“How will you become the next General Manager?”  – that was the title of the event Dutch Women in Tech organised together with Rapid Circle on September 16. A special evening at the Rapid Circle office in Amsterdam. In the tech sector, where endless opportunities are up for grabs, women are still underrepresented. This evening revolved around answering one essential question: how do you make the leap to a leadership position as a woman in tech? 

An interactive session filled with practical tips, personal stories and exercises fueled the ambition of the women in attendance. The goal was simple: to show that big dreams are achievable if you are willing to take action and don’t give up. The result? An evening that not only inspired, but also offered concrete tools for anyone who wants to take her career to the next level. 

Opportunities in Tech: Proud of Rapid Circle 

The evening began with a shocking statistic: worldwide, only 25% of workers in the tech sector are women, and in many cases the percentage is even lower in technical and managerial positions. This highlights how large the gender gap in our sector still is, despite tech being known precisely for innovation and progress (Women in Tech Network). 

This also presents opportunities. Companies committed to promoting women in leadership positions can actually make a difference. In all the countries where Rapid Circle, operates – Australia, India and the Netherlands – it has female general managers. This shows the strong focus the company has on diversity, and it aligns perfectly with Rapid Circle’s core value of “Ahead of the Curve”.  

It shows that with the right focus, more women can advance to the top. Tech offers plenty of opportunities, but we must take concerted action to ensure that these opportunities are accessible to women. 

Part 1: Empower yourself – Personal leadership 

The first lesson of the evening was simple but powerful: if you don’t take charge of your career, who will? The speaker and moderator of this evening, Anne Hameleers emphasised the importance of personal leadership and knowing yourself well. How can you use your own talents to distinguish yourself in a competitive market? What have you inherited from home that still helps you stand strong in your shoes today? 

An important part was the impact of body posture on your self-confidence. Did you know that your body language not only affects how others see you, but also how you feel? Want to give it a try? Stand up, put your feet firmly on the ground, pull your shoulders back, your hands at your sides and lift your chin slightly. This is a power pose! This simple pose can help you feel stronger and more confident during important moments, such as a presentation or a job interview. 

In addition, the importance of daily reflection was emphasised. Every day, ask yourself the question: what steps did I take today to get closer to my goal? Success does not come overnight. It is a journey filled with small but meaningful steps. Consistency, resilience and reflection are the keys to progress. 

Part 2: Navigating within your organisation – Your way to the top 

Following the theme of personal leadership, the focus shifted to navigating within an organisation. How do you actually get to that coveted leadership role? The route to the top is different for everyone, and the approach differs depending on the size of your organisation. While smaller companies offer shorter lines and direct contact, larger organisations sometimes require more patience and strategic planning. 

One of the key lessons of the evening was: visibility is key. How often do you express your ambitions in the workplace? Maybe it feels uncomfortable to talk about your goals, but if you want to move forward, you need to make sure the right people know where you want to go. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; step forward, be clear about your ambitions and take the initiative. 

In addition, the importance of networking and mentoring was emphasised. Find a mentor, both inside and outside your organisation, who can guide you. A mentor can help you navigate your career and provide access to valuable insights and contacts. Don’t have a mentor yet? Get one. 

In conversation with Marit and Mirjam – Women at the top 

One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was the conversation with Marit van Dijk (head of advisory) and Mirjam van Olst (general manager), two women who have found their way to the top in the tech sector. Their stories made it clear that the path to leadership does not always follow a rigid plan. Sometimes it’s about seizing the opportunities that come your way, even when you’re not quite sure. 

Mirjam explained that it doesn’t matter where your career starts, as long as you perform your current role to the best of your ability. “The best way to get a new role is to do your current role exceptionally well,” she said. A simple but effective strategy. Meanwhile, Marit stressed the importance of taking risks, even when you’re scared. “Do it scared,” was her message – a powerful reminder that fear is no reason to stand still.
 
What also made an impression was their call to support other women. It is essential that we help and empower each other. Together, we can create a more inclusive work culture where women feel free to grow and achieve their ambitions. 

Your next step: Take charge of your career

You may now be asking yourself, “How can I do this myself?” The answer is simple: by taking small steps and getting one step closer to your goal each day. Start today. Get up and do a power pose. Do you feel self-confidence growing? Use that feeling to take action: express your ambitions, find a mentor, and start taking the steps toward the career you dream of. 

You have all the tools you need to take your career to the next level. It’s all about seizing opportunities, daring to take risks and making yourself visible. And if you make a mistake? Don’t worry, every mistake brings you closer to success. Reflect, learn and move forward. 

Conclusion

The evening “How will you become the next General Manager?” was an inspiration to all who attended. With practical tips, personal stories and hands-on exercises, it was an experience that motivated every attendee to take her career seriously. Whether you already have a clear goal in mind or are still looking for your next step, one thing is certain: the road to the top is attainable. What will be your next step?