Difest Speaker Series

Headshot of Nicole Johnson Scheffler

Bringing a change to Women in Tech – Nicole (Johnson) Scheffler

Founder, Tech Diva Success (USA)

If you had an opportunity to bring about a positive change, what would that be and why?

I plan to continue to help women realize their potential by setting goals and unleashing the power of their mindset in technology careers and beyond. I was inspired by so many women along my journey, so I want to ignite that fire in women for a career in technology so we can continue to diversify the field.

I plan to continue to help women realize their potential by setting goals and unleashing the power of their mindset in technology careers and beyond. I was inspired by so many women along my journey, so I want to ignite that fire in women for a career in technology so we can continue to diversify the field. 

One foundational message that can bring positive change to everyone is that you can create the life you want with your mindset. Events will happen to you all day long. You have a choice on how to react with the thoughts, words, and actions you use to respond to these events. The combination of these two things lead to your outcome. Through the constant improvement of our reactions, we can create a better outcome and positively impact everyone around us. We all have a chance to make positive change with every event in our lives.

One person can’t do everything, but everyone can do something.

What message would you like to convey to women in tech who need to balance work and family?

Life is a constant art of balance and prioritization that changes at every moment. As a working mom of two with a passion for community, I experience this firsthand every single day.

Here are some thoughts I have on balance:

  • Goal Setting: Through goal setting, you can set priorities that can work for you in all areas of your life. You can also create the life you want. It is important to take time to set priorities and boundaries through this process than can help greatly with work and life balance.
  • Self-Care: I always advocate for self-care since it seems to be the first thing to fall off your list. When you care for yourself, you not only show up at your own personal best, but you are better able to serve others.
  • Empathy: Especially in a Post Covid world, we have a more critical need to lead with empathy. Leaders need to use this critical trait to understand that every woman is in a different place in their lives and has different challenges. The pandemic has pushed more women out of the workforce at an alarming rate. This is why it is even more critical that we lead with empathy to retain talent and provide space for the new normal. That might mean a kid popping in to say hello or inviting people to come into my home via video, but leading with empathy can help us maintain diversity in the workplace.
  • Positivity: Staying positive and regulating your self-talk helps when you are feeling imbalanced.

The most important is to realize that there will never be a true work-life balance since it is always ebbing and flowing. Instead, I consider it more of a work and life integration.

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