It's a problem.

I've worked with a lot of women over the (many) years I've run my software business.

And nearly all have been absolutely amazing. I mean, I'm probably a 10x programmer (post on that coming soon - it's nothing to do with your skills at coding) but they've all been (almost😉) as good as me.

But that's actually a problem.

Look around you.

There are a few women who are really really good.

There are a few men who are really really good.

And then there are lots and lots of men who are "just OK".

🔍 Where are the women who are "just OK"? 🔎

Why aren't they there?

It's because men get to coast.

They get to make mistakes and speak in meetings and put forward ideas - even if they're not great.

But women get driven out.

Every mistake is pounced on, they are talked over in meetings and their ideas are ignored (until a bloke suggests the same thing twenty minutes later).

And there's only so long anyone can stand it before they get out and move somewhere more welcoming.

So, having only amazing women in software is a problem.

We need more mediocre women.

Because that's how we'll know we're making a difference.