"I Couldn’t Even Write an Email": Stella’s Inspiring Path Back into IT Leadership After 8 Years Away

"Taking time away didn’t mean I gave up my career; it meant I came back stronger and more determined." ___________________________________ 🎥 Watch the full episode on Youtube  👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website 🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn  Thanks to our sponsor - CH Talent Solutions  ___________________________________ Stella Noutsis on LinkedIn  ___________________________________ In this episode of the Career Confidence Podcast, we dive into the remarkable journey of Stella Noutsis, a Program Manager at UniSuper, who courageously re-entered the tech industry after an eight-year career break to focus on her family. Stella shares her experiences navigating self-doubt, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding her footing in a rapidly changing field. From her early days as an IT graduate to becoming a leader in project management, Stella's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and grit. Whether you're considering a career change, struggling with work-life balance, or seeking inspiration to pursue your goals, Stella's insights are both relatable and motivating. ___________________________________ Takeaways from This Episode: The Power of Resilience: Stella talks about how she navigated her return to work after an eight-year break, from not knowing how to write an email to becoming a confident leader in tech. Imposter Syndrome is Real—But Manageable: Hear how Stella overcame her fears and self-doubt by investing in mentorship, networking, and continuous learning. Networking and Mentorship Matter: Stella reveals how her connections helped her land new opportunities and how finding the right mentors has shaped her career. Balancing Career and Family: Learn Stella’s strategies for juggling motherhood and a successful career, and why flexibility and organizational support are crucial for women in tech. ___________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Stella’s Background and Career Overview 03:05 – Starting in IT: From Graduate Program to Project Manager 05:57 – Taking an 8-Year Break: Why Stella Chose to Focus on Family 10:35 – The Challenge of Returning: Feeling Like a Newbie Again 19:09 – Finding a Way Back: Stella’s Unexpected Role in Recruitment 23:17 – The First Day Back: Battling Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt 28:51 – Building Real Confidence: The Impact of a Women in Leadership Course 31:14 – Returning to Project Management: Adjusting to the New World of IT 36:48 – Networking During COVID: How Stella Made Connections Remotely 41:10 – The Role of Mentorship: Why Having Multiple Mentors Matters 46:12 – Program Management at UniSuper: What Stella’s Role Involves 49:29 – Advice for Women Entering Tech: Skills, Traits, and How to Get Started 52:11 – What’s Next for Stella: Future Career Aspirations in Strategy and Business   ___________________________________ 🔗 Related Links & Resources: Sisterhood Mentorship Program – Learn more about how mentorship can transform your career. UniSuper Careers – Explore opportunities to join a company that supports women in leadership.