Karen Catlin, Tech Women Advocate & Former VP, Engineering at Adobe

Karen Catlin is no stranger to criticism – her own criticism. This former Adobe VP of Engineering turned advocate for tech women spent 25 years building software products, before she decided to take a career pivot to teach others how to become leaders in this competitive industry. In Episode 2 of The DevelopHer Show, Lauren talks to Karen about the reality that is imposter syndrome, and the tools that tech women can use to share their accomplishments without suffering the likability penalty. Embrace Public Speaking It will unlock opportunities and open doors for future career opportunities, while making others aware of your experience. Public speaking is like a multi-vitamin for your career; it can be used as a tool to share your expertise, and to talk about the work you’re doing in a genuine, educational way. Turn Off Your Imposter Syndrome Soundtrack Turn off your imposter syndrome soundtrack by acknowledging that imposter syndrome exists and setting goals to help you overcome it, and your inner critic. These two handicaps are experienced by women in tech at all levels, even those in senior positions, but there are steps you can take to put them behind you. Figure Out the Business Impact While Working on a Project Figure out the business impact while working on a project, and you will do a better job. Instead of doing the work and connecting the dots later, determine what components will lead to success in the beginning. What is the ‘why’? What is the real pain? The answers to these questions will enable you to accomplish real goals, rather than simply getting the job done. When you have to talk about what you did, you’ll have concrete facts to share rather than a simple description of the task. Don’t Shy Away from Highlighting Yourself Don’t shy away from highlighting yourself, for how else will others know what you are capable of? You will not be noticed if you simply keep your head down and do good work. Good work is not enough. Use the business impact to your advantage, by presenting the facts and metrics that go hand-in-hand with your work. You’ll be sharing your accomplishments without seeming as though you are bragging too much.