Uta is Chief Operating Officer (COO).
In her role she oversees the day-to-day operations of DocuWare. Her global team, which includes Customer Success, Customer Support and Professional Services, are dedicated to customer advocacy, loyalty and support. Uta joined DocuWare in 2018. She earned her degree in Mathematics from the University of Fribourg.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
Driven by a fascination for technology, I started my career as a software engineer. Early on, though, I realised that the real engine behind any innovation is the people pushing it forward. After experiencing firsthand how a poor management style can drain a team’s potential, I set my sights on making a difference. I wanted to be the kind of leader who puts trust at the centre, who listens and who motivates.
When I moved to the next phase of my career, I never wanted to step away from technology completely, so I made a point to stay in IT and explore different aspects of the business world. That curiosity, coupled with a love for teamwork and a willingness to embrace new challenges, created a path for me I could have never mapped out in advance.
Looking back, what stands out is how much joy I found in the journey itself. Whenever the spark was missing, I chose not to settle and instead sought out new roles where I could learn and grow. In the end, it was a mix of intention, serendipity and a genuine excitement for what I do that led me to where I am now. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
As COO of DocuWare and General Manager of our Beacon, NY subsidiary, my role is often described in terms of strategy, market analysis and customer experience. While all of these are of course important, at the heart of my work is something much more personal: people management. I truly believe that the most important asset any company has is its people.
Why this path? Quite simply, I chose to focus on what I love and where I can make the biggest difference. I have the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented team, and every day I look forward to collaborating and growing together. Being a manager means listening. It also means being present, offering support and helping my team navigate both the challenges and triumphs of our day-to-day work. Everything we achieve, from innovation to customer satisfaction, begins with a motivated, empowered team.
For me, leadership isn’t simply just part of my job, it’s my passion, and it’s what inspires me to keep pushing boundaries in our field.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
I can’t say I have one particular role model. Instead, I’ve always been inspired by leaders who show everyday qualities that drive growth by encouraging curiosity and adaptability and a willingness to ask questions. In my mind, it’s constant learning –from colleagues, from unexpected challenges or mistakes.
I believe that daring to ask questions is crucial for understanding and improvement. For me, success is about staying true to a spirit of inquiry and embracing growth every day.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
Building and empowering strong, diverse teams, both at DocuWare in general and in our Beacon subsidiary in particular. Seeing our teams collaborate, overcome challenges and achieve milestones together brings me immense pride.
As a leader, my greatest satisfaction comes from helping others grow and succeed, and I’m proud of the culture of trust and support we’ve created at DocuWare. On a personal level, I’m proud and grateful that I’ve been able to balance a fulfilling career while raising four children.
What does an average work day look like for you?
My days are shaped by time zones and teamwork. Mornings are usually filled with calls and meetings with our colleagues in Germany, taking advantage of the overlap in our schedules. Those hours are all about collaboration; aligning with our C-Suite on strategic direction and ensuring we are providing the support needed to achieve company objectives.
As the day moves on, my focus shifts to our US-based teams. I meet with my direct reports to help support divisional goals and tackle any operational challenges they may have. During my meetings with our US leadership team, we dive into the opportunities and issues relevant to the US market. The conversations can range from solving a complex IT puzzle, to making key personnel decisions, to debating (of course!) the most important question of the week: what’s on the menu for our weekly team lunch?
No two days are exactly the same and what keeps it exciting is the mix of high-level strategy and very real, everyday teamwork. It’s fast-paced, collaborative and always rewarding.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
Absolutely, and it’s probably broader than many people think. A career in tech isn’t reserved only for technicians or engineers. This industry is full of opportunities for people with creativity, drive and a genuine sense of team spirit. We value diverse perspectives and talents, whether your strengths lie in problem-solving, customer relations or finding new ways to innovate.
At DocuWare, we look for candidates who connect with our core values: being passionate, dynamic, customer-centric and decent human beings. In our interview process, we always involve the future team to ensure a personality fit as well as a skills one. The best results happen when people feel they belong, and their strengths are recognised and valued.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
If there was anyone holding me back early on, it was myself. Like many people at the start of their careers, I sometimes struggled with self-doubt and hesitated to ask all the questions I wanted answers to. That lack of confidence probably slowed me down more than any outside obstacle ever did. But over time, I realised how important it is to have the courage to ask questions and sometimes even question why.
The tech sector is full of opportunities for learning and growth, but you have to be proactive and take ownership of your development, your career won’t be handed to you on a silver platter. My advice is stay positive, ask questions and keep improving yourself. In the end, you’re your own greatest advocate.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Early in my career, I often found myself as the only woman in a male-dominated environment. I was shy and hesitant to speak up or ask questions during meetings and instead tried to figure everything out on my own. It was exhausting and, looking back, cost me unnecessary time and stress.
The turning point came when I started to ask questions, even if I was worried they might sound basic. To my relief, my colleagues were not only supportive, but genuinely helpful. In fact, some admitted they were wondering the very same things but hadn’t spoken up. That positive experience gave me the confidence to keep asking questions and to trust that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
Those early lessons taught me how powerful it is to be open. Most insecurities exist more in our own mind than in reality. Now, I encourage my teams to ask, to share so that we can all grow together.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Starting a new job can feel overwhelming, and that’s completely normal. My advice is to talk to a mentor or a trusted colleague about your experience; you’ll often find they’ve felt exactly the same way. Don’t be afraid to ask every question that comes to mind, no matter how small. It’s the fastest way to learn and build confidence.
It’s also important not to put extra pressure on yourself outside your working hours just to catch up. Remember, as a newcomer you’re not expected to perform at the level of those who have been there for years. Use your downtime at work to recharge and clear your mind. Give yourself the grace to learn gradually, everyone was new once.
And for those who have been around longer, it’s so important to remember what it felt like to start out, full of questions and uncertainty.
For companies, this means creating a culture where newcomers feel supported. Having a strong onboarding programme that provides clear guidance on industry jargon and company-specific terms and acronyms. This is essential for retaining great talent.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Go for it! Technology is an exciting, ever-evolving field and we need more women shaping its future. My advice is don’t be shy and never underestimate your skill set.
Choosing a career in tech was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I hope many more women take the leap. Trust yourself, seek out mentors and allies and remember that your voice and your talent are needed. The more diverse our teams are, the better our solutions will be. So take that first step, you might just inspire others to follow!
