What happens when a career in health and social care meets an unrelenting passion for technology?
Meet Sam Gaskell, the dynamic CEO of DataFit, who transitioned from a role in health and social care to leading a pioneering data management consultancy and training company. Sam’s journey is nothing short of compelling, starting from her first brush with computing through her mother to a pivotal career questionnaire that redirected her path towards software engineering. In this episode, Sam reflects on her initial role as a data quality clerk and how her honesty and eagerness to learn became the bedrock of her success.
Navigating the tech industry as a female entrepreneur comes with its own set of unique challenges, and Sam does not shy away from addressing them. We discuss the isolation and intimidation that often accompany working in a male-dominated field, and Sam shares her strategies for overcoming these hurdles. From the value of strong support systems and networking to the importance of community involvement with organizations like SheCanCode and Next Tech Girls, her insights are invaluable. She also opens up about the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, tackling everything from finance to marketing, and the importance of leveraging available resources to build a strong network.
Balancing personal and professional life is a daunting task, especially when you are an entrepreneur, mother, and wife. Sam provides a candid look at the pivotal moments that have shaped her decision-making process and discusses the resilience required to persist through tough times. She offers practical advice for aspiring women tech entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of self-belief, clear goal-setting, and embracing failures as learning opportunities. With her honest reflections and actionable strategies, Sam’s story is a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to forge their path in the tech world. Join us for an episode filled with genuine insights and powerful takeaways.
