It’s true that I am a true ‘millennial – Girl-Power’ kind of female, I am very happy to be quoted on that, and over the years I have been somebody that has learnt from other women around me and aspire to be like.
I’ve been fortune enough to be inspired by thoughts from colleagues, women I have met on the SAP catalyst program, books, women in the public eye and of course – my mother, a market trader turned global MD that retired at 44 – what an incredible woman I was lucky to be brought up by!
But what does it mean to step into tech and rise to being a senior leader? It’s no easy feat, so here’s some advice on how I did it.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning into the tech industry, and how did you overcome them?
I didn’t transition from another field but started directly in a junior tech role right out of university. My initial challenge was mastering the technical knowledge, as my work experience had mostly been in business retail. I had been working since I was 13 and had studied Marketing at university.
To overcome this, I dedicated myself to extensive learning, often putting in extra hours to catch up. Initially, it took me significantly longer to complete tasks compared to my colleagues. However, through perseverance and hard work, I created my own opportunities. As Val Blatt, Global Head of the SAP Business Network, wisely said, “Hard work is table stakes.”
What advice would you give to professionals from non-tech backgrounds who are considering a career in technology?
Consider your existing skills—are you strong in problem-solving, communication, or project management? These are all highly valuable in tech roles. Make networking a priority, which means signing up for online classes, attending events, and actively seeking learning opportunities. As my insightful colleague Abby Heller, a Principal Solutions Consultant, puts it: “Network, network, network!”
If you’re starting from scratch, begin with the basics of programming and technology concepts. Explore areas aligned with your interests, such as product management or data analysis. Embrace online courses and certifications and keep up with industry news through platforms like LinkedIn and reputable business publications. Personally, I also recommend The Telegraph for its excellent business content.
How can aspiring tech professionals succeed in their new role?
Once you’re in the role and working hard, it’s important to deepen your knowledge and stay informed about your company’s broader goals and industry trends. Overcome any fear of the unknown by asking questions—just as my colleague Cindy Baker, MD of the US, advises: “Don’t be fearful of the unknown; ask questions and be curious.”
Effective communication is key. I recommend Richard Newman’s You Were Born to Speak and Kim Scott’s Radical Candor. Be open to 90% of feedback and use it constructively while staying true to yourself.
Speaking candidly and supporting your views with data or examples will earn respect overtime. Don’t shy away from addressing issues professionally and promptly.
What role does mentorship play in transitioning into the tech sector, and how has it influenced your own career journey?
Mentorship is invaluable, offering trust, guidance, and advocacy. I’ve been lucky to have leaders who acted as mentors throughout my career, each demonstrating integrity. My current boss, Ryan Demaray, Global Head of Revenue, often says, “I just have to show you the mirror.” I interpret this as him saying, “You’re already great; let me help you become even better!”
For women in tech, mentors are especially important in navigating challenges like underrepresentation and bias. I’ve learned a lot from colleagues with similar experiences and aim to offer the same support to others. Good mentors ask insightful questions, build confidence, and advocate for their mentees, which can be crucial for career advancement. Always seek feedback and advocate for yourself when opportunities come up.
How do you see the tech industry evolving over the next few years, and for newcomers, what skills will be most crucial?
As a female Managing Director in tech, I’ve witnessed the industry evolve rapidly with a growing focus on AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. It’s an exciting time to be in tech. With new compliance laws emerging, I’m learning more this year than I did in the last three combined!
Diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important – growing as priorities, with new roles and KPIs driving more opportunities for women in leadership and technical positions. For newcomers, the key skills will be a mix of a strong willingness to learn and work hard or technical proficiency. Talent in areas like coding, data science, and cybersecurity is highly valuable right now. However, continuous learning and adaptability will be crucial as technology advances quickly, and embracing change will be essential for success in this dynamic field.
What tips would you give hiring managers/organisations looking to attract and hire more diverse talent in the tech industry?
Three things:
- Build and maintain a diverse talent pipeline by networking and engaging with potential candidates, even if you don’t have immediate openings.
- Create inclusive job descriptions that focus on skills rather than traditional qualifications and partner with diverse networks.
- Foster a supportive workplace culture that values diversity and provides mentorship to help talent from underrepresented groups thrive.
I encourage all hiring managers to take a chance on hardworking, smart individuals—whether it’s mothers returning to work or someone with limited experience. We all had to start (or restart) somewhere!
In such a male-dominated industry, what advice would you give to women looking to transition into tech?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution and for some of us, we may have to try different tactics to get our foot in door. Some of those tactics include:
- Engaging with networks and communities for women in tech. Big companies like SAP offer excellent opportunities, such as their Business Women’s Network.
- Attending both virtual and in-person events. Seek out mentors and support from other women in tech, and always be confident and advocate for yourself.
- Know that the women around you are amazing, and so are you. Think about someone you admire, what would they do in this situation? How would they overcome this challenge? And go from there.
As my friend Jess says, “put your big girl pants on” and embrace your inner girl power. As long as you’re true to yourself with grace and compassion, the right business and team will come your way.
