A few weeks ago I attended a WXN networking event in Mississauga where I heard Linda Fitzgerald, President of NCR Canada Ltd, speak.

She has spent 30 years working for the top names in the Information Technology industry. She is one of just a handful of females leading an IT company in Canada and understands the challenges facing women looking to make their mark in IT or any industry.

Linda is passionate about promoting IT as an excellent career choice and encouraging more women into the fray.

The following are the 7 key pieces of advice Linda had for women entering and staying in the career of their choice.  Although her talk was specific to women and the IT world I believe the simple wisdom of her advice is applicable to anyone (women or men) following their vocational passion.  

1. Don’t let your perceptions of barriers stop you from following your passion
2. Leverage your unique strengths e.g.
   • Effective communication skills of which listening is an important component
   • Relationship building
   • Analytical skills
3.  Have passion for what you do – if you don’t have passion the journey  towards you goals will not be sustainable
4.  Reach out for support e.g.
   • Peers
   • Team members
   • Mentoring from a more life/work experienced individual
5.  Surround yourself with good people
6. Develop your relationships in an authentic way e.g.
   • Continue to network
7.  Maintain work-life balance – look at each challenge that faces you individually and deal with them in bit-sized bits

Linda, didn’t list these in terms of importance.  She suggested you need all of them to reach optimum results, success and fulfillment. 

Another thing I noticed about Linda was that in spite of the level of success she has attained she is one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve met in some time.  So for me the 8^th suggestion she made by way of example was that no matter what you don’t let your success go to your head.

What do you think are the key elements of attaining success in your life?  I’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime have a great week and take care of yourself and others.