The engineering landscape is evolving, yet women in the field face unique challenges with internal and external barriers. At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to attend a session that explored these issues in depth. The discussion, featuring industry leaders like Stephanie Dismore from AMD and Megan Myungwon Lee from Panasonic North America, shed light on the obstacles women in tech encounter and their strategies to overcome them. Their stories highlighted an important truth: by embracing authenticity, building confidence, and fostering support networks, women can carve out their paths in engineering.
Internal Barriers: Breaking Free from Fear
Have you ever doubted your abilities, feeling like you don't belong? This fear — often referred to as impostor syndrome—frequently holds women back in male-dominated fields. Yet, people are usually more forgiving of our mistakes than ourselves.
Megan Lee shared her early experiences at Panasonic, recalling how she worked hard to "blend in." But the effort was exhausting, and only when she embraced her true self did she tap into her full potential. Instead of focusing on the possibility of failure, a simple question — Will I regret not giving it a try? — can push us past fear and into action.
No Role Models: What’s Next?
Imagine working at a company where men hold every leadership position. You put in the effort year after year, but the absence of women in senior roles makes advancement feel unattainable. This isn't just discouraging; it erodes confidence and limits aspirations.
Representation matters—not just for visibility but because diverse leadership drives innovation. Seeing women in leadership roles paves the way for others to follow. Without female role models, it isn't easy to envision one's path forward. Organizations must actively foster an environment where women can see themselves succeeding.
The Challenge of Authenticity
The word “authenticity” comes up frequently in leadership discussions, but what does it mean? For Megan, authentic leadership initially felt unfamiliar. She had spent years "wearing a mask," conforming to outdated expectations. When businesses finally began valuing authenticity, it was liberating and disorienting — like realizing she had been unnecessarily holding herself back.
Being authentic doesn't mean lowering professional standards but allowing your unique qualities to shine. Ironically, what we perceive as our weaknesses can often become our greatest strengths.
Learning from the Next Generation
One of the most thought-provoking ideas from the session was “reverse mentoring” — where younger employees mentor senior leaders on emerging technologies and cultural shifts. This two-way exchange benefits everyone: junior employees gain leadership insights, while seasoned professionals stay attuned to industry changes.
This approach fosters mutual respect, breaks down hierarchical barriers, and ensures organizations remain adaptable in an ever-evolving world.
Continuous Learning as a Mindset
The modern world moves fast — technologies, processes, and societal values constantly evolve. Instead of shying away from situations that expose our weaknesses, we can use them as opportunities for growth. One way to do this is by collaborating with those whose strengths complement our own.
A key question to ask ourselves is: Are we willing to acknowledge our gaps and transform them into learning experiences? The ability to embrace change and seek knowledge often determines whether we feel stuck or discover new opportunities.
Women in engineering still encounter both internal self-doubt and external barriers. Yet, we live in an era where these challenges are steadily dismantled. Building confidence, seeking mentorship, and embracing lifelong learning can redefine what's possible for us and future generations. The journey isn't easy, but every step forward clears the path for those who follow. And that alone makes the effort worthwhile.
