How Identity Has Influenced a CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope's Career
Lauren's career in male-dominated fields, from MIT to the startup world, has presented challenges including "imposter syndrome," but also fostered strong bonds with female allies and mentors. This shared experience of being a "minority in a space" has provided invaluable support and shaped their path to success as CEO and Co-Founder.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Networking, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Kuntz
CEO and Co-Founder
Gaiascope
MIT
Harvard, PhD 2018
Biology & Related Sciences, Engineering - Mechanical
Energy & Utilities
Data and Analytics
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Being a woman in male-dominated fields like tech and engineering has presented unique challenges, including imposter syndrome and feelings of not belonging.
2. Overcoming these challenges has led to a stronger sense of self and confidence.
3. Building a strong network of female allies and mentors has been crucial for navigating these challenges and achieving career success.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as female, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I have always been in male-dominated fields. While MIT has close to gender parity, you still know that females in tech, engineering, and science are a minority within that institution. This has only increased as I've gone deeper into my career path.
In grad school, there were fewer females in climate science than there had been in my undergraduate majors. Then, stepping beyond that into the startup world, there are even fewer females pitching VCs and trying to raise money. There are fewer females as well among the clients we sell to in the energy space.
There are simply not many females there, and aspects of that are incredibly challenging. There are times when you just feel like you don't necessarily belong. Imposter syndrome is a real thing that I think many people struggle with, even if they won't admit it.
At the same time, it also really forces you to own who you are and get comfortable in your own skin. There are a lot of wonderful things that come out of that.
The other really beautiful thing for my career is that it has enabled me to find lifelong friends, allies, and advocates. When you are a minority in a space, those who understand you deeply tend to look like you, think like you, and have similar experiences. A lot of bonding can happen from that.
I've been incredibly grateful in my career to have had amazing female mentors throughout various spaces. One I always highlight is my co-founder. We are incredibly diverse as people, but have so much shared experience of what it's like to be female in the tech startup world and in energy.
This really enables us to support each other in a way that you don't always see in a career when you haven't been a minority and haven't been in some of the situations we've been in.
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