Legacy Through Leadership: Lessons from a Woman Tech Leader Turned Executive Coach
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
By Sharmin Banu
What does it mean to lead with legacy in mind?
To me, leading with legacy means thinking beyond short-term results and asking a powerful question: What impact do I want to create?
Leadership isn’t confined to titles or job descriptions—it’s about how we show up, especially during times of change, uncertainty, and growth. I’ve had the opportunity to lead in both formal and informal ways—from my early days as an engineering manager at Microsoft to my second career as an executive coach, as well as through nonprofit leadership roles, including serving as President of the ICF Washington Chapter and currently as Washington State Coordinator for Braver Angels.
Each of these roles has shaped my leadership identity and values. As a tech leader, I discovered that I had a deep care for people and a talent for helping them uncover the root of their challenges. The feedback I received confirmed that my insights and presence made a positive impact. It was fulfilling—and I wanted more of it.
That clarity inspired a bold pivot. Leaving a high-paying tech career to become an executive coach was daunting, but I didn’t want fear to dictate my story. I asked myself, You only get one life—how do you want to spend it? That shift in perspective helped me move from “Should I do this?” to “How can I make this possible?” That’s what legacy thinking looks like—choosing courage over comfort and leading from purpose.
How are you shaping the next generation of women leaders through your work?
A central part of my mission is helping women (and men) lead in ways that feel both authentic and sustainable. When I launched my coaching business, I quickly realized that following someone else’s blueprint wouldn’t work for me. I had to build something rooted in my own values, strengths, and voice.
So I leaned into creativity and service. Rather than promoting myself, I focused on offering value through 1:1 executive coaching, designing leadership workshops, and launching group coaching programs specifically for women in tech. I also took on nonprofit leadership roles, which gave me opportunities to practice leadership while making a meaningful contribution.
In every role, I asked not just what needed to be done, but: What does this organization need to evolve? That question led me to cast bold visions and take courageous steps, like forging partnerships between the ICF WA Chapter and local universities and tech conferences. These initiatives increased the visibility of ICF and its members, establishing valuable connections between coaches and the business world.
Through these efforts, I’ve mentored and inspired many women to define leadership on their own terms—to lead with confidence, stand in their values, and stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
What advice would you give women stepping into positions of power for the first time?
Don’t wait until you feel “ready” or “perfect.” Invest in being real.
Your authenticity is your greatest leadership asset. Get clear on what matters most to you, and let that clarity guide your choices, one intentional step at a time. Leadership isn’t a straight line; it’s messy, iterative, and deeply human.
Also, power doesn’t mean going it alone. Build a support system with peers, mentors, coaches, —who will amplify your strengths, illuminate your blind spots, and help you rise when you stumble.
And finally, remember: your job isn’t just to perform or produce. It’s to leave something better than you found it. Whether you're opening a door, setting a new standard, or redefining what leadership can look like—that’s your legacy.
Lead with that in mind, and your impact will long outlast your title.
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