Nelly Yusupova is a web technology specialist, consultant, strategist, and sought-after speaker. She is the chief technology officer of Webgrrls International, a women’s networking organization committed to embracing the technology that will enhance members’ personal and professional lives. Nelly has been at the forefront of the women’s movement online since 1999. She is responsible for building and maintaining the technical infrastructure of the organization that supports Webgrrls International’s 100 chapters in the United States and around the world.
Through DigitalWoman.com, Nelly also works with entrepreneurs to teach them how to use and leverage technology in their businesses.
As a speaker and corporate trainer, she has keynoted and participated as a speaker, moderator, and panelist at many industry events throughout the United States. She conducts workshops and seminars on technology, social media, blogging, and effective Internet strategies.
In some ways, it is great to be a woman technology expert. There are very few in my line of work and we are in high demand. Opportunities abound. But the scarcity of women in my field can work both for and against me. It’s empowering to know that I have entered my industry and participated at the same level as my male colleagues; there is no limit to what I can do and no one who can put a glass ceiling over my head. But there are fewer woman-to-woman connections that I can make professionally, and that can be isolating at times.
I wish there were more women in the computer industry in particular because I think women bring a different perspective, a feminine perspective, to software development. Women often can create software that is, perhaps, more intuitive. And women are always looking for tools that help them save time. When I develop software, I look first at how intuitive the functionality is and I always try to improve it.
Growing up, I had to adopt a “never fear what you don’t know” attitude in both my personal and professional lives. When I was thirteen, my family fled from Tajikistan to the United States and I was forced to learn a new language and culture. Then in college, I decided to study computer science without knowing anything about computers. I took eighteen to twenty-one credits per semester, took summer courses, and worked full time. I earned my degree in three years instead of four. I learned fast and it wasn’t easy, but I found success because in each new situation, I wasn’t intimidated by new information, new tools, or new ideas. I refused to give up simply because I didn’t know something!
Because I work in a very male-dominated environment, I just “bring it” and hope that my colleagues, male or female, can keep up. I approach work and professionalism with a very measured and studied approach. I have put in the work and the time, and I have the experience. I plan and then plan more. When you plan well and thoroughly, you can usually do things right, faster the first time, and with no need to do them again. If you plan well, then the execution is easy. Mistakes are costly and no entrepreneur can afford too many of them. Planning alleviates them. I am content knowing that I am very good at what I do.
I believe it’s very important to celebrate what you do. Celebrate your victories and share your achievements. Let others know what you are doing and how you do it. Mentor, teach, and inspire those around you.
Never fear what you don’t know. And certainly don’t fear success. Always revel in your achievements and give kudos to others who achieve their goals. Don’t envy, emulate—and success is yours for the taking.