On December 14, 2023, The DigiGEN upskilling program was presented to practitioners in career coaching and guidance, initiating a pilot phase to refine the program through valuable feedback.

This pilot phase yielding crucial insights that are invaluable for the program's evolution. The session demonstrated the program's strengths and also opened avenues for enhancement, reflecting a dynamic and responsive approach to upskilling. The session was carefully designed to maximize feedback and engagement. It began with an introduction to DigiGEN, setting the stage by contextualizing the program within the broader landscape of digital transformation and female leadership. This was followed by a detailed overview of the upskilling program, where participants were walked through the structure and objectives, providing a clear picture of the program's scope and potential impact.

After the introductory segment, the focus shifted to an in-depth exploration of the program's content. The five modules of the upskilling program were presented dynamically, encouraging active participation and feedback from the attendees. This interactive approach was key in gathering diverse perspectives and insights.

What Participants Appreciated:

1. Depth and Relevance of Content: The program was praised for its comprehensive approach to digital leadership.

2. Relevance Across Genders: The importance of understanding different responses to change between genders was highlighted.

3. Potential to Enhance Existing Initiatives: The program's ability to complement current efforts for women re-entering the labor market was acknowledged.

4. Quality of Educational Materials: The professional presentation of the program's materials received positive feedback, and a trial session was announced to gather more insights.

Suggestions for Enhancement:

1. Integration of Mentoring and Sponsoring: The need to include aspects of mentoring and sponsoring to support the promotion of women leaders was emphasized.

2. Focus on Language and Leadership Styles: The importance of addressing language nuances and unconscious male leadership biases was stressed.

3. Clarification of Program Delivery: Clarity regarding the target audience and methods of program delivery was requested.

4. Incorporation of Assertiveness Training: Adding training on assertiveness, specifically on how to assertively say "no," was suggested as a crucial skill for women leaders.

5. Balanced Approach to Empowerment: Concerns about ensuring female empowerment without disadvantaging others and avoiding an overemphasis on tools that might promote male leadership styles were raised.

This pilot phase with career coaching practitioners is a critical step in enhancing the DigiGEN upskilling program, ensuring it effectively meets the needs and aspirations of women in digital leadership roles.

The next phase is the actual training stage. Many participants expressed their enthusiasm and interest in being part of these training sessions. This stage promises to be a transformative journey, leveraging the feedback from the pilot phase to offer tailored, impactful learning experiences. The training will further refine the program, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of women in digital leadership roles.