Amatori tasks women in tech to elevate their personal brands to stand out

By Zion Rufus

The underrepresentation of women in CEO roles and venture capital has been an ongoing issue, with statistics revealing their minority presence in the business world.

To address this disparity, professionals are advocating for women in tech to enhance their personal brands as a means to stand out and become opinion leaders in their industry.

According to Erica Amatori, Head of Platform at Left Lane Capital, and opinion columnist for the CEOWORLD elevating personal brands can open doors to networking opportunities, business growth, and potential investments.

Presently, women hold only a small fraction of CEO roles in major corporations. In the Fortune 500, they represent a mere 8.2 percent, and in the Fortune 1000 and S&P, the numbers are similarly low at 7.3 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

In the venture capital industry, women constitute only 8.6 percent of all venture capitalists and 8 percent of firm partners within the US.

The Importance of Personal Branding

Erica Amatori stresses the significance of personal branding in carving a niche for oneself in the tech industry.

Building a strong personal brand can help women in tech grow their network, business, and even find potential investments.

Rather than being limited to company branding, individuals should cultivate their personal brands, which offer a sense of purpose, authenticity, and intrigue.

Three Principles to Become an Opinion Leader

Aligning with a Mission:

Establishing a personal brand begins with sharing unique insights and perspectives genuinely, connecting them to a unifying vision. By doing so, trust is built, and like-minded collaborators can be found. Erica cites the example of Katherine Ryder, CEO of digital health company Maven, who advocated for women’s health and was a founding supporter of the ‘Marshall Plan for Moms,’ which strengthened her brand and business.

Tangible Associations:

Women in tech can offer something valuable to their audience, such as partnerships or collaborations that benefit both parties. Erica mentions the successful partnership between maude, a modern sexual wellness company, and actress Dakota Johnson, which expanded the brand’s reach to new relevant audiences.

Niche Storytelling and New Mediums

Articulating and becoming known for something specific, such as Spanx founder Sara Blakely, who consistently shares her entrepreneurial journey through storytelling via Masterclass and other avenues, is essential. By exploring new mediums like Substack, professionals like Meera Clark, a Principal at Redpoint Ventures, can focus on specific topics and define themselves as thought leaders.

Immediate Steps for Revamping Online Presence

Erica Amatori offers practical advice for women in tech looking to elevate their personal brands:

1. Start with one channel and own it: Choose a social media platform that aligns with your personality and professional goals.

2. Follow founders and investors who excel at content creation for inspiration.

3. Add a unique point of view to content instead of merely reposting.

4. Engage and build relationships with the community by responding to comments and feedback.

Empowering Women in Tech

Elevating personal brands is a powerful tool for women in tech to overcome systemic challenges and carve out a space for themselves as opinion leaders. As more women embrace these principles, the tech industry may witness greater gender diversity in leadership roles, driving positive change and fostering an environment of growth and innovation.

Source: CEOWORLD