404: Women Not Found is a practical career playbook for women working in technology, combining research, real world experience and actionable advice to help women build successful, fulfilling careers.
Drawing on the findings of the Lovelace Report, alongside Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE’s own 25 year technology career and more than a decade spent supporting hundreds of thousands of women through WeAreTechWomen, the book explores why talented women are still leaving the industry, why progression often takes longer than it should, and what women can do to navigate the system more strategically.
Rather than simply highlighting the challenges, 404: Women Not Found focuses on solutions. Across 20 chapters, Vanessa shares practical tools, career frameworks and personal insights designed to help women take greater control of their careers.
Inside the book you’ll explore topics including developing the right mindset, building confidence, identifying and strengthening your skills, creating a personal growth plan, crafting your career story, increasing your visibility, building strategic relationships, navigating difficult conversations and workplace politics, finding mentors, sponsors and advocates, embracing squiggly career paths, preparing for the skills needed in the next decade, giving back, building your sisterhood, becoming a role model and creating a career that is both successful and sustainable.
Featuring contributions from 41 of the technology industry’s most respected leaders, entrepreneurs and coaches, every chapter combines expert perspectives with practical advice and concludes with an exercise to help you apply what you’ve learned, build your own personalised career roadmap and take meaningful action.
Whether you are just starting your career, looking to move into leadership, returning to the workplace or planning your next career move, 404: Women Not Found will help you navigate the realities of today’s technology industry with greater confidence, clarity and purpose.
This is more than a book about women in technology. It is a practical guide to surviving, thriving and helping shape the future of tech.