Learnings for STEM Women

Every voice counts. Is yours being heard?

Last week, I attended a session of the STEM Women Congress at ESADE Business School in Barcelona.

I left inspired by the energy, ideas and initiatives underway to close the gender gap, and encourage more women into STEM positions and leadership.

The event was a showcase in demonstrating - as the Dean of ESADE Business School, Joan Rodon Mòdol declared - that every voice matters. And a call to amplify the voices of women whose critical contributions often remain unspoken, behind the scenes.

Here are a few of the nuggets of gold I heard from speakers, to which I quietly responded, "Yes!"

🔸 To share our voice, we must let go of limiting beliefs and quiet the internal dialogue that tells us we are not enough.

🔸 Confidence, especially in male-dominated fields, isn’t about being fearless—it’s about “feeling the fear and doing it anyway”.

🔸 Vulnerability is a strength - a bridge that connects us to others. For women leaders, embracing vulnerability is part of showing up fully, aligning our actions with our values, and building genuine trust.

🔸 Technical expertise can open doors, but it’s our ability to communicate, lead, and connect that helps us walk through them with confidence.

🔸 Trust creates a foundation for innovation, collaboration, and inclusion – which thrive when diverse voices are heard. Without it, even the best intentions fall short.

The STEM Women Congress wasn’t just about sharing ideas; it was about creating momentum for lasting change and greater equality in an increasingly tech-dominated world.