The 2025 Audit: 10 Questions Every Woman in Tech Needs to Ask Before 2026
2026 isn’t just another year; it’s an opportunity to consciously architect your impact.
As the year winds down, it’s easy to get caught in the holiday rush, already mentally checking off 2025 and vaguely hoping 2026 will be “better.” But for women in tech who are serious about building an extraordinary career — one that commands respect, drives innovation, a passive approach simply won’t cut it. 2026 isn’t just another year; it’s an opportunity to consciously architect your impact I’ve compiled 10 critical questions to help you audit your 2025, extract the lessons, and strategically plan for a 2026 that’s defined by intention, not just activity. These aren’t just questions; they’re prompts for profound reflection that can elevate your career from good to extraordinary.
1. Did 2025 happen to you, or for you?
This is the foundational question. Did you feel like a passenger, reacting to external demands and circumstances? Or were you actively steering your ship, making deliberate choices that aligned with your long-term vision? Reflect on moments of agency versus moments of obligation. This insight is crucial for reclaiming control in the new year.
2. Who knows what you’re an expert in, besides your immediate manager?
Your brilliance isn’t a secret weapon; it’s a resource meant to be shared. If only your direct reports or boss understand your unique value, you’re limiting your opportunities. Strategic visibility through speaking, writing (like this!), or advisory roles is paramount for career acceleration. Start documenting every time you presented, mentored, or led a workshop.
3. What was your most ‘un-googleable’ contribution this year?
In an era of advanced AI, simply doing tasks is no longer enough. AI can write code, debug, and even generate solutions. What complex problems did you solve that required uniquely human insight creativity, emotional intelligence, cross-functional navigation, or innovative architectural thinking? Identify these moments; they are your unique value proposition.
4. Which ‘yes’ from 2025 needs to become a ‘no’ in 2026?
Your calendar is a reflection of your priorities. If it’s packed with commitments that don’t serve your core goals, you’re sacrificing impact for activity. Be ruthless. Identify the tasks, meetings, or even relationships that drained your energy without significant return. Freeing up this space is how you make room for exponential growth.
5. Which ‘yes’ from 2025 needs to become a ‘no’ in 2026?
True expertise is often proven by what you build, invent, or innovate. Did you develop a new testing framework, automate a complex process, launch a side project like When2Vibe, or architect a novel solution? Even small innovations count, as long as they solved a genuine problem.
6. Are you leading the AI shift, or just reacting to it?
AI is not a trend; it’s a paradigm shift. In 2026, there will be two types of professionals: those who actively integrate AI into their workflow and decision-making, and those who struggle to keep up. Where do you stand? What specific AI tools or concepts are you mastering to lead your domain?
7. Who are you networking ‘up’ with this year?
Your network is your net worth, but not all connections are equal. While peer support is invaluable, connecting with individuals two or three levels above you can unlock mentorship, sponsorship, and advisory opportunities that propel your career forward. Identify 3–5 people whose careers you admire and craft a thoughtful outreach plan for 2026.
8. How many women did you pull up the ladder for this year?
Leadership isn’t a solo climb; it’s an ecosystem. Mentoring, sponsoring, or simply advocating for other women in tech amplifies your own influence and builds a legacy of impact. Reflect on tangible ways you supported others.
9. What are you terrified to try because you aren’t ‘ready’ yet?
That feeling of being “not ready” is often your intuition pointing you toward your next significant growth opportunity. Is it public speaking, starting a business, applying for a leadership role, or proposing a groundbreaking project? Identify that fear, then create a micro-step plan to tackle it. Growth lives outside your comfort zone.
10. What do you want to be the ‘Go-To’ person for by next December?
Clarity of purpose is magnetic. What specific niche, technology, or problem do you want to be synonymous with in 2026? This isn’t about being good at many things; it’s about being exceptional at one or two. Define it, then align your learning, networking, and project choices to achieve that clear identity.
Ready to Architect Your Extraordinary 2026?
Answering these questions honestly is the first step. The next is strategic action. I’ve created a comprehensive 2026 Tech Career Roadmap that breaks down how to turn these insights into a tangible plan for technical mastery, increased visibility, and leadership impact, perfect for anyone who is simply looking for a more fulfilling, influential career.
This roadmap isn’t just a list of tasks; it’s a guide to intentional growth. Each section is designed to build on the last, ensuring you move from awareness to action to mastery. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take control of their career and build an extraordinary legacy in 2026.
Ready to start? Join the community at www.Hernexttech.com for resources, templates, and support as you build your extraordinary year..
Download 2026 Tech Career Roadmap