The Harsh Truth Of Being A Black Woman In Tech | Q&A Video
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- Опубликовано: 16 июн 2024
- Welcome Back! In this video I chat about what it is really like to be a black woman in tech. Also if you are interested in checking out Career Karma, visit this link: ck.chat/bukola [ONLY US RESIDENTS]
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► Sources
www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/ma...
www.nber.org/papers/w29053
cacm.acm.org/magazines/2022/3...
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► Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - Imposter Syndrome
2:04 - Do You Love Your Job
3:07 - Do You Feel Guilt Leaving Job
3:42 - Sponsorship
4:21 - Being A Black Woman In Tech
9:35 - How To Deal With Racism & Sexism
11:40 - Dealing with Burnout
13:32 - Is Tech Industry Worth It
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Thanks for stopping by! Let me know in the comments your experience in the workplace
This was amazing. Great job and lots of courage IMO to make a video like this. I remember when I went to my orientation for grad school in computer science. It was me and 1 other black person out of 200 something student. I laughed to myself like "maybe it is cause I am at the 10am orientation" lol.
As I am talking to you I had World class companies running after me this year and they were interested but they saw me for the color of my skin and decided not to move forward with me but still I am in high demand of many companies and I have 4 interviews in this week alone and that’s because I am just brilliant and qualified and grace has been with me so far...I love your videos and i would love to meet you in person am also Nigerian American too ..so let me know when you want to talk
I'm so glad you addressed this because I was wondering watching your videos for a long time.
I already had an Idea because believe it or not these things you speak of exist in every industry....
Glad to see you dump theses issues out in the open.
Love you girl, God/universe bless you
You're literally the reason why I am now a software engineer! I'm a black woman in my late 30's. I watched your video at the beginning of the pandemic and decided to teach myself to code then joined a three month intensive software engineering immersive ! Now I'm making six figures after a year and two months. Thank you sooo much ! keep inspiring and making video's.
Wow no way! I'm so happy to hear that, congrats!!!
@@Bukola1 Thank you!!! I always refer people to your video's. Especially those interested in switching to a career in tech.
@@nikkig2454 what did you use at first to teach yourself how to code?
@Nicole Goldson, which resources did you use to learn how to code?
@@nilleyi2231 I used udemy and did colt steele's web development bootcamp. Then I took a software engineering immersive bootcamp with General Assembly
I love that you said “I don’t love my job..I’m here because they pay me “ I say this all the time lol😂😂
Had to keep it real 😅😅😂
That 😂part took me out😂😂😂 it’s the honesty for me 😅
Fr❤
Lol
'I look at my paycheck, this is why I am here' -> I'm SCREAMING, so much truth in one video!
Lol we all cope in different ways 😂😂😂
@@Bukola1 cope all you need! Lord knows I am in the same boat
My girlfriend is the only black girl in her engineering class, you definitely inspire!
Awww wishing her all the best!
@@Bukola1 the game is to push women and black women nothing for other men
Great video! As a black woman, I've been working in IT for over 20 years. The stories I could tell. I ended up working 2 full time jobs at the same time to save up to work for myself. And I did! I am so much happier. I got tired of all of the isms and getting passed over for promotions even though I put in the work and was def. qualified. Good luck to all black ladies in tech! 💕
Can you talk about you experience so we can get a heads up of what we might experience
Did you end up leaving tech all together or you working for yourself still related to this tech thing?
Let's not even talk about the additional hoops we have to jump through as black women to be perfect so that we can pave the way for other black women. I feel like if I mess up at my job, they won't hire any more black women. It's stressful.
Thank you for all your hard work as a trail blazer. I totally feel, love, but it’s time for us to take our Super Woman capes off and take care of OURSELVES first. We’ve had the weight of fighting racism and patriarchy for the past, present and future generations so long, that we grind our own selves down prematurely.
We just have to get better about working *together * and learning the laws, documenting incidents and holding these violators accountable n to bring their nonsense to an end.
We are already more than enough, without the extra burden of “perfection” when they are confident but barely competent so much of the time lol. It’s time for us to uplift each other and deconstruct these massa-minded systems so that we can break sign these systems of oppression and false elevation. Blessings, Queen!💫
Whenever someone asks me about my "Dream Job", I always tell them "I don't dream of labor." Like whose dream includes working every day? lol
also "You're going to get the same discrimination but you will get paid more." That is truly the bottom line.
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💯
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as a Black person who recently started in tech, I was nodding to your EVERY word. you absolutely nailed it
Great video - I'm a white dude software company owner -- you have the perfect mindset -- ignore the haters. Haters respond to their "imposter syndrome" by lashing-out at you. You respond to your "imposter syndrome" by lashing-out at yourself. Don't let it.
Truth is that: The Haters hate THEMSELVES more than they hate YOU.
Exactly right. They hate being themselves…take it out on everybody else or anyone who will listen or look in their direction. They get the grey rock from me.
Sadly your advice will not be enough as the lady has clearly stated the emotional toll it takes...then there are others who do not get paid the same...then others remain stagnant even after changing companies.
Trying to paint a rosy picture by saying a few positive things it not enough
ABSOLUTELY
Facts
I'm an Engineering Manager and have been in tech for 24 years as an engineer and as a manager. Love seeing this. And yes, these companies aren't loyal. I'm loyal to people, not companies. They will drop you when it doesn't suit their bottom line. Also, I leverage my gender and whiteness to do my best to get black people and specifically black women more opportunities. The company I work for is dedicated to diversity so I'm doing my best to keep them accountable. I keep pressing us to do more and speaking up when I get the chance to not only say we support diversity but to put money in people's pocket. Thanks for keeping it real while also still spreading positivity at the same time.
When I read “I leverage my gender and whiteness…” I was ready to roll my eyes and say, “Ohhh man! 😩” But then I read the rest of your comment and felt relieved.
@@sabrina.natalie 😂 You thought it was gonna be something else. Glad you read the rest of it.
Hi Will👋🏾 , Thanks for being an ally. Just wanted to add 1 more thing to your attention. Many of the Fortune 100 will tout "diversity"... please also remember to ensure "inclusion" in all roles and levels as well. Kudos to you for not denying the issues tech has had for at least the last 20 yrs that I've been in it. 👍🏾😊👍🏾
@TheKayleeanna Absolutely. Thanks for calling that out as well. I raised the issue the other day that we needed more women in management on the dev side in an internal channel. I suggested we prioritize reviewing those applications first. It was well received. Nobody in my sphere of influence is getting away with the bare minimum of, for example, just touting black faces and making Juneteenth a holiday without me raising my voice. If we are saying we are doing something that's important to me then I will be the voice to make sure we are being accountable to our words at-all-levels-and-roles. If that reminder is rejected or deflected there's plenty of places that need a manager with my experience level. The biggest challenge I'm trying to address with my current company is getting them to seek out women and non-white men when the applicant pool is thin. I've been doing some work on my own to create a document for suggestions on how they can do this themselves and reaching out to friends for advice.
@@willbridges Well said. 🙌🏾 Another point that I believe Bukola mentioned in this video. The phrase "minority" is a difficult one in tech. In many places it means "non-white". In tech, it's important to recognize that if we have a room of 20 people and 10 are White males and 10 are Asian males we still do not have "diversity". Tech is greatly lacking in Hispanic and Black perspectives in nearly all roles.
Also, to your pt about Juneteenth... I couldn't agree more. 😊👍🏾 Too often over the past 2 decades tech has planted a "diverse" face in a non-technical/STEM seat and called that "diversity". Another thing we need to improve on (and I've changed this when I'm hiring too) is recognizing that "tech minorities" (i.e. non-White males and non-Asian males) tend to suffer from the not applying if they cannot meet the laundry list of items on the job description. Not sure if it will help your company, but I've found it works soooo much better in recruiting "tech minorities" when we as for what we actually want/need.
girlll good for you for saying "I do this job because they pay me." Hella honest, get that bag 💰
Love your honest answers without trying to sugar coat the truth, its a breath of fresh air
Definitely some tough topics to cover but I did my best to stay honest, thank you for leaving a comment!
Honestly every time people complain about diversity in tech I feel like i'm taking crazy pills, you just have to look around to see there are hardly any women and minorities in tech roles. The people complaining must have the strongest cognitive dissonance ever, according to them, women and minorities are disproportionately hired because their gender/race, but you only need to have eyes to see hardly any of them are in tech, and it's by far and large, white and asian men in these roles. Those people are just insecure, entitled, under achievers and instead of looking inwardly to see why they didn't get into their desired companies, they like to blame the few minorities and women that actually do get in, who are the best of the best, as if they're taking their jobs. Pathetic.
Also just because some tech companies talk a big game about diversity, doesn't mean they actually give a crap about diversity, it's usually virtue signalling nonsense that doesn't amount to any change. Diversity occurs from the top down not the bottom up, so nothing will change while the people who are overrepresented in tech continue to act as gate keepers to entry and only accept people who look like them for 'team fit' reasons.
You just described cognitive dissonance.
You look around and you see a lack of woman and black people.
This is because they don't go for the jobs. Not because of some grand conspiracy to keep women out of tech.
There literally is diversity quota to be met in hiring women and blacks into tech especially at these intersectional businesses like Google, double especially in places like california with it being legal requirement.
Nobody us claiming diversity hires are stealing jobs. We're saying you're getting into jobs you aren't capable if doing. You're making life harder for everyone by creating problems by not being the meritocratic best choice. But of course you can't accept that and will instead form your strawman and say we are just insecure and incapable of introspection, as if that has any relevancy here.
The bottom up claim is ridiculous. The employees have no means of deciding who gets hired and thus have no means of control over the diversity of the populace.
News flash, the gatekeepers to work are employers. Not employees, your peers don't hire your or pay your wage.
10000% This is exactly why I stopped using twitter. Black women need to remove themselves from a lot of these social conversations and focus on putting ourselves first.
❤
I appreciate the insight of minority women sharing their experiences in tech and how they are balancing work life. It’s very inspiring and encouraging for those (and me) who are looking to pivot into tech 💕
I’m not trying to be messy but it’s so funny that the dominant race in tech doesn’t question whether they got easier questions or not. Regardless of the field we’ve all come across people who weren’t the best at their jobs. Great point about social media. In the past 3 years I’ve been way to exposed to negative comments about BW online.
I remember going for a tech role that was only supposed to ask leetcode easy or medium at most as per the preparation instructions, the interviewer gave me a leetcode hard. I didn't know it at the time, but was so perplexed as to why I was struggling. It wasn't even a SWE role. This was the technical screen by the way, not even the onsite. So yh this myth that minorities and women always get easy questions to help them get through, is just that, a myth.
@@LaraUAE odds stacked against them when they make up 80% of tech roles is hilarious. I think I know what post you’re talking about but the one I read about was an Asian hiring manager who said this about black and hispanic candidates. Instead of getting mad at the white men who make up the majority they want to punch down on the other minorities. Part of that post also mentioned that they gave those white candidates easy to medium questions.
@@100Stratusfiedx The guy who interviewed me was asian, I hope it wasn't the same guy. 😂
@@100Stratusfiedx right lmao. they say the blacks are taking over and getting into good colleges easier but why m i the only black girl in my cs classes then
"The same racism/sexism you deal with in tech are the same in other industries that are high paying and majority male industries so you're going to get the same discrimination but you're going to get paid more, you're going to have work-life balance, you're going to have the ability to work from home, you're going to be developing a skill that's valuable and probably going to be valuable for the next 10 years" - THISSSS RIGHT HERE IS EVERYTHING AND IT'S WHAT I HAVE TO REMEMBER 👏👏👏
This is def what I needed to hear to transition from what I am going through.
@@miaandsonnavigatinglife4596 Exactly!! My transition to tech will be starting soon and this boosted my motivation like no other lol Bukola summarized these reasons perfectly for me ❤️
Thank you for addressing the "culture fit" point! I dont feel like I "fit in" and thats okay! Theres nothing wrong with me...🙃
Very well explained Bukola! 👏🏾
~ A fellow Black woman in tech for the last 20 yrs.
Very good video! I deal with this all the time as a black woman in IT
Thank you for leaving a comment! So sad we have to deal with this 😞
As a black tech guy, I so proud of You. You are inspiration for many people!
I’m trying to go to school medical billing & coding. I currently work as a CLA for microbiology.
I really needed this video too! I've been getting back into tech. I have 6 years of experience I ended up leaving tech for a few months because I felt like I didn't belong and I was tired of dealing with racism. This video has helped me so much! Thank you 🙏🏿
You're absolutely right about your experience of racial discrimination in tech not being restricted to tech but it's pervasive in every industry. I resonated with your experience word for word when I worked as a doctor in a place with no diversity. The saddest thing is how insidious the discrimination is and the constant gaslighting that can drive you crazy. My friends have had similar experiences in their respective industries. Now we only choose to work in teams with high levels of diversity as that's the only way to protect your mental health. When managers and team members are diverse themselves, they tend to see you as a normal person rather than your race +/- gender.
I can’t even imagine making so much money consistently that I get to automate my bills.
I worked a short stint as a senior web developer for a Fortune 500 company.. I nailed all my tasks but the system was so old it had to be totally revamped. I had imposter syndrome so bad. I panicked & quit without having a backup job.
Love it!! I appreciate your honesty. I also work in the Tech industry and I can relate to the trials we face as black women ✊🏾
Yeah we go through so much 😞
When I tell you this video is speaking to me!!! I’ve always shown interest in tech but never had the opportunity to explore further growing up. The path was set and no one would hear otherwise. Jump to living my own life for myself lol I took a part time to get into tech through the school system. I’m 4th hear full time but now I’m capable of more. Left my tiny town and I’m so close to Google I literally pass it and see it when I’m on vacation and tell myself I’ll be there soon. Thanks for the videos!!
I'm glad the negative experiences have not made you feel like quitting tech. Its exhausting sometimes being a black woman in this society in general and then add another layer of a job to it. I agree about not having to love a job. Its a means to an end.
Great video. Can definitely relate to the only black woman in workplace problem. In my current job I'm the only black female designer, everyone else around me is white . Sometimes it feels like my boss and coworkers kind of use me to show off diverse they are as a company even though that's not the reality. I try not to think about it too much cause in the end of the day I'm just in it for the money but it does get kind of lonesome.
I am so thankful for your channel and love the Dev Story series. You inspire me so much and are the reason why I keep going!!
HI! Amazing video , Im so glad you decided to speak about this topic in your channel!
Totally relate. As a black man in tech there is some stuff i don't go through like poeple talking over me or acting like they don't hear me. What does happened regularly is that I'm explaining something to a PM and he looks at someone else to have reassurance about what I'm saying. In one of my previous positions it was even worse. Eventhogh, I was the most qualified engineer they hired, I was constently triple questioned about EACH solution I offered. I was never granted even the slight benefit of the doudt, even if the quality of my work spoke volumes. I constenstenly needed my more geeky/majority looking collegue to vouch for the work I did. It was really like they were waiting and expecting for me to fail. If you are is such a situation where poeple just expect you to fail all the time because "whatever" just leave! In my current position I still go through poeple doudting me in small instances (I think we can't escape this as negatively stereotyped minorities), and I never keep my mouth shut when it happens, but for the most part and I'm trusted and I get recognizion for my work.
Thanks for sharing this example of when to get in and get just enough experience to land another job with pay raise. Classic example of a job/team just asking to be my stepping stone…
I once hand an Indian woman as a manager she told me as a woman of color people will try to walk all over me and she was correct! It took me a long time for in my career (almost 10 years!) to learn that I can say no to people even at work. You are there to do your job not make everyone happy that is very hard for the natural people pleasers like myself!
I was glued to this video till the end, Weldone Bukola. Sharing videos like this on your experiences and how you deal with them are invaluable
You're saying so many bad ass truths!! I love it!
Absolutely loved this! Thanks for sharing 💕
You give me so much hope! I taught myself how to code from the internet and currently learning Data Structures and Algorithms to land a job in tech this year and I battle with the imposter syndrome among other things but, every time my feelings start to get away from me I watch one of your videos on the same topics and it makes me feel seen and capable. So thank you for this video and all the other ones. 👏🏾💘
I came across your video and I am grateful for it.
Thanks for sharing your experience, it was refreshing xx
I think although companies have diversity programs they still hire a particular group selectively to say the least. As a black man I have also been challenged a lot while in school and in the professional workplace. The funny thing is I actually have a degree in Computer Science and those asking me if I have the knowledge do not have a degree which is tech based. It’s a uphill battle where you constantly have to prove yourself.
You are so honest about how tech roles are. There’s a lot of content that only shows the positive aspects. Your content is so inspiring.
Thanks for another great video, Bukola. Loving the braids!
Thank you for making this video! This is so awesome!
Loved this! Thanks for sharing 😄
This was so real.. you’re helping lot of people out here.
I love your braids Bukola. As usual, your videos are informative and inspiring. Thank you.
Wow, this was the best video so far. Thank you Bukola!
As a newbie in the tech industry, I absolutely love these types of videos 🥰, Thankyou!
I loved this video!! Thank you so much!
This is a beautiful video which answers questions that most women and minorities ask themselves. I have been in rooms where I am the only woman and people have talked over me and literally tried to explain and take credit for the same thing that I worked extremely hard for. Its definitely a learning process and as I gained more experience with these situations, I think I've become better equipped to cope with them. This video is a gem for people who are not only new to tech but those who have been there for a while just because all your answers are very well put. You are incredibly wise Bukola and I love tuning into your videos. Thank you for being a role model for so many of us!
Awsome video, appriciant the honesty. 👍🏾
Thank you for this video! I watch you always and you really made my day with this video so thank you.
Thank you for the vid ! Also braids looking real good girl!
Instant subscribe. Thank you very much for your perspective!
You really have to watch this whole video!! Speaking truth in such an easy to understand way on some of the most difficult topics to talk candidly about. This must have been a tough one to make! Keep up the great content! 🙏🏼
The amount of support I receive from this channel is just amazing! Thank you for sharing all this with us!
7:27 I love love love how honest you are in this video. I came here from your “I quit” video 💜💜💜
I really appreciate what you're doing . Thanks for thinking about us.
completely relate to everything you said in here, the amount of times i've had to over explain or justify beyond necessary why i'm in a given room is uncountable. or the amount of times i have to literally be like 'i just said that' 💀 - but we made it anyway, so props to us!!
Great video! Very honest and inspirational! I really liked your point of not loving the job and thank you for sharing about your experience of being black woman in tech! Cheers!
Subscribed! Someone who keeps it real!
I subbed 3 videos ago but this one made me wish I could click 'subscribe' again! Too real when you said people want to mentor folks who remind them of their younger selves. And I'm really sorry I quit my first dev job but as you said, sometimes you have to put your health above the finances!
Wow, wow, wow... i can feel the unloading. Nice video as usual.
Thanks for being so honest and open about things that ae mostly avoided from being spoken!
I loved this video! Please do more like these!💚🙏🏾
Honestly I love when you say that I dont love my job but it is ok. I am a software developer and everyday I see people pationate about getting the dream job at FAANG companies and I dont see myself like this. I was thinking, should I be more pationate to do the job well, no. We need a life other than work life. Wonderfull QA session, loved it ❤️🌸
I love yor honesty. Thanks, its exctly wath i think !
I truly appreciate your honesty in this video
Good video. You have given many strong stand alone points that are not generic but are eye openers for many looking from the outside in thinking its all rosy.
Great video! I related to a lot of what you were saying, particularly the micro aggressions and imposter syndrome. These things are all real and have to be navigated accordingly in order to be successful. Just because policies are in place doesn’t mean you won’t still face discrimination within the workplace. You just have to be able to recognize it and it sounds like you have it down. Thanks again for these videos!
Bukola, I loved hearing your POV on working in tech, and I thought your comments on your experience as a black woman were especially helpful.
That was really reassuring, thanks for the honest answer 😊
love this!
I completely resonate with not loving your job and feeling no guilt when you move on. I wish more people would feel okay saying this! I enjoy what I do, and it's important that I feel that I'm getting what I need out of my job (technical/professional development, compensation, balance, etc...), because I'm always acutely aware that my company could let me go. They don't really *need* me, and I want to get to a point where I don't need them either.
I'm curious - have you always had this mindset? I didn't develop it until I started my first job out of school and saw how companies (and by that, I mean leadership) treat their employees.
And that's also why I started my own channel - to build up new skills, learn how to generate forms of income, and build something nobody can take away from me. I've been unsure how to discuss racism and sexism in tech on my own channel, so thank you for sharing your experiences and giving that conversation some momentum.
thank you for this video❤as an "only" on my team i really needed to hear this, you answered the question on racism/sexism so well👏i love coding but working with people makes the job difficult😆
Bukola dear I wish you every happiness°•♡♡♡
All the best and more!!! You continue to shine and be an inspiration to us all°•♡♡♡
Great video!
Thanks for this video :)
Whew, this is a lot to take in. Thanks Bukola.
Fantastic talk! 👌
I started my first dev position during the lockdown and I've been WFH ever since. Imposter syndrome has been a big hurdle for me to overcome some days. I am also one of 3 POCs with my company. Luckily, the company is pretty inclusive so I don't get any of the ignorant questions. I loved this video!
Loved ur content❤
loooooved this
Loved this… I’m majoring in English and have thought about switching to tech, but impostor syndrome is absolutely real! Lol
Never done anything with coding but I’m definitely willing to learn.
Love the brutal honesty! Your content is always on point, and inspiring. You go girl! Love 'em braids! ❤️ FellowBWinTech
This is spot on. My function is not tech but I work for a tech co. ditto to everything you said!
Amazing video 💕
Just seeing you makes me cry tears of happiness and relief.
I’m in tech & really needed this ..
Great answers!
Bloody FANTASTIC vlog!😁😍🤩. So proud and happy to know that young people(black girls) have such people as yourself🤩💃🏿 to assist them on their career paths. Great advice!
such a great articulation of many of the issues we face as Black women in tech! Although we do absolutely love being able to build in tech and being Software Engineers, it can be tough to deal with all the pressure outside of those things
Bukola! Your answer around being a black woman in tech was so eloquently spoken. I have had so many of these thoughts that I haven't been able to properly vocalize!
Btw I joined devrel at Google recently and I hope we get to meet one day :)
Google NYC?
I really appreciate your honesty of what it's like on the other side. All the YT commercials and various platforms make it look like minorities do not have to deal with things because you are in a higher pay-grade. Thank you and I am looking forward to more content like this.
This video gave me so much peace! I'm currently applying for EE jobs and as a black woman, the imposter syndrome is real. Thank you so much for being an inspiration. I love seeing people who look like me living their best life and getting that coin!
Ayeee!! I'm currently in school for ECE( electrical/computer engineering)
This video speaks so much to me as a black woman in consulting. Thank you for this!!!
Long time Bukola😊
Gosh, did i need to watch this today!!!!!!!!!!
Funny enough, I haven’t felt the imposter syndrome before, I remember my colleague telling me in the first month of resuming work, she said don’t assume all of us know what we are doing 😂, we are just acting. This made me realise everyone is learning and only acting knowledgeable.
Discovered your channel because I just posted a video about imposter syndrome and wanted to see what else is out there. Glad I did!
The part about not needing to love your job was interesting... You are 3-4 years into your tech career right? I bet your answer to this question will change soon.
First, 100% agree that you shouldn't lose sight of the fact that it's a business arrangement - but where you work with and who you work with will start to matter more and more (and not *just* from a "the people are nice" perspective - though that's always important).
At some point, you will find yourself becoming more and more interested (maybe even obsessed) in your "craft" as a software engineer. The catch is that software is a team game, and ultimately your ability to play at a high level is going to be dictated by the team/company you're in. Maybe the engineers around you aren't that great, or the business isn't in-touch with the engineers, or the tech stack is constraining - any number of things can get in the way of being able to do work to a level you're proud of.
In the same way some athletes will go to a team for less money, but higher chance of a championship - you'll start to consider if a place will allow you to apply your craft in a way that meets your standards. Obviously finances are huge part, but it won't be the be-all and end-all.
I'd even go as far to say that thinking and caring deeply about your craft becomes a requirement for career progression as a software engineer at one point. Not everyone will go through that though, and plenty of people are totally content collecting a pay cheque and not caring about anything else. If you're unlucky enough to work at a place that skews more towards people with this mentality, as someone who cares about their craft - it is soul sucking.
Love your dev stories series btw!