relationships I had built over many years to kick-start the process . I needed a team of like-minded people who could bring this to life . I needed developers , web designers , PR agents , marketing pros , legal advisors , insurance experts and investors .
As I sat around the table , with my army of experts , I realised I am leading a digital start-up as a woman at 50 . It ’ s one thing to be female in tech but another to be 50 . Where are the other women of my age ?
Studies have shown us that half the workforce ( eg woman ) find their career opportunities stall and are forced to make a decision : career or children . Men , like women , are hesitant to take paternity leave , as it has a direct impact on their careers and ability to earn . This , combined with the fact that statistically , women in tech earn less than men , can see many women , later in life , without the cash to start up their own venture , despite the fact the kids have flown the coop .
Although I appreciate it can be scary and requires a considered risk , we create our own opportunities . They are all around us . The digital age we live in provides us the channel do that .
You have to have the certainty in knowing what you want to do , back yourself and be willing to put yourself out there . The Room Xchange was borne from the way I lived . After much thought , research and due diligence I put myself out there by gathering people around me that filled the gaps in areas that I am not an expert in .
I am not surprised at 50 years old , after raising two children and 25 years in business , that I am now a CEO and founder of a tech start-up . I ’ ve spent two decades proving myself in the tech fields . I ’ ve launched businesses ; managed digital campaigns and even created media companies from scratch . I ’ ve worked really hard to make a name for myself . And now , I am using all this to launch a global business with a social impact that will change the way people live .
If the concept of me , at 50 , launching a start up from scratch , gives confidence to other woman with decades of experience , knowledge and wisdom to start something of their own , well , that ’ s inspiring to me .
It ’ s never too late to start . So , what does your ‘ next chapter ’ look like ?
Find out more about Ludwina Dautovic at www . ludwina . com
“ As I sat around the table , with my army of experts , I realised I am leading a digital start-up as a woman at 50 . It ’ s one thing to be female in tech but another to be 50 . Where are the other women of my age ?”
~ Ludwina Dautovic
ISSUE 2 : JAN - MAR 2017 53