More than ever, women are empowered and inspired to “lean in” into technology, business, and leadership roles. But while their drive and influence is rising, there are still huges strides to be made towards gender equality — they are under-represented in major tech corporations and paid less than men in similar roles. In fact, women make about 91% of what men make, even when all factors (education, experience, chosen industry) are accounted for.

It’s no wonder that women frequently suffer from the confidence gap. Microsoft CEO’s recent comments have fueled this issue, as he advised women not to ask for raises because it’s good karma to have “faith that the system will actually give you the right raises as you go along."

Today, Bluewolf hosted its annual Women Innovators Network (WIN) luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of women in business across all levels and departments. We brought together more than 100 women to network and inspire one another, and highlighted several extraordinary WIN honorees who spearhead change:

Cami Boehme, Chief Strategy Officer at Viridian Energy
Erin Horvath, VP of Commercial Operations at AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation
Catherine Moore, Sr. Dir, Strategic Engagement & Platform Development at Canadian Cancer Society
Ingrid Quimby, Director of Worldwide Sales at InterContinental Hotels Group

WIN keynote speaker Dr. Brenda Wade, renowned author and psychologist, spoke to a packed room to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in technology to become bolder in the business world to level the playing field with their male counterparts. 

Dr. Wade focused on the idea of “authenticity” in the workplace — oftentimes, women forget who they are and what they’re capable of, and they lose sight of their own goals in the workplace. When women are authentic, they can grow their influence. To achieve this and become happier, healthier, and more successful individuals, she mapped out her “MEDS” solution:

Meditation — take five to ten minutes a day to meditate.
Exercise — it’s essential to stay healthy, active, and energized.
Detox — both physically and mentally. Get rid of toxic relationships and situations that hold you back.
Support — most importantly, women need support from other women in the workplace, as well as in our everyday lives. It’s not only about asking for it, but also giving it where needed.

The event closed with a panel session from our WIN honorees, which spotlighted women mentorship. Led by Bluewolf Global CMO Corinne Sklar, who gave valuable advice: don't be afraid to ask for help. Women should be more direct in asking others to be mentors, instead of relying on it as an unspoken acknowledgement, in order to further their success in the workplace.

Now in its sixth year, Bluewolf’s annual WIN luncheon is a tradition of celebrating, empowering, and inspiring women. Companies perform better and achieve more when women have a voice among leadership. Having both genders represented in the C-suite provides broader perspective and unlocks insight to the other half of the world’s population. At Bluewolf, women are an integral part of our leadership and their influence has helped accelerate our global presence across three continents and grown our organization to more than 500 employees worldwide. Companies big and small should take note: at Dreamforce, men may dominate the show floor, but women are the best kept secret to innovating your business.