Hi, I’m Kyla! I grew up in Singapore and graduated from Stanford University in 2021 with a MA in Communication and BA in Psychology. Now, I work in Silicon Valley. By day, I’m a product GTM specialist at a tech company. At night, I’m an author of novels that star women of color in the workplace. My latest novel Valley Verified stars a fashion journalist who’s forced to take on a new job at a tech startup. Plunged into this land of tech bros and tech billionaires, she must navigate the intricacies of this cutthroat ecosystem while confronting her own insecurities. SIT’s support of women in tech is perfectly aligned with my own background and book’s themes.

 

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How did sponsors in tech help you get where you are today in your career? Did you have such role models, in Singapore or in the US? 

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After completing my studies in the humanities and social sciences, I became a fashion journalist at Vogue. However, an opportunity arose in Silicon Valley's tech industry, and I decided to take the plunge and embark on this significant career pivot. Relocating from Singapore to California, I traded the world of high fashion for the realm of high tech.

I was excited for this new chapter of my life. But very quickly, I found myself overwhelmed by feelings of impostor syndrome and self-doubt. With no education or work experience in a technical field, I doubted my qualifications and feared I didn't belong in my new role. My first few months in tech were consumed by a strong regret that I decided to pursue something so far out of my comfort zone. I was convinced I had set myself up for failure by taking on this tech job when I could have simply remained in a role that I already knew I’d be good at.

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Fortunately, I encountered incredible mentors. They emphasized that my unique perspective, shaped by my humanities background, would be valuable in the tech industry. Moreover, they reassured me that impostor syndrome is a common experience, even among seasoned professionals. Not only did they help me overcome some of my insecurities, they also—more importantly—helped me realize it’s normal to experience doubt and uncertainty, but I shouldn't let those hold me back.

My first manager also played a crucial role in my professional development, creating a supportive environment where I could learn and grow without fear of failure. Under her guidance, I gradually gained confidence in my coding abilities and successfully tackled increasingly complex projects.

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How are you acting as a sponsor today to help women in tech grow?

In retrospect, I regret keeping my insecurities bottled up for so long. I felt pressure to appear successful and put-together, preventing me from confiding in my family and friends. However, once I mustered the courage to share my experiences with trusted tech mentors, I found immense relief in discovering that I wasn't alone. My journey with impostor syndrome taught me the importance of open and honest discussions about these challenges.

Following the publication of Valley Verified, I was fortunate to be invited by various tech organizations, such as Oracle and Tencent, to discuss the book's themes and the inspiration I drew from my own background as woman of color in tech. It's incredibly rewarding to share my experiences with other women in the industry and hopefully provide support and encouragement. I've been touched by the positive feedback from readers across all career stages—from recent graduates to seasoned executives to retirees—who have connected with the characters and themes of Valley Verified.

Conclusion:

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Final thoughts on the importance of sponsorship in the tech industry?

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From a young age, girls are often conditioned to view each other as competitors—a trope perpetuated in countless Hollywood movies where only one girl can claim the title of homecoming queen or win the affections of the popular boy. The scarcity of visible female leaders in tech might unconsciously reinforce this notion, suggesting that there's limited space for women to succeed. However, when we perceive success as a zero-sum game, we inadvertently let the true perpetrators of this male-dominated culture off the hook.

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I firmly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. By supporting and empowering other women, we can collectively create more opportunities for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful for the female mentors who generously guided and supported me throughout my career, and I aspire to pay it forward. If you're in a position to do so, I encourage you to extend a helping hand to a fellow woman (in tech). Whether it's offering a referral, making an introduction, or sharing your expertise in a coffee chat, your support can make a big difference in someone else's life.

 

About Valley Verified

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Imagine The Devil Wears Prada meets Legally Blonde, but this time Elle Woods is a young Asian woman tackling the cutthroat startup world. Fashion journalist Zoe Zeng is forced to take on a new job at a Silicon Valley startup, where she must secure an eight-figure investment that could make or break the company—and her future. In this cutthroat land of tech bros, this outsider will have to tackle judgmental coworkers, tech billionaires and her own insecurities to prove she’s more than what meets the eye.

Available at bookstores around the island and online (e.g. Amazon). Full list of retailers here.

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