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Women don't need more imposter syndrome workshops. We need better managers.
Lily Konings
2,519 posts
Lily Konings
@lilykonings
Product Design Manager @figma. Prev @instagram, @messenger, @angellist. Be kind to yourself and others. She/her
- Please talk salary with your friends and peers. As someone who grew up pinching pennies, I couldn't even fathom the amount I could get paid in tech. When I moved to SF, I asked for $100K, received a phenomenal offer at $120K, then realized everyone was getting paid $150K.
- Give yourself full permission to interview your future managers back. When they ask "Do you have any questions for me," take the opportunity to expose what your next 1+ years under this person might be like. Here are 5 questions I have or wished I'd asked of my future managers:
- Tiny design detail: nested border radii look really funky if they're the same. To maintain the same curvature, the outer radius = inner radius + padding.
- Replying to @lilykoningsThe moral of that story isn't to be greedy. Ultimately it's all stupidly high numbers. The point is equal pay for equal work. It was soul-crushing to know my peers (esp men) of the same title and years was making significantly more than me simply because I didn't know better.
- Replying to @lilykoningsQ: Most/all of my interviewers were men. Can I speak to some women on the team to hear more about their experience? Why: This happens. A lot. Having zero representation of someone like you can be a very bad sign of how the team respects diverse perspectives.
- A good manager should never surprise you. Never ever. Not during performance reviews. Not during re-orgs. You should always know where you stand and where you're going.
- My 52-yo, immigrant mother just got her first job as a data analyst after 15 years as a nail technician. It is NEVER too late to pivot and pursue a new career.
- Replying to @lilykoningsQ: When was the last time you promoted someone on your team? How did it happen? Why: It's highly likely your experience will be similar when you ask for a promotion yourself under this person. So make sure their answer is something you'd be happy to live out.
- Replying to @lilykoningsQ: Why did the last person in this role leave? Why: Unless this is a new position, the reason that someone left can be very telling. Worst case: they quit because of a toxic workplace. Best case: they were promoted up, meaning this role can lead to similar opportunities for you.
- Replying to @lilykoningsQ: How do you nurture psychological safety in your team? Why: The workplace may be challenging, but it should never be threatening. A manager who intentionally fosters a sense of acceptance and respect can be the reason you love your job.
- Replying to @lilykoningsQ: When was the last time you supported a direct report's growth, even if it meant leaving your team or company? Why: A supportive manager cares about your goals, not gluing you to your seat. The very best managers realize when it's time to move you up.
- would any women in tech be interested in getting together and straight up talking about money? like how much we make, how much we spend, how we invest, etc? no pride or judgement, just empowerment.
- I got a promotion this week! 😭🥺 And my manager timed champagne to be delivered exactly when he gave me the news. That is next level thoughtfulness.
