‘Women think they’re a four when they're a ten’: Low confidence is biggest issue for career women, says Blippar US VP
March 30, 2015
‘Women think they’re a four when they're a ten’: Low confidence is biggest issue for career women, says Blippar US VP
Lisa Hu, Blippar’s US VP, looks after operations and partnerships from our New York office. Before joining Blippar Hu was Director of Media Strategy at Reuters, prior to which she held management positions at ESPN and Amazon UK within various strategy and media divisions.
Speaking to of Laura Dunn of the Huffington Post, Hu explains that throughout her career she has observed that an intrinsic lack of self-confidence is the biggest issue facing women in the workplace - even though this low self-esteem is unfounded and non-representative of actual ability.
Blippar's US VP Lisa Hu with Blippar CTO Omar Tayeb, left, and Mayor of London Boris Johnson, right, in New York
She says: ‘I've observed a lack of confidence amongst many women - typically younger professionals or new hires - which can lead to indecision or sensitivity. These women see themselves as a four when they're really a nine or ten when it comes to skill, knowledge and ability. Obviously it's not an overnight change, but with time, experience, and the support of colleagues or mentors, a shift in confidence can happen and can dramatically impact a person's ability to succeed and excel.
‘Speaking with more experienced women who have embraced challenges both at work and at home has helped me a lot. For some complicated situations that may take me weeks to resolve independently, my unofficial mentors, who are also my friends, can instantly recommend great advice, as they've been there or done that. Leaning on this network has helped me to expedite decisions and to make sound judgments on my career path. But mentoring cannot be forced or assigned, as some corporations do; the mentorship process should come naturally.’
The women taking over Blippar's New York office
Offering advice to women wishing to pursue careers within the technology sector, Hu’s top tip is to be frightened by rumours: ‘Don't be intimidated by what you may hear about this industry. You'll realise that a lot of the skills you are required to apply in this sector stem from fundamental attributes you may already possess: logical reasoning, strong communication, organization, multitasking, etc. Also, there are many different definitions and areas of technology across a wide range of verticals. Take the time to discover what you may want to focus on. For example, do you just like anything mobile regardless of the industry? Or, do you have inclination towards finance technology? Challenging your own perceptions by learning more about the existing options will help you find your right fit.'
But when it comes to a woman providing her with the perfect confident career woman role model, Hu looks a little closer to home: ‘There are many females in the medical and research sector, a field still dominated by men, whom I deeply admire. For example, the radiologists or oncologists currently performing research at NIH/NCI to find the latest cures for cancer who truly deserve recognition; the impact they make with their milestones and advancement is hugely commendable. I also definitely admire my mom; she is in her 70s and is still going strong working as a full-time accounting consultant. Almost 50 years of working non-stop in a professional capacity and at home, without ever once complaining and always doing things with a smile- now that's phenomenal.'
