How to Lead When You're the Only Woman in the Room | Lara Barnett of Kinetic IT EP 05
She Sells B2B | Bold Conversations with Women Redefining Sales and MarketingShow Notes
What does it really take to show up, lead, and grow in an industry where you don’t always see yourself reflected?
In this episode, Lara Barnett, Head of Marketing at Kinetic IT and co-founder of Generate, shares her story of navigating B2B marketing, leadership, and self-belief. From her early career in construction to finding her voice in tech, this is a conversation about showing up with both strategy and heart.
Listen in if you're interested in: Navigating imposter syndrome in leadership roles
Building brand equity during years-long sales cycles
The mindset shift from campaigns to long-term marketing motion
What great sales and marketing alignment actually looks like
Why women are more than suited for B2B and tech
How to create inclusive spaces that let everyone lead authentically
The difference between time and experience in career growth
Whether you're a woman navigating leadership, a marketer trying to prove brand impact, or someone who’s ever questioned if they belong, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights: 00:56 Career Beginnings in a Male-Dominated Industry 02:11 Transition to Marketing and B2B Insights 08:03 Sales and Marketing Collaboration 12:17 Event Strategies and Their Impact 19:06 Generate: A B2B Marketing Community 23:07 Women in Leadership: Embracing Femininity 30:24 Masculinity vs. Femininity in the Workplace 31:30 Women in Tech Sales 35:13 Imposter Syndrome and Overcoming It 39:19 Inappropriate Interview Questions 46:43 AI in Marketing and Job Security 52:00 Advice for Younger Self 54:37 Creating Inclusive Work Environments
Resources Mentioned: The 95:5 Rule: Why B2B Growth Starts Long Before the Purchase Women Rising by Megan Dalla-Camina Lead Like a Woman by Megan Dalla-Carmina
Generate Summit 2025 https://www.generate.community/summit2025
Be A Sponsor Contact:[email protected]
Connect with Lara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-vandersluis/ Connect with Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shesellsb2b/ https://www.theuntappedspace.com/
If you like this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, leave a review, or share it to a friend who might find this inspiring!
More from She Sells B2B | Bold Conversations with Women Redefining Sales and Marketing
Imagine this: You're at a prestigious company, making great money, and then you decide to take a 50% pay cut to join a startup with literally zero revenue.
What does it mean to lead marketing in one of the world’s most influential B2B platforms and still feel empowered to experiment, move fast, and be “scrappy”?
What makes you stand out and memorable?
“There’s a reason why we have incredible female sales leaders, and it’s time for us to own our space.”
What does it really take to lead, grow, and speak up in workspaces when the rules were not written with women in mind?