Women In Tech Leadership – Exclusive Interview With Limor Bergman Gross

Limor is an Executive Coach for ambitious women in tech that want to get to the next level in their careers and achieve more through a result-oriented coaching process. Women she works with, say Limor enabled them to continuously tear down "ceilings" by challenging them to think bigger. They also say she opened their eyes to a new way of contributing to their careers. Limor loves talking about career progression in the tech industry and how to build your brand in the company and externally. Limor is married with four children; she loves running and working out at the gym while listening to electronic music.

Limor Bergman Gross, Executive Coach

Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better. Hi, My name is Limor. I am married and a mother of 4. Currently, live in Israel. I was very shy and introverted as a child and grew up thinking there was only one path possible for me. In high school, I was good at STEM, which led to my decision to study computer science and accounting after my military service. I was limited in what I was allowing myself to dream about and started a career as a software engineer, thinking that was the only possible path for me. It was not bad, but I felt that was not my destiny over the years. I am very good with people and always cared for the people reporting to me. I grew a deep passion for growing women in tech, as growing myself into leadership positions was not easy. After moving back from a nine-year stay in the US, I decided to make a bold leap of faith and leave the only thing I knew how to do – lead engineering organizations.

I started a coaching certification program and worked as a consultant. I created a mentorship program for women with a great organization calledPowerToFly and consulted them for 2.5 years. And on the same time started coaching women in tech leadership positions. I bring my best self to women in tech leadership because of my vast experience in that field together with my coaching experience. On a personal side, as a mother of four children, I used to always put myself last, and towards my 40s decided that has to change. I broke a limiting belief I had about running, I thought I couldn't run, and when I challenged myself, I realized running is one of my most joyful physical exercises. I also work out at the gym and love caring for my body. It also helps me emotionally, and I enjoy listening to electronic music while working out. Six years ago, I also decided to turn vegan; that happened right before moving to Texas; not the most logical decision, but it was the right decision for me.

Personally, I think that veganism is the healthiest nutrition and the right choice for supporting our planet and avoiding exploiting animals. Although I am vegan, I am not an activist; I respect the choices of others (including my family) and never try to force my opinion. That is my leadership style, and I help women by inspiring them without telling them what to do. I recently started a new podcast, From a Woman to a Leader, where I bring different women, from managers to CEOs, to share their paths, challenges, and what helped them succeed. I want to inspire other women in tech that they can get to the C-Suite if they want to.

What is your business name, and how do you help your clients?

My company name is LBG Consulting Services. I help women in tech leadership find their path and get there. Typically starting by identifying their passions and aspirations, identifying what is holding them back (Limiting beliefs), and building a solid plan they can continue executing without me. I aim to inspire and build resiliency and not dependency in me. The biggest reward is seeing what women can achieve and the feedback they give me on how our coaching helped them.

What kind of audience do you target your business towards?

My focus is women in tech leadership. My ideal client is a woman in a director role, aiming to advance to VP and C-Suite.

I also work with companies that want to start an internal mentoring program and run training for mentors and mentees. Other workshops I have ran are related to communications and presentation skills based on my vast experience in the tech industry. What are your current goals for your business?

I want to reach more women and more organizations. I also do group coaching for women and greatly enjoy group interactions. What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future?

I would love to develop live and pre-recorded workshops to reach more women and make a more significant impact. I also enjoy public speaking and seek speaking opportunities at conferences or events. Who inspires you to be the best that you can be?

I am inspired by great women role models that achieved greatness despite challenging circumstances. For example, Oprah Winfrey overcame poverty, abuse, and racism to become one of the world's most successful and influential women. Ada Lovelace – A mathematician and writer considered the world's first computer programmer, despite facing significant barriers as a woman in the male-dominated field of science.

When I see those women in what they achieved despite the odds against them, It inspires me that everything I want to achieve is possible for me. But I must confess that the road is always full of challenges, and when I am facing challenges, I make sure to meet with friends and other women who inspire me to push myself forward and believe in myself. My family is also a great source of strength. I am very proud of my family, my husband, and my children, who, despite so many changes, moving countries, schools, and states in the US, always face changes bravely and push themselves forward. My oldest daughter is a great inspiration to me. She changed seven schools and was able to graduate high school Cum Laude and now study art, which is her passion. I encourage my childer to follow their passions and strengths and fulfill their destiny.

What is your work inspired by?

My work is inspired by the people I meet and the challenges that they face. I am fortunate to be able to grow and adapt based on my passions, interests, and market needs. I am inspired by women who do not let any setbacks define who they are and what they can achieve.

Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.

My greatest achievement is raising a beautiful family and children I am proud of while growing a career, moving countries, and switching from being an employee to working independently.

Despite uncertainties, difficulties, and fear, I am proud of my ability to make bold and professional changes. Everyone is afraid. The question is, what do you do with the fear? Do you let it stop you, or do you decide to make a bold move with it?

If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?

The one thing I want to change is female representation in the tech industry, especially in C-Suite and executive roles. My aspiration is that it will not be a topic for discussion or research because it will be the norm that there is equal representation for men and women in tech from the bottom up.

Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.

In 2016, I was approached on LinkedIn by a company called PlatoHQ (they had a different name back then). They asked me if I was willing to mentor engineering managers.

It was an excellent opportunity to give back to others and start mentoring them (I still do it to this day). I found out two things when I started mentoring. One is that I greatly enjoy it, and the second is that I am very good at it. I constantly got very positive feedback from my mentees, and they kept thanking me. That led to me eventually making a dramatic change, leaving the career path I was at and becoming a coach.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Youtube, or visit my website for more info!

Read more from Limor!