Author:
Diane Vanasse / VP of Marketing Communications/ Credo
When I attended the recent WLI Lunch and Learn in Austin, I was impressed and overwhelmed by the diversity of women attending the event. Some were just starting their careers, while many were seasoned industry veterans. There was talk of balancing life with children but also a tribe of “pet moms.” Most impressive to me were the companies represented – it seemed like every noteworthy US based semiconductor company was in attendance!
I walked away excited to attend the WISH conference in November, with a slew of new contacts, and a lot of excitement about the rising influence of women in the semiconductor industry.
After listening to the “Pathways to Success” panel, as well as meeting numerous other amazing women, I came with away with three areas I want to focus on more and will encourage my team to focus on as well.
- Look for beauty that inspires you in the most unexpected areas. The enthusiastic panel discussion around packaging was an inspiration as I thought about Credo’s own chiplet IP being designed into a large switch chip from Barefoot Networks – now part of Intel. As a non-technical leader, it caused me to pause and think how all facets of elegant design make for amazing products. That is a beautiful thing!
- Flexibility is important. You don’t always need to take the same path as your colleague to resolve similar problems. This can also mean using different solutions to a problem under differing circumstances. Flexibility is a super power most women have and we should embrace it for both soft and technical skill development.
- Include, include, include. I felt so much optimism and strength when I left Austin, and it was because I was drawing on the power of all the amazing people I met. There is foundation building strength in being on a team, nurturing your professional network and growing your sphere of diversity.
Thanks to the GSA for providing me with an excellent opportunity to connect and network. I am so excited for the future of semiconductors and the role women are playing in moving our industry forward.