Women in Tech - Closing the Gap: Coaching that Transforms Careers
The tech industry is full of exciting opportunities, yet women remain significantly under-represented. According to the Lovelace Report (WeAreTechWomen), women continue to be disproportionately represented in tech roles and leadership positions. The report highlights the systemic barriers that prevent women from progressing, thriving and staying in the sector long term. This gap doesn’t just affect diversity statistics — it means countless talented women miss out on rewarding roles, meaningful career growth and the competitive compensation that comes with a career in tech.
I'm on a mission to help to close this gap and support more women to build fulfilling, confident, and successful careers in technology.
I'm Abby Hughes, and I bring over 20 years of first-hand experience from a successful career in Banking Technology, combined with professional coaching techniques grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology. I've led IT service delivery across business-critical platforms, large-scale digital transformation programmes, and coached global, multi-disciplinary teams of Product Owners, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Software Developers & Support Analysts.
Today, I work with women across a wide range of tech and change roles, offering coaching, guidance and practical support as they establish, grow and sustain their careers. I understand the many challenges women face at every stage - from breaking into the industry, to navigating male‑dominated environments, to stepping into leadership with confidence, alongside navigating personal life transitions. I've worked with a coach myself at key points in my career, and felt the shift myself immediately. I believe wholeheartedly that working with a coach can make the difference between struggling alone, and building a career that feels energising, rewarding and genuinely enjoyable.
Why Women Are Still Under-represented in Tech
The Lovelace Report highlights that women hold less than 20% of tech jobs in the UK. This number has improved slightly over the years but remains far from equal. Several factors contribute to this imbalance:
Lack of role models: Few women in senior tech roles means less inspiration and guidance for newcomers.
Workplace culture: Some tech environments feel unwelcoming or biased against women.
Career breaks: Women often take breaks for family reasons, which can hamper career progress.
Confidence gap: Women may underestimate their skills or hesitate to apply for senior roles.
These challenges create both real and perceived barriers that stop talented and capable women from entering or advancing in tech careers. But the good news is that these barriers can be overcome with the right support. It's also true that most modern organisations are committed to closing this gap, with many offering valuable resources and structured support to help women succeed and advance in their careers - a coach can work with you to identify and leverage these opportunities, making them part of your career development strategy.
How Career Coaching Supports Women in Tech
Career coaching offers personalised help to navigate the challenges of the tech world. It focuses on building skills, confidence, and clear plans for career growth. Here’s how coaching can make a difference:
Clarifying goals: Coaches help identify what you want from your career and set achievable targets.
Skills development: They can help you better understand your skills, strengths, capabilities, identify potential blind-spots, and build positive action plans to improve technical and soft skills needed for advancement.
Building confidence: Coaching boosts self-belief, helping you apply for roles, ask for what you need, and speak up in meetings. Engaging a positive mindset is also an essential part of the coaching journey.
Networking strategies: Coaches help you develop plans on how to connect with mentors, peers, and industry groups.
Work-life balance: They support managing career alongside personal commitments.
Career Strategy & Plans: Coaching will help you turn your thinking into a cohesive strategy and action plan to drive your career with purpose and intention
For example, a woman aiming to move from a junior developer to a team lead role might work with a coach to develop leadership skills, prepare for interviews and promotion opportunities, and build a network of supporters.
Potential Focus Areas
Coaching is always tailored to each individual client and their personal career priorities. Some example themes are outlined below:
Developing a strong and intentional career plan
Establishing your personal brand & putting it into action
Better understanding and leveraging your core values, skills and strengths
Navigating key career transitions – new role or project, promotion, change of company
Returning to work after an extended break
Work-life balance, better alignment of personal goals and priorities with work
Achieving greater happiness and fulfillment at work
Developing greater confidence and resilience
Exploring development areas and behavioural changes that may be holding you back
Personal impact, visibility and executive presence
Difficult work relationships – new manager/stakeholder, conflict situations
Time management and productivity
AI Transformation - reframing and refreshing skills as the job market evolves
You can learn more about these services at Condor Consulting Career Coaching.
We're focused on empowering women to take control of their careers and progress into leadership roles. Choosing the right coaching depends on your personal needs and career stage - book a free online consultation to see if this is a good fit for you.
The Impact of Coaching on Career Progression
Career coaching can lead to real, measurable progress. Women who work with coaches often report:
Faster promotions and salary increases.
Greater job satisfaction and motivation.
Improved leadership and communication skills.
Stronger professional networks.
For examples of where Condor Consulting has made a difference, take a look at some of our Client Feedback
How to Choose the Right Career Coach
Finding the right coach is important. Here are some tips:
Look for coaches with experience in tech and understanding of women’s challenges.
Check testimonials or case studies from previous clients.
Choose someone who listens well and offers practical advice.
Consider the coaching format: in-person, online, group, or individual.
Check coaching credentials and qualifications
Remember, your career journey is unique. The Lovelace Report shows there is still work to do, but with the right help, the future looks bright. Take the first step today and invest in your growth. Your tech career can be the rewarding journey you want it to be.
Get in Touch - we'd love to work with you!
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