Carvalho’s leadership has led to TiVo making significant progress in penetrating the pay TV ecosystem, and it’s also fueled Xperi to reach new heights through targeted initiatives and marketing efforts. Carvalho is an executive sponsor for Xperi’s Women in Tech, which offers opportunities for women to elevate their professional journeys.
“Women need to speak up and ask for what they deserve with confidence—but be prepared before you walk into the room to ask. Write down what you’ve contributed to the company and know your argument by heart.”
What is something you learned by mentoring someone? I see a lot about myself in my discussions with my female employees and mentees. And over my 25+ years, this is what I have learned is important for women to advance in their careers:
- Be mindful of your brand. Are you able to articulate in one sentence what your brand is. If you are not, you need to because your brand is your reputation. It is how others perceive you and partner with you. It is how your name is brought up when time for promotions or new opportunities come up. Are you being described as a get it done person but hard to work with? Are you shy or quiet in meetings? During your next performance review with your manager, listen to the words they use to describe you. If you don’t hear the words that you want, you need to work to change how people perceive you.
- Always know what you want to do next. Always think about what you want to do next in your career. That will help shape your direction, indicate what skills you need to develop to get there so when that next position comes available you can raise your hand.
- Build your network. Establish connections with people inside and outside of your company. Know who your go-to people are in different business units and departments. You can rely on them for help or guidance.
- Speak up. Women need to speak up and ask for what they deserve with confidence—but be prepared before you walk into the room to ask. Don’t approach your manager and tell them that you think you ‘deserve’ more money. It’s a manager’s job to make decisions based on what’s good for the company. Write down what you’ve contributed to the company and know your argument by heart. That’s incredibly important to sway people to show why you deserve the money. While the realization of this may not occur immediately due to potential budget constraints, it remains of utmost importance that you have spoken up. Write down your rationale, find your voice and have the conversation. The worst they can say is no. If they do, at least your manager knows what’s important to you and is thinking about your future. Although money is always something to consider, you should also evaluate opportunities based on what the company is willing to invest in your growth. Don’t run away from a job — run to something that excites you.
- You’re in control. It is important to not be passive about your career, it’s yours to own. On your journey, doors are going to open. You have to decide if you’re going to walk through them. Whether the next move you make is lateral, a promotion or a new adventure — the important thing is that you’re in control.
