For the first time ever, last Spring, Berkeley’s intro to computer science course brought in more women (106) than men (104).  While only a slight majority, this gender flip represents a significant change  – not only for Berkeley but for women in Computer Science and other male-dominated fields across the globe.

Or does it?

Both Berkeley and Stanford have revamped their Computer Science programs to make them more attractive to women.  The new title of the “Introduction to Symbolic Programming” class:  “The Beauty and Joy of Computing,” certainly points to that.  Moreover,  now there are more feminine-oriented  slants like stressing how technology can change the world for the better, team exercises and the latest press releases about computing.  To be sure, their efforts seem to be working:  both institutions have experienced a near-doubling of its women computer science majors since 2008.  

However, what happens when these Lady Techies graduate and become part of the “real world,” where the “curriculum” is not adjusted to  make various populations feel more comfortable?  How long can women in computing last and how strong will be their impact?  According to  Sapna Cheryan, a psychologist from the University of Washington who has studied stereotypes in computer science, what is done today to get women in the classroom today could have an adverse affect on them down the road.  We can’t assume that what works for some women will naturally work for all. No, we are way too diversely intelligent for that.

So, what’s the lesson in all this?  That perhaps such a traditionally male-dominated field is beginning to see a crack of light of more feminine influence.   While Berkeley and Stanford are arguably the most progressive institutions in the United States and therefore would be the first to usher in women where they haven’t been numerous before, this is still a move in the right direction – both in terms of the amount of enrolled women and in terms of these universities waking up to figure out how to grow their female following.

Imagine if entire companies and industries did this:  recruited women leaders who oversaw their sales grow in proportion to the enormous purchasing power that women hold:  two-thirds of the consumer wealth in the US over the next ten years.    Where would we women be then?

Integrating our lives is one of the greatest challenges that leaders face. To lead a balanced life, we need to bring together all of its constituent elements—work, family, community, and friends—so that we can be the same person in each environment. Authentic leaders are constantly aware of the importance of staying grounded. Besides spending time with our families and close friends, we get physical exercise, engage in spiritual practices and do community service.  All are essential to our effectiveness as leaders.

Not only is our leadership enhanced, but also,  according to Deloitte’s Touche Toshmatsu Limited (Deloitte), a professional services consulting business, flexible workplaces are good for businesses and the economy.  Deloitte estimated that implementing flexible work arrangements in 2003 resulted in savings of $41.5 million in reduced turnover costs for their company.1 Flex programs in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia have not caused decreased profits or unmet customer demand, according to a survey of employers who have implemented these programs.2

 In periods of change, an authentic leader will consider the impact to her own health and wellness and to that of her team.  For example, in the midst of a stretch of long hours and hard work, such a leader may suggest a break, day off, or arrange for a healthy meal in order to rejuvenate and revitalize team members.  

Leading is high-stress work. The higher we go, the greater our freedom to control our destiny but also the higher the degree of stress. The question is not whether we can avoid stress but how we can control it to maintain our own sense of equilibrium so that we can show up as effectively as possible to our work. Striving for balance is the way to do that.

1 Corporate Voices for Working Families, “Innovative Workplace Flexibility Options for Hourly Workers” (Washington, DC: Corporate Voices for Working Families, 2009).

2 Antonie Boessenkool and Ariane Hegewisch, “Working Time for Working Families: Europe and the United States” (Washington: American University Washington College of Law, 2004).

As a long-term multicultural professional woman, I get asked by other women from time to time about what they should keep in mind when they travel abroad for business – either for short or long-term assignments.  And then, recently a group of women business owners I am a part of asked me to speak on the topic.  So, calling  not only on my own knowledge and experience, but also drawing on that of my dynamic network of international female experts (thank you, ladies!), I came up with the following list of the top five things we women should do to ensure a successful trip.

Here they are:

1. Understand as much as you can about the culture.  Do it before you leave home and continue it as you arrive at your destination.  In addition to history and art, other subjects to learn about are dress, gender relations and how things are done at the office. For example. in Muslim countries, dressing anything less than conservative would affect your credibility.  And, when you’re in France, Italy, Japan, Morocco, and Australia, you’ll notice very different rules and expectations of women – particularly during negotiations. Being as familiar as you can with local customs – and especially business etiquette for women – before you get there will help cut down the number of faux pas you may make.
2.   Learn the language.  And, if you  just can’t muster the  time for all of it, become skilled at at least a few key phrases like “good morning”, “thank you”, “well done” or “how are you?”.  Making an effort to speak the host country language goes a long way in creating strong relationships with your foreign counterparts.
3. Take care of personal logistics.  This covers everything from keeping up your wellness routine to making hard copies of your passport, credit cards to knowing exactly where you’re going and how you get there before you even land.  Making sure to have a solid foundation – and as many of your bases covered as possible – beforehand will help you feel more grounded and ready for the what-can-be-destabilizing experience of operating in a strange environment.
4. Connect with a network. If you have a group of people you know on-site, send them an email and plan to meet when you arrive. Otherwise, as your friends or LinkedIn connections if they can make an introduction for you.  Check out expat forums on the internet and ask people that have been there about seemingly trivial but actually important topics such as where to live, where to shop, a typical working day there, social groups, places of worship, etc. Once you are in your host country, work on growing your network of friends and colleagues – especially including locals –  right away.  Not only can it be lonely travelling abroad, but developing your list of contacts there will only enhance your overall network.
5. Enjoy your time.  Don’t forget that, in most cases, a privilege to journey to a new territory.  Take advantage of this adventure to explore around the area, visit historical sites, and try some out of the ordinary activities you would never have done before – like taking a cooking or an art class or touring around on bicycle. Making sure to have fun and enjoy the ride will also help reduce the stress of adapting to a new schedule and culture.

Certainly, as a girl from Kentucky, I have found that my time living and working abroad – while not always easy – has enriched my professional and personal ways in indescribable ways.  My wish for you is that you gain at least as much satisfaction out of your journey overseas.