How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I’ve always admired people who know exactly what they want to do. I’ve followed the opposite principle: I know pretty well what I don’t want to do, and occasionally, I find something that I really enjoy. I try to follow my gut, and that’s how I landed in Corporate Communications.
It was a combination of opportunity, coincidence and being willing to double down on something brand-new, that I had never done before.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
The key roles in my field are internal and external communications, executive engagement, public relations, analyst relations, investor relations, and speaking opportunities. It is a very broad scope that gives you C-Level exposure while empowering you to shape the company’s reputation and position in the market – all which make it very exciting!
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
Winston Churchill is a personal hero of mine. I admire his willingness to make bold moves and stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of incredible challenges and headwinds. His persistence and determination in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. He never gave up, even when things were at their darkest, and he always fought for what he believed in. He is an example of how one person can make a difference in the world, and if I can leave just a few people inspired by what I do in my career, I’ll be content.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Insecurities and anxieties are companions on every person’s career journey. Mine is no exception. Having a ‘personal board of directors’ helps immensely – people that you trust and that know you well enough to pull you out of your own head, then encourage you to go after your dreams.
I don’t think you overcome insecurities and anxieties – but you can learn to handle them better. Every obstacle in your way is an opportunity to rise to the occasion. This experience proves to yourself (not others) that you are capable of doing much more than you believed you were capable of in the first place – and that is amazing.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
Being the only candidate of three to be re-elected to the MACH Alliance Executive Board was a huge success. What made it so special is that it is a testament to the actual work I have done, and the change I have brought to the industry. Seeing that manifest in an election result was incredibly humbling and gratifying.
What does an average workday look like for you?
We are a fully remote, US-based company. I live in Germany, so my day usually starts with a nice breakfast. Then I spend an hour catching up on the emails that have come in through the night. I take the dog for a long walk, run some errands and get ready for the meetings to start around 2pm CET. I carve out an hour for dinner with the family, and stop working by 9pm CET.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
I wish companies looked less at CVs and more at someone’s motivation. It is pretty easy to teach skills, but I cannot motivate drive you if you’re not intrinsically motivated.
In Comms, having a network is always beneficial, so try and hone your networking skills early on. Be curious. Stay in touch with people even if you have no (professional) reason to. Being kind has a tendency to come around.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Never give up. Don’t let other people tell you what you want, or what you’re capable of, or what you should or shouldn’t be doing. Find a champion and work hard for what you believe in.
It won’t be easy, and it won’t be a straight-forward path, so get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Expect obstacles and deviations. They’re part of the process. In the end, life is an endless string of problems to be solved, and that is a good thing!
How can companies effectively support and advance women’s careers in the technology sector?
There is a lot that companies can do to effectively support and advance the careers of women in the technology sector. A few examples:
- Providing mentorship and sponsorship programs
- Offering flexible work arrangements
- Creating a culture of inclusion and diversity
- Investing in training and development programs
- Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles
But it is all in the doing. Companies need to walk their talk. Just saying “we care” isn’t enough. Action produces information, and role models are super important to inspire the next generation.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Talk about it. At home, with your friends, with your peers. You’d be surprised how many people feel the same way, and how much better you’ll feel once you’ve said it out loud. There is nothing wrong with asking for help – on the contrary. Only when you ask can you be helped.
Has your experience as a woman in tech led to any insights for other groups that fall outside the ‘traditional’ or mainstream image of white middle-aged men in tech?
While my specific experiences are unique to being a woman in tech, the lessons I’ve learned can absolutely be applied to other underrepresented groups. Many underrepresented groups face similar challenges, such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and a lack of representation. The strategies I’ve used to succeed, such as finding allies, building a strong network, and advocating for myself, can be adapted by individuals from other minority groups.
Mentorship and Sponsorship make a huge difference. Highlighting their importance for underrepresented individuals and providing guidance on how to seek them out can be a total game-changer. Finally, my experiences as a woman intersect with other aspects of my identity, such as race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. This intersectionality can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities. By sharing my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to empower individuals from other underrepresented groups to navigate their own challenges and achieve their career goals in their own, unique ways.
