The role of women in leadership is more crucial than ever. Women leaders inspire change, break down barriers, and drive diversity and inclusion in every facet of society. We were thrilled to celebrate our Women Who Lead Week, honoring the incredible achievements and inspiring journeys of women leaders, in our Quantic community and beyond, who have shattered glass ceilings and blazed trails across diverse business industries.

Lily Satterthwaite, is one of these exceptional individuals with an impressive list of titles and roles, who is actively contributing to this movement. As a Regional Lead at Microsoft, Global Technical Women Committee Lead, Asians ERG Board Member, TEDxLondon Volunteer, STEM Mentor, and Quantic EMBA Learner, Lily has dedicated her career to supporting women in achieving their full potential. We had the privilege of sitting down with Lily to discuss her journey and her co-founding of the Quantic’s Women Club.

The launch of Quantic’s Women Club:

Lily has been fortunate to lead and be part of several women’s communities and institutes throughout her career, where women actively support and mentor each other to create more inclusive work environments. Her experiences in these communities inspired her to co-found Quantic’s Women Club. She wanted to create a committee led by female students but supported by male allies and allies in general. The vision was clear: to build a community that fosters connections, enhances the educational experience, provides value, and offers networking and professional development opportunities. But more importantly, Lily wanted to empower others to advocate for gender equity and support the success of female students in the business world. The aim was to attract women from different industries and backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity at every stage of life.

Supporting Women in Leadership:

Communities like Quantic’s Women Club play a pivotal role in supporting women in leadership positions. Lily shared her insights on how networking and such communities can make a difference:

• Valuable Support: Women leaders who come together in communities offer each other invaluable support. This support system not only boosts confidence but also helps women navigate the challenges they might face in their leadership journeys.
• Networking Opportunities: Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth. These communities facilitate networking among women leaders, providing a platform to establish meaningful connections and exchange ideas.
• Skill Development: Women in leadership can enhance their skills through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs within these communities, making them even more effective leaders.
• Advocacy: Such communities challenge traditional gender stereotypes by showcasing successful women leaders who inspire others to aspire to leadership positions. This advocacy is essential in creating future pipelines for women in leadership.

The Future of Women in Leadership:

Throughout the week, we asked many people in our Quantic community to finish this sentence, “When I think of the Future of Women in Leadership,” Lily had a powerful response:

“Women in leadership roles exert a profound and wide-reaching influence, touching upon societal, relational, and organizational facets. They serve as catalysts, inspiring change, dismantling barriers, and promoting diversity and inclusion, which is crucial going forward. Their presence fuels empowerment. They shatter stereotypes and foster fairness and innovation, especially in the male-dominated tech world. Women leaders not only enhance their own lives but also catalyze a beneficial effect extended to men, students, partners, and spouses who embrace and support women in leadership to create more inclusive and thriving communities.”

Lily Satterthwaite’s journey and her co-founding of Quantic’s Women Club are shining examples of how women can empower each other and drive change in the world of leadership. As we look to the future, it is clear that women in leadership roles will continue to shape a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative world. With leaders like Lily paving the way, the future of women in leadership is undoubtedly bright.

You can watch some of thoughtful conversations Women Who Lead Week conversations here: 

Also, are you interested in joining the Quantic Women’s Group? Use this link to learn more!