November 03, 2024

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

57 minutes

"Taking time away didn’t mean I gave up my career; it meant I came back stronger and more determined."

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Stella Noutsis on LinkedIn

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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.

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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.

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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

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🔗 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.

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By Georgie Hubbard

1212 ratings