Take the Lead! Stories of Women Leaders

In this podcast, Julianne Vella, a young leader in politics and technology, walks us through the challenges young women face in both conventional political participation and the tech industry. With roles at JEF Europe and JEF Malta, Julianne discusses her journey that lays at the intersection of politics and computer science. She highlights the barriers women encounter and some strategies for overcoming them, emphasizing the role of education and EU support. Through personal anecdotes, she encourages young women to follow their voices, in order to foster empowerment and diversity in leadership.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Our second episode features Diana Țarfulea, Director of Engineering at Adobe Romania, a leading advocate for mentoring women in tech. Diana's journey emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship, inspired by her mentors, daughter, and colleagues. Discovering the power of authenticity in leadership, Diana urges women to embrace their unique skills without conforming to 'queen bee' stereotypes. She highlights the importance of focusing on women who've proven their leadership mettle, dismissing the limiting notion of the 'glass cliff.' Diana's journey showcases the resilience and capability of women leaders, advocating for equal opportunities to demonstrate their potential.

Resources used in this episode:

• The 2022 study: https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2022/
• US statistics: https://www.zippia.com/software-engineer-jobs/demographics/
• Branson, D. M. (2018). The Future of Tech Is Female: How to Achieve Gender Diversity. NYU Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv12pnp2t
• Eagly, Alice H. (2007). "Female Leadership Advantage and Disadvantage: Resolving the Contradictions." Psychology of Women Quarterly, 31: 1-12.
• Ellermers, Naomi; Floor Rink; Belle Derks; and Michelle K. Ryan. (2012). "Women in High Places: When and Why Promoting Women into Top Positions Can Harm them Individually or as a Group and how to Prevent this)." Research in Organizational Behavior, 32: 163-187.
• Kellerman, Barbara, and Deborah L. Rhode. (2014). "Viable Options: Rethinking Women and Leadership." In Contemporary Issues in Leadership.
• Sanford, A. A.; Ross, E. M.; Blake, S. J.; Cambiano, R. L. (2015). "Finding Courage and Confirmation: Resisting Impostor Feelings through Relationships with Mentors, Romantic Partners, and Other Women in Leadership." Advances in Women Leadership, 35: 31–41.
• Ryan, Michelle K.; S. Alexander Haslam; Thekla Morgenroth; Floor Rink; Janka Stoker; and Kim Peters. (2016). "Getting on top of the Glass Cliff: Reviewing a Decade of Evidence, Explanations, and Impact." The Leadership Quarterly, 27: 446-455.

In our first episode, we chat with Angela Roșca, Managing Partner at Taxhouse in Romania. Angela dives into different leadership styles between men and women, highlighting how understanding these differences can enhance leadership. We discuss the importance of support networks, where Angela shares how family and colleagues helped her navigate doubts as a female leader. Mentorship's role in advancing women in leadership is a focal point, exploring how authentic programs can truly empower women. Join us as we unpack the challenges and opportunities women have in the field of finance!

Resources used:

• study about the glass ceiling: https://www.ie.edu/uncover-ie/women-finance-chipping-away-glass-ceiling/
• study from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesmarketplace/2018/06/05/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-women-in-finance/?sh=2bb276774e77
• study from Deloitte: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/financial-services/diversity-and-inclusion-in-financial-services-leadership.html/#endnote-sup-4
• Eagly, Alice H. 2007. "Female Leadership Advantage and Disadvantage: Resolving the Contradictions." Psychology of Women Quarterly 31: 1-12.
• Rosener, Judy B. 1990. "Ways Women Lead." Harvard Business Review, November-December.
• Sanford, A. A., Ross, E. M., Blake, S. J., & Cambiano, R. L. 2015. "Finding Courage and Confirmation: Resisting Impostor Feelings through Relationships with Mentors, Romantic Partners, and Other Women in Leadership." Advances in Women Leadership 35: 31–41.

Hey there! Welcome to “Take the Lead,” the podcast all about women in leadership. I'm Doriana, and together, we're diving into the inspiring journeys of female leaders across different fields—Finance, Tech, Politics, you name it!

In each episode, we're uncovering the secrets of female leadership, delving into the challenges they face and the triumphs they've achieved. We're tackling tough questions: Do women and men have different leadership styles? What happens in 'queen bee' scenarios? And should we even differentiate between men and women in leadership?

Backed by research and insights, we're exploring solutions to the barriers women face, from mentorship programs to navigating the 'impostor syndrome.' Get ready for an incredible exploration into the world of women leaders, proving that they're forces to be reckoned with in every sphere.

Join me as we journey through stories of resilience, determination, and the sheer power of female leadership. Stay tuned for some amazing conversations ahead!

Resources used in this introduction:

• Eagly, Alice H. 2007. Female Leadership Advantage and Disadvantage: Resolving the Contradictions. Psychology of Women Quarterly
• Ellermers, Naomi; Floor Rink; Belle Derks, and Michelle K. Ryan. 2012. Women in High Places: When and Why Promoting Women into Top Positions Can Harm them Individually or as a Group and how to Prevent this). Research in Organizational Behavior, 32:163-187.
• Sanford, A.A.; Ross, E.M.; Blake, S.J.; Cambiano, R.L. Finding Courage and Confirmation: Resisting Impostor Feelings through Relationships with Mentors, Romantic Partners, and Other Women in Leadership. Adv. Women Lead. 2015, 35, 31– 41