Never Underestimate Your Impact

By: Carrie Goetz

Featured in the LIT (Ladies in Tech) Newsletter

When I started in technology, data centers weren’t really.  Back then, we couldn’t even agree on what a “data center” was by definition. If one goes back to the 40+ years I have worked in this industry, there were quite public fights at times about whether someone’s facility was a data center or a computer room. Components have changed. Protocols have changed and evolved. Infrastructure reach has grown immensely. The internet came about and monetized. My jobs changed, and my knowledge grew. My commitment to paying it forward remains unchanged. 

Over the years, I have been a staunch supporter of and advocate for the women in our industry.  I’m not alone.  Several of us who started in tech, seeing no one like us, forged pathways for others to thrive in data centers and mission-critical roles. From doing newbie walks at events, mentorships, or writing a few books to help people be successful in their first job, the world for women entering technology roles, construction roles, and feeling supported within this industry is vastly different today. 

Over those same years, I have been fortunate to hear a few tales of success. I have been blessed with thanks and seeing people thrive (THE best). But you never know your impact, really.  We self-measure many things in our lives, mostly ourselves. One of our most challenging questions is, “Am I making a positive difference?” The amazing people in this industry have shared enough that on my self-measure, I honestly felt I was making a difference. It’s not for notoriety, kudos, or anything else; we should continuously strive to impact someone else positively. That knowledge fills the soul.

Last weekend, I was surprised to learn that several women in the industry conspired with my hubs behind my back. Those who know me know that I’m a fan of the Irish Goodbye. You know where you silently slip out of a party, so you CAN silently slip out.  I have silently slipped out of industry events because I’m a firm believer in these amazing voices arising now. Let’s face it: you’ve heard from us repeatedly. It wasn’t a real goodbye, just a bow out of the more public-facing parts of mission-critical, which also meant saying a lot of goodbyes from in-person interactions. 

Back to the conspiracy. These amazing women sorted out a surprise girl’s weekend. Now, I have never been on a girl’s weekend (highly UNDERrated if you ask me). As the ones who could make it showed up and the ones who couldn’t express how they wished they could have, I realized that my circle was way bigger than I dreamed. My heart runs over, still. I realize there is a very fine line between sounding like you are bragging and expressing tremendous gratitude. This is only the latter. To think that people would take time to consider, plan, fly, take time out of their personal family time to be with work family, and uplift another in that way is humbling to the recipient for sure!  I was discombobulated, shocked, flabbergasted, with ALL the feels. 

We all have the ability to touch and reach one another authentically and with heart.  I was a recent recipient. The gratitude flowing in me is boundless. For those who could and couldn’t make it, I am grateful beyond expression. And yes, blubbering as I write these words.

I was also honored with a clock with a beautiful inscription that will be the forward to book #4, The Women in Technology Speak. This book is going to be your stories, our stories.  I hope our stories help others while providing some laughs and wisdom. Let me know if you want to be interviewed or one of our “therapy” calls. You can be anonymous, should you prefer, too. We will get closer to gender parity if we work toward it together and support each other. The grassroots movement for and by women in this industry is unparalleled, period.   

As we (old folks) are aging out, this industry will be yours. Our technical futures will be yours.  Nothing makes me happier than contributing to and following your successes. I may not be publicly traveling, but I am certainly available and happy to help as I can. 

On a side note, specifically to those that couldn’t make the trip, round 2 wouldn’t suck!