How a Capital One VP helps tech associates shine

Erika Voss builds a lot of tables.    

In her job as vice president of tech for Capital One Software, she is constantly inviting associates to weigh in on projects, share their goals and provide feedback. 

“Create that table to elevate others and give your associates a chance,” Erika said. “I want people to shine.” 

Erika has many strategies to uplift colleagues. She sets up monthly one-on-one coffee chats with associates across her division to get to know them and their work. She intentionally stays silent for many of her meetings with associates to give them a chance to add input. If she notices people are quieter in meetings—or didn’t get a chance to speak—she’ll follow up directly with them to hear their thoughts.

Throughout all of her efforts, Erika is mindful of giving women and other underrepresented groups opportunities to learn new skills, grow professionally and tackle disparities. She wants to empower associates through a culture of learning. 

"By collectively prioritizing skills training, leadership development, and innovation, we contribute to a more equitable future where talent and innovation (not gender) are prerequisites for success," Erika said. 

She shared her tips about how associates—specifically women—can excel in tech. Check out her story on how technical skill development supports women in tech here.