NEW YORK, Oct 9: Six Pakistani women, who have excelled in the American workforce, expressed their life experiences in getting to the top of their chosen professions at a meeting organized by Harvard University and Organization of Pakistan Entrepreneurs (OPEN).

The women spoke about the delicate tight rope they have to tread in choosing their professional goals over the family life.

“Sometimes it is wise to establish yourself before proceeding to have children” they observed adding “it was critical to have spousal and family support to move ahead in the challenging American work force.”

They spoke about their experiences in the male dominated environment where sexual harassment is encountered and their professional abilities are constantly challenged.

Leadership coaching starts at home, and speakers advised parents and other family members to encourage women to succeed, be their champions.

The women’s success was defined as a balance between personal ambition and family responsibilities that each women needs to carry.

Shahla Aly, General Manager of Microsoft in Canada, talked about her cultural and professional transition to the corporate environment and how she balanced her values, her faith and family with the needs of highly demanding profession.

In a keynote speech, Ms Aly described how she harnessed her ambition and drive to excel in achieving and setting standards of accomplishment yet maintaining culturally diverse and rich teams that she developed and mentored.