In recognition of International Women’s Day, Optibus hosted an inspiring panel discussion featuring influential women leaders who are shaping the public transportation, technology, and investment industries. Moderated by Rayah Wright, the conversation brought together:
This year’s International Women’s Day theme challenged us to move beyond conversation and drive meaningful change. Over the course of the discussion, our panelists shared insights on breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and paving the way for the next generation of women in leadership.
Diversity in leadership and team composition leads to more innovative and effective problem-solving. When individuals from different backgrounds bring their unique experiences and perspectives, they contribute to richer discussions, increased creativity, and more well-rounded decision-making. The panelists emphasized that diverse teams help organizations tackle complex challenges with a broader range of insights and approaches.
“When I build a team, I look at diversity not just in professional experience but also in personal background. Diverse individuals bring different ways of thinking, critical problem-solving skills, and unique perspectives that you might not have considered yourself. That diversity of thought makes every solution more well-rounded and impactful.” – Stephanie Doughty
One of the most powerful messages from the panel was the importance of defining success on your own terms. Each speaker reflected on their career journeys, emphasizing that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it should be guided by personal values, passions, and goals rather than external expectations.
“Trust yourself and feel confident. Sometimes, I backed off a little, thinking maybe my idea wasn’t that great. Then, three meetings later, someone else presented the same idea, and suddenly it was brilliant. That’s when I realized: my voice matters.” – Maria Wedenby Ahlberg
Success is not about being perfect; it's about being resilient, adaptable, and continuously learning. The panelists emphasized embracing failure as part of the journey and encouraged women to take calculated risks that propel their careers forward.
“Women often wait until they check every single box before going for a new opportunity, while men will apply if they meet only a few requirements. We need to break that habit and go for it.” – Merav Rotem Naaman
Negotiation and self-advocacy were recurring themes. The panelists encouraged women to ask for what they deserve, whether it’s a higher salary, a leadership role, or a seat at the table. A key insight was the need for confidence in articulating value, as women often underestimate their worth compared to their male counterparts.
“Be true to yourself. You earned everything you got – it was not given to you. Reinforce that in how you think about yourself. When you apply for a job, know why you are the best person for that role.” – Stephanie Doughty
The discussion highlighted how mentorship and advocacy are key components of leadership. Women in senior roles must actively create opportunities for others, whether by sponsoring emerging talent, fostering inclusive hiring practices, or challenging workplace norms that disadvantage women.
“There are so many people who can support you, so don’t be afraid to take on big challenges. We also need to encourage those who hesitate – tell them, ‘Do this, we support you.’ No one starts out knowing everything, but we all learn as we go. Young women especially need to hear this: The sky is the limit. You can do so much more than you think.” – Maria Wedenby Ahlberg
Each panelist reflected on their experiences working in industries where women are underrepresented. They shared personal stories about:
A particularly thought-provoking discussion centered around how gender dynamics play a role in interviews and negotiations. The panelists urged women to prepare, be direct, and own their expertise rather than underselling themselves.
“I remember working in an industry where women never had a seat at the table because they didn’t play golf with the senior team. That moment stuck with me—I realized we need to create our own spaces and advocate for one another.” – Merav Rotem Naaman
At Optibus, we believe that diversity fuels innovation. We are committed to increasing representation, ensuring pay equity, and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
We extend our gratitude to our inspirational panelists and to everyone who joined the conversation. Let’s keep pushing forward and accelerating action for gender equality — today and every day.
If you're passionate about creating more equitable, innovative workplaces and want to be part of a mission-driven team, explore career opportunities at Optibus on our Careers page