I recently came across a post discussing the persistent issue of underpayment for women in the tech industry. Having worked in this field for nearly two decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible talent and dedication of countless women who have worked alongside me. Many of them have surpassed my abilities in terms of commitment and the quality of their work. Learning about the gender pay gap in our industry feels deeply unjust, and it is high time we champion equal pay, regardless of gender.
Gender equality should be a fundamental principle in all aspects of our lives, and it is particularly crucial in the tech industry. As professionals, we are responsible for advocating for fairness and inclusivity within our organizations. I am proud to say that I work for a company, #lseg, that actively supports these values and works to achieve gender equality.
At #lseg, we have implemented numerous programs designed to empower women and promote equal opportunities. These initiatives include mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and ongoing training on unconscious bias. By embracing these practices, we are fostering an environment where everyone has an equal chance to thrive and succeed.
It is disheartening to hear that women in our industry continue to face underpayment despite their exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. This issue not only hinders the progress of individuals but also impedes the overall success and innovation of organizations. It is high time we address this disparity and create a level playing field.
But it doesn’t stop there. Achieving gender equality is a collective effort. We must all actively advocate for change and hold our organizations accountable for their commitments to fair pay and equal treatment. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the tech industry.
Let’s take #lseg as an example and strive to promote gender equality and fair pay in our workplaces. Together, we can create an environment where everyone’s skills and contributions are valued and rewarded equitably.
Join me in advocating for change. Together, let’s shape a better future for all in the tech industry. #GenderEquality #FairPay #Inclusion
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to your thoughts and discussions on this important topic.
Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life that can come from various sources such as work, relationships, and personal issues. Managing stress is critical to maintaining our mental and physical well-being. In this article, we will discuss practical ways to manage stress with examples.
One of the best ways to manage stress is to exercise regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. It can be any physical activity you enjoy such as walking, running, or yoga. For instance, if you enjoy running, you could go for a run in the morning before work or in the evening after work. This can help you clear your mind and feel more energized.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can also help reduce stress. You could take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing. Find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can help you feel more calm and centred.
Poor time management can also lead to stress. To manage your time effectively, prioritize your tasks and make a schedule. You could use a planner or a to-do list to help you stay organized. This can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important in reducing stress. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. You could make a conscious effort to eat more fruits and vegetables, go to bed simultaneously every night, and avoid drinking too much alcohol. This can help you feel more energized and less stressed.
Finally, seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help reduce stress. You could talk to a trusted friend or family member about what’s causing you stress. Alternatively, you could seek the help of a therapist who can provide you with tools and strategies to manage stress more effectively.
In conclusion, managing stress is crucial for our mental and physical well-being. By incorporating these practical strategies into your daily routine, you can reduce stress and feel more calm and centred. Remember, it’s okay to seek support when you need it.
I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Today, I want to talk about something that I believe is incredibly important for all of us – self-confidence. In my personal experience, having self-confidence has been the key to unlocking many doors and opportunities in life. It has also helped me deal with challenges and setbacks in a more positive and proactive manner.
Self-confidence is essentially the belief in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment. It allows us to trust ourselves and our decisions, and to approach situations with a positive and optimistic outlook. When we are confident in ourselves, we are less likely to be swayed by the opinions and criticisms of others, and we are more likely to take risks and pursue our goals and dreams.
However, building and maintaining self-confidence can be a challenge. Our self-confidence can be affected by various factors, such as our upbringing, past experiences, and even the people around us. It’s essential to recognize that everyone’s journey to self-confidence is unique and that it takes time and effort to build and maintain.
Here are a few tips that I have found helpful in building and maintaining self-confidence:
Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. It’s important to remember that you have unique skills, qualities, and experiences that make you who you are. Focus on what you’re good at, and remind yourself of your past successes and accomplishments.
Surround yourself with positive people. The people we surround ourselves with can have a huge impact on our self-confidence. Seek out supportive friends and family members who encourage and believe in you.
Practice self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential to building and maintaining self-confidence. Exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Set achievable goals. Setting and achieving small, achievable goals can help boost your self-confidence. When you see that you are capable of accomplishing what you set out to do, your confidence in yourself will grow.
Be kind to yourself. We are often our own harshest critics. It’s important to remember to be kind to yourself, and to forgive yourself for mistakes and setbacks.
In conclusion, self-confidence is a valuable trait that can have a significant impact on our lives. It’s something that we can work on and develop over time, and it’s never too late to start. We can all work towards building and maintaining self-confidence by focusing on our strengths, surrounding ourselves with positive people, practising self-care, setting achievable goals, and being kind to ourselves.
I hope you found this post helpful. Thank you for taking the time to read it, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences with self-confidence.
As parents, We have had the privilege of watching our son grow and develop into the young reader he is today. From a young age, he showed a love for books, captivated by the magic of Harry Potter, the adventure of Star Wars, and the mystery of Sherlock Holmes. He spent countless hours lost in the pages of these books, imagining the characters and events, and building his vocabulary and imagination. Today, he continues to read, exploring different genres and authors, and expanding his knowledge and understanding of the world.
This is our son’s story, but it is also a story that is shared by countless other children around the world. Encouraging a love for reading in children is an important task for parents and caregivers, as research has shown that reading to children from an early age can have a profound impact on their development. Reading not only improves children’s language skills and vocabulary but also helps to build their imagination and empathy, making it a key ingredient in helping children develop into well-rounded, successful adults.
So, how did we encourage a love for reading in my son? Here are a few tips that I found helpful:
Lead by example: Children often emulate the behaviour of those around them, so if you want your child to love reading, make sure they see you reading as well. We make sure to let our son see us reading for pleasure, whether it was a book, a magazine, or even a newspaper.
Read together: Reading together was a great way to bond with our son and encourage his love for books. We took turns reading aloud, asked questions about the story, and discussed the characters and events.
Encourage exploration: We encouraged our son to explore different genres and types of books, from fiction to non-fiction, picture books to graphic novels. The more exposure he had to different types of books, the more likely he was to find something he loved.
Make it fun: We made reading a fun and enjoyable activity for our son by incorporating it into our daily routine. We set aside specific times for reading and made it a part of his bedtime routine.
Celebrate achievements: When our son finished a book, we celebrated his accomplishment! We talked about what he liked and didn’t like, and helped him pick out his next book.
In conclusion, our son’s love for reading is a testament to the power of encouragement and support. By following the tips outlined above, you too can help your child develop a lifelong love of books and learning.
Starting a startup business can be a complex and demanding process, but also a very rewarding one. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the steps you can follow to start your startup:
Identify a problem or need: This is the first and most important step in starting a startup. Start by identifying a problem that you’re passionate about solving. For example, if you notice that people have difficulty finding healthy food options when eating out, you could start a healthy food delivery service.
Conduct market research: Once you have identified a problem, research your target market to validate your idea. This includes understanding your target customers, their needs, and preferences. For example, you could conduct surveys or focus groups to gather insights about your target customers.
Develop a business plan: A business plan is a roadmap for your startup. It should include your goals, strategies, and potential challenges. This will help you stay focused and on track as you build your business. A business plan should also include a financial plan that outlines how much money you’ll need to start your business, how you plan to generate revenue and your projected expenses.
Determine your business structure: Choose a business structure that best fits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Register your business with the necessary government agencies and obtain any necessary licenses and permits.
Secure funding: There are several ways to fund a startup, including investments, loans, and grants. Determine which option is best for you and your business. For example, you could apply for a small business loan, or pitch your business to angel investors or venture capitalists.
Build a team: If necessary, build a team to help you run your business. Hire employees, or consider partnering with other entrepreneurs. Make sure to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member.
Develop and test your product or service: Once you have a team, focus on developing and testing your product or service. This is a critical step in ensuring the success of your startup. Make sure to listen to customer feedback and make any necessary adjustments to your product or service.
Launch your business: After developing and testing your product or service, you’re ready to launch your business. Develop a marketing plan to promote your product or service, and start selling. Utilize online platforms, networking events, and other marketing strategies to reach your target customers.
Continuously analyze and assess: Regularly analyze and assess your business performance. This will help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as necessary. Stay focused on your goals, and remember that starting a successful business takes hard work, determination, and persistence.
Starting a startup business involves several key steps, including identifying a problem or need in the market, conducting market research, developing a business plan, determining your business structure, securing funding, building a team, developing and testing your product or service, launching your business, and continuously analyzing and assessing your performance. These steps will help you lay the foundation for a successful startup and ensure that you’re on track to achieving your goals. However, starting a business can be challenging, so be prepared for hard work, determination, and persistence.
As an Operations Manager at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), I have seen first-hand the impact that remote work has had on our business. In the past year, remote work has become the norm for many companies due to the global pandemic. At LSEG, we have made the transition smoothly and continue to provide the same level of service to our clients. One aspect that has been crucial to our success during this transition is our company culture.
Company culture is the values, beliefs, behaviours, customs, and attitudes that characterize a company. It is a critical component of a company’s success, and it is even more important in a remote work environment. When employees are working from home, they may feel isolated, and company culture helps to bridge that gap and keep employees connected to the company’s mission and values.
At LSEG, we have a strong culture that is centered around our values of excellence, integrity, and collaboration. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we work to create a positive and supportive work environment. Our employees are encouraged to communicate and collaborate, and our company culture fosters an environment of teamwork and cooperation. This has been particularly important in our transition to remote work, as it has helped us to maintain a sense of community and connectedness.
One way that we have maintained our company culture during remote work is through regular virtual team-building activities and events. These activities help create a sense of community and allow employees to connect with their colleagues. Additionally, we have implemented regular check-ins and virtual coffee breaks to provide employees with the opportunity to connect and collaborate on a daily basis.
In conclusion, company culture is an essential component of a remote work environment. At LSEG, we believe that our strong culture has been critical to our success during this transition. By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, we have been able to maintain a sense of community and connectedness, even when our employees are working from home. We will continue to prioritize our company culture and believe that it will be a key factor in our continued success in the future.
We all know the saying “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. This statement highlights the significance of the people in our lives and the impact they have on us. Our surroundings have the ability to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and overall outlook on life. Hence, it is crucial that we surround ourselves with positive people who bring out the best in us and help us to grow and flourish.
The people in our lives can either uplift us or bring us down. Positive people have a contagious energy that can lift our moods and inspire us to be our best selves. On the other hand, negative people can bring us down with their negative thoughts and attitudes, leaving us feeling drained and demotivated. It is not uncommon for us to feel drained after spending time with people who complain, criticize or gossip. This is why it is important to surround ourselves with positive individuals who bring joy, positivity and inspiration into our lives.
The impact of positive people on our mental health is profound. Research has shown that people who are surrounded by positive relationships tend to experience less stress, anxiety and depression. Positive relationships can also increase our levels of happiness and satisfaction with life. Furthermore, positive people can provide us with emotional support and help us to cope with challenges and difficult situations. This type of support is crucial for our overall well-being and can have a significant impact on our mental health.
In addition to their impact on our mental health, positive people can also have a positive impact on our professional lives. They can help us to develop our skills and reach our full potential. Positive people often have a growth mindset and encourage us to pursue our goals and dreams. They can provide us with guidance, feedback and support, which can help us to reach new heights in our careers.
Moreover, positive people can also help us to broaden our perspectives and see things from different angles. They encourage us to challenge our limiting beliefs and to consider alternative viewpoints. This can be particularly valuable in our personal and professional lives, as it helps us to become more open-minded and to see the world from different perspectives. This, in turn, can lead to new insights and opportunities.
However, surrounding ourselves with positive people is not always easy. It can be challenging to find people who share our values, beliefs and outlook on life. Furthermore, it can be difficult to maintain positive relationships when life becomes challenging. Despite these challenges, it is important to make a conscious effort to surround ourselves with positive people.
One way to do this is by seeking out new relationships. This could be through joining clubs, groups or organizations that align with our interests and values. Attending events and participating in activities that we enjoy can also help us to meet new people and expand our network. Online communities and social media platforms can also provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Another way to surround ourselves with positive people is by nurturing our existing relationships. This could involve spending quality time with friends and family, engaging in meaningful conversations, and participating in activities that bring us joy. It is also important to maintain open and honest communication in our relationships, as this can help us to build stronger bonds and deepen our connections.
It is also important to limit our exposure to negative people and negative influences. This could involve setting boundaries with individuals who bring us down, avoiding negative news and media, and limiting our time spent on social media. By limiting our exposure to negativity, we can maintain a positive outlook and protect our mental health.
In conclusion, surrounding ourselves with positive people is an essential part of living a happy and fulfilling life. Positive relationships can have a profound impact on our mental health, personal growth and professional success. Positive individuals bring joy, inspiration and encouragement into our lives, helping us to overcome challenges and reach our full potential.
It is important to make a conscious effort to surround ourselves with positive people, by seeking out new relationships, nurturing our existing relationships, and limiting our exposure to negativity. These efforts can help us to build a strong support system and create a positive environment that uplifts and inspires us.
In summary, the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive people cannot be overstated. Positive relationships can have a significant impact on our lives and help us to become the best version of ourselves. So, make the effort to surround yourself with positive individuals who bring positivity and joy into your life, and watch your happiness, success and overall well-being soar.
As a blogger, I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more so. A healthy mind is essential for leading a healthy and fulfilling life, and this is something that often gets overlooked in our busy, fast-paced world.
Taking care of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being is essential for maintaining healthy mental health. It entails having the capacity to handle everyday challenges, work effectively and fruitfully, and contribute significantly to our communities. It also means having the capacity to establish and keep fruitful relationships and have a fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, a lot of people experience mental health issues, and this can significantly affect how they live their daily lives. Depression, anxiety, and stress are common mental health conditions that can result in emotions of powerlessness, demotivation, and hopelessness. Physical symptoms such as weariness, headaches, and muscle strain can also result from these emotions.
There are numerous things we may do to encourage mental well-being and stop the emergence of mental health problems. These consist of:
Regular exercise: It has been demonstrated that exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that aid to elevate mood and lessen feelings of tension and worry.
Eating a balanced diet: Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can assist in enhancing general health and well-being and lower the risk of depression and anxiety.
Getting enough sleep: A lack of sleep can have a significant impact on our mental health, so it’s essential to get the recommended 7-8 hours per night.
Stress management: Stress is a common part of life, but it’s necessary to develop appropriate coping mechanisms. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises may be included.
Fostering good relationships: Spending time with friends and family is vital for maintaining strong social ties, which have been linked to enhanced mental health and well-being.
Getting expert assistance: It’s crucial to do this if you’re having problems with your mental health. Visiting a therapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist, as well as joining a support group, may fall under this category.
In conclusion, it’s critical that we prioritize and take the state of our mental health seriously. We can live happier, healthier, and more satisfying lives if we take action to enhance mental health and ward off the onset of mental health problems.
I am thrilled to share my journey of growth and development over my 8 years of career as an Application Support and Maintenance (ASM) professional at Virtusa Sri Lanka. I joined the company in 2008 as an Associate Engineer and by the time I resigned in 2016, I had progressed to become a Lead Consultant in Application Support and Maintenance. My experience at Virtusa was nothing short of transformative, and I credit much of my professional growth to the company’s culture and the opportunities it provided me.
When I first joined Virtusa in 2008, I had 5 years of experience as a developer, but I took a chance to change the field to Application Support and Maintenance with the opportunity I got from Virtusa. I was excited to be a part of a company that was at the forefront of technology and innovation, but I was also aware of the steep learning curve ahead of me. However, from day one, I was greeted with a supportive and encouraging work environment which helped me to quickly adapt to the role and the responsibilities that came with it.
One of the key factors that helped me to grow as an ASM engineer at Virtusa was the company’s emphasis on training and development. Virtusa is committed to investing in its employees and provides a wide range of training programs and certifications to help them stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. I was given the opportunity to attend various training programs and certifications, which helped me to expand my knowledge and skills in my field.
Another aspect that helped me to grow as an ASM engineer at Virtusa was the company’s culture of continuous improvement. Virtusa encourages its employees to strive for excellence and to constantly look for ways to improve and innovate. I was given the opportunity to work on various projects within a large Telco account, which gave me the chance to apply my knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. Additionally, I was encouraged to share my ideas and suggestions and to contribute to the company’s culture of continuous improvement.
In addition, Virtusa provided me with ample opportunities to take on leadership roles, which helped me to grow as a professional. I was given the opportunity to lead teams, manage projects, and work closely with clients. These experiences helped me to develop my leadership skills and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of managing a team and a project.
Furthermore, Virtusa is a global company with a diverse workforce, and this diversity played a vital role in my professional growth. I had the opportunity to work with colleagues and clients from different backgrounds and cultures, which helped me to develop a global perspective and to learn about different ways of working.
Finally, I would like to highlight the importance of the mentorship and guidance provided by my managers and colleagues. Throughout my journey at Virtusa, I had the opportunity to work with experienced and skilled professionals who provided me with valuable insights, guidance, and support. Their mentorship was instrumental in my growth and development as an ASM SME.
In conclusion, my 8+ years at Virtusa Sri Lanka were a journey of growth and development. The company’s culture of training and development, continuous improvement, leadership opportunities, diversity, and mentorship played a crucial role in my professional growth. I resigned from Virtusa in 2016 as a Lead Consultant to pursue a new opportunity as a Manager of Middleware Operations at LSEG. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that Virtusa provided me. I highly recommend Virtusa to anyone looking to take their career in the field of IT to the next level. The company not only provided me with the technical skills and knowledge required for the job but also helped me to develop soft skills and leadership skills that are vital for success in any field. My time at Virtusa was a defining period of my career and I will always look back at it with fondness.
Here are some cherished moments during my stay at Virtusa.
As an IT infrastructure manager in Sri Lanka, the current economic crisis has presented a number of challenges for both myself and my team. However, with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) as our employer, we have been able to navigate these challenges with confidence and success.
One of the things that sets LSEG apart as an employer is their commitment to the professional development of their employees. They have provided my team and me with a wealth of resources and training opportunities to help us stay up-to-date with the latest technology and industry developments. This has been particularly valuable during the current economic crisis, as it has allowed us to be nimble and adapt to changing market conditions.
Another key aspect of LSEG’s support for their employees is their strong focus on work-life balance. Despite the demanding nature of our roles, LSEG has always been understanding and supportive of our need for a healthy work-life balance. This has been especially important during the economic crisis, as it has allowed us to maintain our mental and physical well-being during a stressful period.
But perhaps most importantly, LSEG has provided us with a sense of security and stability. They have consistently made it clear that our jobs and financial well-being are a top priority, even in the face of economic uncertainty. This has given my team and me the peace of mind to focus on our work, knowing that we are supported by a company that genuinely values and cares for its employees.
In conclusion, LSEG has been an exceptional employer for my team and me as we navigate the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Their commitment to employee development, focus on work-life balance, and emphasis on job security have been instrumental in helping us to maintain business continuity and excel in our roles. I am grateful to be a part of such a supportive and forward-thinking company.
