In this episode, I talk with Sairan Aqrawi, M.Sc., design coordinator team lead at WMATA, about how women in their 40s and beyond can reignite their leadership potential in engineering, embrace new technologies, build confidence, and unlock the growth needed to thrive and make a lasting impact in their careers.
Engineering Quotes:



Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Sairan:

How can women in their 40s and beyond rediscover their leadership potential and thrive in technical fields like engineering, especially when they are passionate about leadership development?
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman engineer in your 40s, and how have you managed to overcome them?
How has your perspective on career growth and success changed as you've reached the midlife stage of your career?
How can women engineers see midlife as an opportunity for growth and rediscovery, both personally and professionally?
What strategies do you use to help women in midlife rediscover their passions and successfully start side businesses?
How do you balance the technical demands of your engineering career with your role as a business coach helping women find their niche?
How does effective communication help midlife women rediscover their strengths and thrive in both their careers and personal lives, based on your experience?
What is your final piece of advice for women over 40 who want to pivot or take on new challenges in their engineering careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Women in Their 40s Can Reignite Their Engineering Careers:


Women in their 40s and beyond need to embrace change and continuously develop new skills, especially in rapidly evolving fields like engineering. Staying adaptable and open to learning, including emerging technologies like AI, is essential for thriving in both personal and professional growth.
In male-dominated fields like engineering, women often face skepticism about their skills, regardless of their qualifications. To overcome this, it's crucial to be well-prepared and backed by facts and data, which builds confidence and commands respect in professional settings.
As women progress through midlife in their careers, many begin to seek more than just financial success, focusing instead on leaving a meaningful impact. Career growth becomes about fulfilling a deeper purpose, using their skills to contribute positively to their communities and inspire the next generation.
Women in their midlife can reframe this stage as an opportunity for growth and innovation, rather than focusing on challenges like an "empty nest" or a "midlife crisis." By embracing this period as a time for new ventures, such as starting a business, they can channel their experience and wisdom into fulfilling personal and professional achievements.
Women often underestimate the power of owning their space and voice in professional settings. By confidently taking a seat at the table and valuing their own contributions, they encourage others to take them seriously and recognize their worth.
When starting a side business, clarity is crucial for success. Women in midlife need to focus on what they truly want, setting clear priorities and realistic goals, which serves as the foundation for building their business step by step.
Achieving success in both career and business requires focus and commitment rather than trying to balance everything at once. By dedicating full attention to each task, women can excel in their professional work and side ventures without compromising quality.
Effective communication plays a critical role in helping midlife women rediscover their strengths and thrive in both their careers and personal lives. By being attentive listeners and promoting open dialogue,