The tech industry is full of bright minds and big ideas. But leadership still doesn’t look as diverse as it should. It’s common for women in tech leadership to be the only female voice in the room. </

If you’re a woman in tech, you might be wondering how to move forward. If you’re a leader, you might be wondering how to better support the women on your team.

The good news is that there are clear ways to create stronger, more inclusive teams. It starts with how we lead, mentor, and grow talent. In this blog, we’ll break down practical insights from three women who’ve done just that.

Melissa Manley is the CFO of Seneca Resources and a board member of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project. Daria Morano is the COO and Co-Owner of Solving IT, with a background in both operations and music. And Betsy Robinson is the CEO of Tier 4 Group and Board President of Women in Technology.

Together, they share leadership tips for women and valuable advice on career development for women at all stages and levels.

Leadership Is About People.

Melissa Manley shares how a focal moment in her career came not from a technical challenge, but a human one.

Leading a company with financial difficulties, she quickly realized that success hinged not on processes but on people. She focused on three things: training under-experienced staff, empowering them to lead, and communicating transparently across all levels.

“It’s okay to make mistakes,” she told her team. “I’ve got your back.”

This built trust, loyalty, and eventually, progress. And it taught her something many leaders still forget: when you build the right team, everything else follows.

Take Initiative, Even When It’s Uncomfortable.

For Daria Morano, leadership started early…before she had the title. As a young woman in sales trying to break into a more technical role, she didn’t just wait for an opportunity. She created one. Daria built an internal tool that automated workflows for her entire team, even though she was “just a BDR.”

“It was very awkward… they’re like, who is this woman?” she says. But she didn’t back down. With help from a supportive male colleague, her solution was rolled out across teams.

Her advice is to take initiative. Speak up. And don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Even if it feels uncomfortable.

Build a Network Before You Need One.

Betsy Robinson knows a thing or two about networking. She is the CEO of a leading tech staffing firm and President of Women in Technology Atlanta and has built her career on authentic connections.

“You can’t make withdrawals where you haven’t made deposits,” she advises. “Build the network when you don’t need the network.”

For Betsy, networking is more about relationships than about transactions. She encourages professionals to seek out diverse voices, connect across departments, and give before you expect anything in return.

One of her favorite tools is strategic volunteering. It builds both skills and relationships, especially in areas your current job might not touch.

Mentorship: Find Your Champion, Be a Champion.

The power of mentorship is something all of the three women in tech leadership put emphasis on.

Melissa credited her former boss Tom Adams for seeing her potential when she didn’t yet see it herself. “He was more of a coach than a boss,” she states. He challenged her, believed in her, and helped her rise.

Now, she’s passing that on. “Everyone needs a champion,” Melissa emphasizes. “I can teach someone a system, but I can’t teach them drive.”

Daria and Monica echo that point: you don’t need to be in a leadership role to mentor someone. Even if you’re early in your career, you have value to share.

Let’s Redefine Leadership for Women!

When asked what makes a great leader, Daria focuses on curiosity and adaptability. “We are so scared as women sometimes to say, ‘I don’t know.’“ But staying curious and building around people’s strengths instead of their job titles is where the magic happens.

Melissa adds that tone and timing matter when giving feedback. This is something her mentor modeled well. “Someone else could have delivered the same message and I’d have been defensive…but not him.”

Diversity Is a Mindset.

Diversity in tech can bring in more valuable perspectives and opinions. But this is only the case when everyone feels safe and comfortable contributing and speaking up.

Melissa Manley helped launch a Diverse Voice Alliance at her company. It was a space that started with open conversations and eventually led to stronger collaboration and problem-solving across teams.

“If people feel like they belong, they feel like they’re in a trusted and safe environment,” she says. And the numbers back it up: highly engaged teams are 23% more productive.

Work-Life Balance Starts with Prioritizing Joy.

Daria has a fresh take on balance: “We talk about boundaries all the time, but not prioritizing joy, existence, happiness… You have to renew your energy.”

She mentions how her passion for music helps her stay grounded and connected and how creating space for passions outside work can inspire creativity and authenticity.

“I want to inspire others, not impress them,” she says. “Stop apologizing. Stop fearing imperfection.”

The Road Ahead: We Still Need More Female Tech Leaders.

Even with all the progress, the numbers are clear: women still make up only 28% of the tech workforce.

Betsy wants that to change: “I want to see a tech field where women aren’t the exception.”

That means more than just hiring. It means creating inclusive cultures, investing in mentorship, addressing pay equity, and making sure every woman knows: she belongs.

Inspiring Women in Tech Leadership

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all and it certainly isn’t reserved for people with titles or years of experience. It’s about leading with empathy, building others up, and daring to raise your hand. Yes, even when no one calls on you.

To quote Monica Dominic’s career advice for young women (and more experienced ones alike): “Stay curious. Ask questions. Be open-minded.”

And don’t forget to lift others as you rise. That’s how we build not just better teams, but a better future for women in tech.

The full webinar is available here.