Many traditionally male-dominated industries in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are implementing new policies and actively trying to attract women to the field. Finding a sustainable work-life balance as a professional woman is a struggle many face, regardless of industry. But the attitude towards women in architecture needs to shift to remove barriers to success, increase diversity in leadership and motivate the industry to design for a better future.

When it comes to women in tech, we know there needs to be a shift in attitude. Especially for females first entering and aiming to follow a progressive career path. While many emerging into the industry from technology programs worldwide, once in their field, there is still little advancement into upper management positions.

The remaining days of summer are a great time to clear your head and think of your big picture goals for the rest of the year. While strolling on the beach or staring at the stars, why not ask yourself: "What's stopping me from stepping into the spotlight?"

I meet with HR as often as I eat breakfast and they have some movie-making stories to reveal about the candidates they meet. So I sat down with Tara De Jonge of 2020 Inc.in Montreal, to get the story straight from the horse's mouth because I know, as much as I say it, it's not the same coming from her!

In 1989, I flew to see the gorillas in Zaire. I was a determined 25-year-old; I had never flown solo across the world. It was always intended as a three-week window into adventure and nothing more. I needed to fully experience what lay one-dimensional in my university books.