For Morgan Meadows Davis, product manager at Cree LED, leadership extends beyond formal authority. Since participating in NC State Executive Education’s Women in Technical Leadership program in June 2019, she has refined her approach to guiding cross-functional teams without always having direct managerial authority over team members.
Mastering the Art of Influence
Morgan’s experience in the program came at a pivotal time in her career. As someone who coordinates teams without direct reporting relationships, she found the program’s focus on emotional intelligence and influence particularly valuable.
“In my current role, while I’m not a formal manager, I lead cross-functional teams,” Morgan explained. “The [Women in Technical Leadership] program’s emphasis on adapting communication styles for different groups and individuals has been invaluable, helping me to work effectively with diverse teams.”
The skills she gained have strengthened her position as an informal leader within her organization, enabling her to build respect and trust among her peers—essential components for anyone leading without formal authority.
Building a Personal Board of Directors
Among the various modules in the program, one particular session left a lasting impression on Morgan.
“The session on ‘Building Your Personal Board of Directors’ stood out to me as particularly impactful. It gave me practical tools for outlining goals, identifying skills to develop, and taking actionable steps toward achieving them.”
This concept of cultivating a trusted group of advisors has been transformative for Morgan, especially given her experience working in environments with few female role models.
“Since I haven’t had many strong female role models internally at the companies I’ve worked for, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to seek out those connections in other areas of my network,” Morgan noted. These external perspectives have helped her recognize how her skills can translate beyond her current role and industry.
A Unique Space for Technical Women
Looking back on her experience, Morgan enthusiastically recommends the program to other women in technical fields. “The program creates an incredible space to connect with other women who share similar experiences and the unique challenges of being in a technical field.”
Beyond the initial three-day experience, Morgan values the program’s lasting impact through continued growth opportunities, participation, and networking events years after completion. These ongoing connections have helped her expand her professional network and build meaningful relationships with women facing similar challenges in technical industries.
“I haven’t come across another program specifically tailored for women in technical leadership, and that’s what makes it so unique.”
Why Women in Technical Leadership Matters
The NC State Women in Technical Leadership experience is not just for women—it’s designed for all early-to-mid-career professionals in technical fields seeking greater leadership impact.
The program’s three-day intensive curriculum covers:
Organizational Change Leadership
Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making
Emotional Intelligence & Communication
Career Development Strategies
Work-Life Integration & Executive Coaching
Participants walk away with actionable leadership frameworks, expanded professional networks, and practical tools to navigate complex workplace challenges.
