, mentorship, and legacy, and discover how to lead in a way that truly changes the room.About Saima KhanSaima Khan is the Senior Vice President of Healthcare Digital at Compass Digital, where she oversees digital transformation across the healthcare sector. She has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare technology, including her role as Chief Technology Officer of Clinical Solutions at Premier Inc. Saima also serves as the executive sponsor of Compass Digital’s Women in Tech initiative, supporting mentorship, leadership development, and community programs across North America. Outside of work, she is a yoga instructor and an advocate for wellness, balance, and community.Connect with Saima:LinkedInAbout Tiffany Benitez Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.Connect with Host: Tiffany’s LinkedInDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.