Diversity is not only talk at IBM. IBM offers paid maternity leave in IBM US. They offer breast milk delivery in IBM Philippines. They offer same gender partner benefits in India. IBM Japan has a first-class program for people with different abilities to train them and stay in the workforce. In Russia IBM hosted the first Inclusive Forum in the private sector. There is a new Women Network in IBM Pakistan. Unconscious Bias sessions happen all over the world, in far away places like IBM Morocco. 80 bright, upcoming women in the Middle East and Africa got together in a session dedicated to building their leadership muscle and serving the community in Johannesburg. IBM Ireland has paid Paternity Leave. The list goes on. Net is: IBM gets things done.

The best strategy I employed at work was to carve our work / life balance. For years I worked at the expense of my personal life. Then after working with a professional coach (provided by my employer!) I started to write my my personal goals at the exact same time I wrote my professional goals. After my yearly assessment with my work manager I track myself against my personal goals. This creates a balance and has resulted against me growing both professionally and personally. Women can do it all... but I propose that maybe not at the same exact time.

With a few of the most senior positions in the company filled by women at the top, it's hard for anyone to suggest that women's careers here are not nurtured. The support network is great. Yes, it's a tech industry and there are a lot of men in tech. But the company walks the talk on flexibility and always has.I worked part-time for 13 years raising my kids, and it didn't hurt my career. Women are not judged harshly for also taking care of responsibilities outside the office.