How many women did you talk to at work today?
If you work in a tech field, that number might be smaller than you think. The US Census Bureau reported that women — a full half of the population — make up only a quarter of the STEM workforce. There is a library of speculation on why these circumstances exist and what can be done to fix the disparity. For many women at the present moment, however, it’s simply their day-to-day reality.
One of those women is Tori Pontiff, a talent acquisition recruiter for contractor financing company Billd.
“All of the hiring managers I work with are men,” said Pontiff, in her conversation with Built In Austin.
As a woman on a male-dominated team, it can be challenging to make sure that your voice is heard. The Gender Action Portal at Harvard University reported that men interrupt significantly more in male-dominated groups than female-dominated ones. Much of this is a structural issue, and will require concerted, long-term effort by company leadership to meaningfully address.
Women in tech can’t wait for that change to happen, though — they’re working in the world we live in now. As such, Pontiff has some advice for those in her position to build their confidence and take up the space they deserve.
“It is about educating your managers on unconscious gender bias and having confidence in what you bring to the table,” she said. “I would urge you to continuously remind yourself that you are no less of a contributor than any other employee, male or female.”
Billd's Pledge to Women
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve experienced being the only woman on a team, and how did you overcome it?
It is easy to fall into the mindset that your opinions and recommendations are less valued than those of your male counterparts.
Overcoming these challenges involves remembering why you were hired. Here at Billd, we have a very strategic interview process where every employee we bring into our organization has different skills and strengths that bring value to our company. I was hired because of my skill set, opinions and knowledge of the recruitment industry — as a woman, I have a different perspective than others on my team, and differing opinions are valuable to a growing organization.
I encourage any other women who might be struggling to navigate a male-dominated workplace to remind themselves of why they were hired and what they know you can provide to their organization.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as the only woman on a team, and how has it helped you develop your career since?
You can bring different perspectives on topics that have never been thought of before. We think and process our ideas differently than men do, and you can use this trait to your advantage.
I found that when I am confident in my opinion, I have always been met with positive reactions. You never know what good things can come your way when you educate others on how to visualize differently.
We think and process our ideas differently than men do, and you can use this trait to your advantage.”
What’s the most important piece of advice you would offer to other women working on male-dominated teams?
Speak up! Set the expectations of what you as an employee, especially as a woman, expect from your colleagues, managers and leadership team. Educate your team on the importance of free-flowing ideas and sharing knowledge.
It is so important to have the confidence to speak up and vocalize your thoughts, even when you feel like you are not being heard. Remember the talent you have and move forward with confidence
