Navigating the tech industry as a Black woman comes with its own set of unique challenges. But software engineering leaders like Boomie Odumade are paving the way and sharing invaluable insights for success.
In the latest episode of the “From a Woman to a Leader” podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Boomie, a seasoned software engineering leader, to discuss empowering strategies for cultivating inclusive work environments.
Here are some of the key highlights and takeaways from our powerful conversation:
On Overcoming Biases and Self-Doubt
One of the biggest hurdles Black women in tech face is overcoming biases and imposter syndrome. As Boomie shared:
“I’ve had a number of Black women tell me that they felt extra pressure to do a great job because they felt if they failed at their job, the company would never hire another Black woman again.“
Her advice? Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let societal pressures or self-doubt hold you back from reaching your full potential.
On Finding Support Through Mentors and Allies
Having a strong support system is crucial, which is why Boomie emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and allies:
“Find a mentor. Mentorship makes the world go round. And you can be a mentor and mentee to the same person…it’s really important to have that fresh perspective, to have someone you can talk to about your career goals.”
Allies also play a vital role in calling out biases and advocating for change. As Boomie noted, “Be an ally when you can.”
On Developing an Empathetic Leadership Style
As a leader, Boomie believes in empathetic and inclusive leadership that inspires and empowers others:
“I believe in empathetic leadership…a good leader inspires and empowers. I don’t like telling people what to do…my philosophy is lead by example, lead by inspiring. I seek win-win situations.”
This approach not only cultivates a positive work environment but also brings out the best in teams.
On Embracing Continuous Learning
The tech world is ever-evolving, which is why Boomie stresses the importance of continuous learning and growth:
“I learn every single day…in technology, if you don’t like continuous learning, it’s not gonna work because things change a lot.”
Her advice? Remain curious, step out of your comfort zone, and be open to new challenges that will help you expand your skills and knowledge.
On Prioritizing Self-Care
Last but certainly not least, Boomie emphasizes the significance of self-care for leaders:
“You can’t pour from an empty cup…I literally have alarms on my phone now to stop working, so that I have at least 45 minutes when I’m not working and not momming.”
Prioritizing your well-being through activities that rejuvenate you is essential for sustainable success and avoiding burnout.
Boomie’s wealth of wisdom and real-world experiences make this episode a must-listen for any Black woman in tech looking to become an empowered leader.
Tune in to the full episode to hear more empowering strategies and get the motivation you need to thrive in your career journey!
About Boomie
Olubunmi ‘Boomie’ Odumade is a Senior Director of Engineering with a rich background in software engineering and leadership. Boomie has consistently demonstrated her passion for using technology to empower people and improve lives. With decades of experience in both government and private sectors, including co-founding a startup that gamified fitness, Boomie has impacted applications and systems you likely interacted with. She is a firm believer in self-growth, lifelong learning, and leading with empathy. As an advocate for engineering excellence, Boomie continuously evolves with the technology landscape, embracing new challenges and opportunities to drive positive change.
She holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, a master’s of science in computer science, and an M.B.A. from Wharton.
A firm believer in the power of mentoring and coaching, Boomie is involved in organizations that mentor youth (e.g. Big Brother Big Sister) and organizations that advise people interested in STEM careers, is a Board Trustee of the Visiola Foundation (a non-profit providing STEM education for African girls and women), and sometimes is an adjunct faculty.
Follow Boomie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odumade/
And here are some of the blogs that may be of interest:
