BY: CRYSTAL SHELL

Starting out in tech as a woman comes with its share of challenges. The industry is still predominantly male-dominated, and skepticism about women’s leadership abilities is not uncommon. When I founded WILL Technology and Hello Guest Screen, I was acutely aware of these challenges. I tackled them by establishing a strong professional reputation through consistent performance and expertise. I made sure my contributions were well-documented and communicated effectively. I also sought allies and advocates within the industry who recognized my skills and supported my initiatives.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Balancing the demands of starting and running a business with personal life responsibilities was a significant obstacle. This was actually easier than I thought it would be. Before starting my journey as an entrepreneur, I simply decided that it would always be family first—no exceptions. Initially, it made scheduling with people who had limited time very challenging. I provided my availability, and it was what it was.

To manage these responsibilities effectively, I adopted flexible working hours and built a robust support system both professionally and personally. Delegating responsibilities and trusting my team allowed me to manage my time effectively. Additionally, implementing work-life balance policies within my company helped create a supportive environment for all employees.

Before my children were teenagers, I could count on one hand the number of times I went into my office on a Saturday or Sunday. Once they became teenagers and started living their own lives, it gave me the freedom to spend my time on work or other personal life needs, such as spending time with my parents.

Financial Planning and Avoiding Debt

When it comes to planning ahead and avoiding debt while launching tech businesses, I’ve found a few strategies particularly effective. One approach is to use personal savings and reinvest profits back into the business to minimize reliance on external funding. In the initial stages of WILL Technology, I used personal savings to fund initial operations. I also held my own personal paychecks to pay others and the bills until I no longer needed to. By managing expenses carefully and reinvesting profits, I was able to grow the business without accumulating debt, which allowed me to maintain full control over the company and avoid the pressures of external investors.

With Hello Guest Screen, we developed a minimum viable product (MVP) to test our ideas with minimal investment. We focused on creating a basic version of the product and launched it to gather user feedback. This strategy minimized initial costs and enabled us to refine the product based on real-world usage, avoiding the financial risks of large upfront investments. This approach ensured that the final product effectively met market needs.

Leveraging Financial and Mentorship Resources

In terms of financial and mentorship resources, I didn’t use any specific programs myself, but I know several that can be incredibly valuable for women in tech.

I have heard that Grants and Competitions, such as organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and private foundations offer grants specifically for women-led tech startups. Competitions such as the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards provide funding and exposure.

Another resource is Angel Investors or Venture Capitalists, such as groups like Golden Seeds, Pipeline Angels, and Female Founders Fund, which focus on investing in women-led businesses.

Industry-specific mentorship programs can also be a game-changer. Programs like Techstars, Y Combinator, and Google for Startups Accelerator offer mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities tailored to tech startups. These programs can help women avoid common pitfalls during the early stages of their businesses.

Empowering Women in Tech

As a leader and mentor in the tech community, empowering women and promoting female leadership is something I’m passionate about. For me, it’s crucial to create an inclusive environment that promotes confidence and encourages women to take on leadership roles. I would encourage participating in mentorship programs where experienced professionals guide and support women’s career development.

Pairing mentees with mentors who offer industry insights, career advice, and networking opportunities is also helpful for women to navigate challenges, build their networks, and advance their careers with confidence.

Editor’s Note: Women in AV/IT (WAVIT) recently launched a mentorship program. Learn more about it in the video below.

Building a Strong Team

A strong team is the lifeline of any business. When I started building my team, I was very specific about the following key qualities:

• Skill and Expertise: Look for team members who possess the technical skills and expertise relevant to your business needs. A diverse skill set ensures that all aspects of your project are covered. For WILL Technology, I sought individuals with strong backgrounds in software development, project management, and customer relations to build a well-rounded team capable of delivering high-quality solutions.
• Adaptability: Choose people who are flexible and open to change. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and a team that can adapt to new challenges and technologies will be more successful. At Hello Guest Screen, team members who embraced new tools and methodologies were essential in iterating on the product and staying competitive in the market.
• Collaboration Skills: Encouraging open communication and regular team meetings at both WILL Technology and Hello Guest Screen helped address issues promptly and foster a collaborative atmosphere.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Hire people who are proactive in identifying and solving problems. Strong problem-solving skills are crucial for overcoming challenges and driving innovation. For example, when facing technical challenges, having team members who could quickly devise and implement solutions was vital for keeping projects on track.

Let’s face it, being a woman in tech or any business in general isn’t always a level playing field. It takes grit, strategic planning, and a solid support system to thrive. The world might seem stacked against you sometimes, but if you’re persistent, keep pushing forward, and are determined to carve out your own path, you’ll find that fairness isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create.

About the Author: Crystal Shell, founder and CEO of Hello Guest Screen and Will Technology, boasts 23 years of innovation excellence. Under her guidance, the companies delivers cutting-edge technology, program management, and innovative solutions to federal agencies. Passionate about hospitality and technology, Shell developed Hello Guest Screen, revolutionizing welcome displays on Smart TVs for rentals, events, and businesses.