Can you share a bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

I oversee multiple project teams as a Software Development Manager. I’m responsible for project delivery, personnel, and client relations. My daily tasks revolve around enabling the teams to achieve successful end-to-end delivery, all the while maintaining positive sentiment among both clients and team members.

What inspired you to pursue a career in software development? Was it always something you wanted to do?

My journey in IT began as a Business Analyst, igniting my passion for overseeing the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) from start to finish. I see myself as a critical thinker who thrives on problem-solving. Coupled with my desire to assist others and share my knowledge, this drive led me to pursue a career that aligns with my strengths and what I can offer.

Can you speak to your journey of entering the field of software development and how you progressed to your current leadership position at Entelect?

Starting as a Business Analyst afforded me exposure to projects across various industries, revealing my passion for helping others. As I gained experience, I aspired for leadership roles.

Fortuitously, I was assigned to a client offering such opportunities, leading to my promotion to Team Lead. Balancing technical proficiency with team care, I excelled. Over five years at this client, I delved into client relations, team onboarding, and commercial aspects, culminating in my promotion to Software Development Manager. Managing project teams affirmed my strengths and passion for this role.

As a woman in a leadership role in the tech industry, what unique perspectives or approaches do you think you bring to your team and Entelect, as well as our customers?

Personally, I believe that when a woman leads, it's not about being at the helm of the Company/Team/Group, but rather fostering a collaborative environment. Inclusivity is paramount to me. Every voice should be heard, even if not ultimately accepted, to promote learning. None of us have all the answers, and involving others in decision-making exposes us to perspectives we may not have considered otherwise.

What obstacles or biases have you faced in your career journey, how did you overcome them, and what advice would you give to other women aspiring to leadership roles in previously male-dominated fields?

It's a common perception that women struggle to hold others accountable or have tough conversations, often seen as nurturing and soft. However, I can attest that this isn't always true. Sometimes, fostering understanding and strong relationships within your team enables effective communication.

You don't always need to assert authority; find an approach that suits you and proves effective. Remember, this approach varies for each team member. Invest time in understanding them to determine what works best. Don't default to a tough stance for difficult messages; if it doesn't align with you, your message may not resonate effectively.

In your opinion, what initiatives or strategies can organisations implement to foster gender diversity and inclusivity in tech teams?

I believe it begins with team composition. When forming teams, it's essential to ensure a balance of skill sets and diversity, including gender and cultural backgrounds whenever possible. This demands careful planning and understanding each individual's strengths and contributions.

How do you approach mentorship and supporting other women in the tech industry?

I was fortunate to have a female manager who also served as a mentor, inspiring me to pay it forward. I've mentored other women and am currently helping establish a program dedicated to mentoring women in the workplace, a cause close to my heart. Previously, mentorship relied on women reaching out, but this new initiative will be proactive, ensuring all women are aware of available opportunities and feel supported even if hesitant to seek guidance.

What technological trends or advancements do you foresee shaping the future of software development, and how are you preparing yourself and your team to adapt to these changes?

This would be the enhancement of AI or machine learning. Personally, I'm deeply interested in delving further into this field. In terms of readiness, our teams are currently inclining towards automated testing, particularly in robotics, as a preparatory step.

Additionally, some fortunate teams are already engaged in projects integrated with machine learning systems. While they might not be directly involved in system development, they do have a valuable chance to comprehend the modelling process. To bolster this, we actively promote training and participation in integration tasks.

Finally, what do you envision for the future of women in leadership positions in the tech industry, and what role do you hope to play in shaping that future?

I personally would love to see more women in leadership positions. Not just management but leadership - having the ability to confidently lead teams to successful outcomes from start to finish. I strongly believe that our mentorship program has the potential to spark this transformation within Entelect. By fostering a culture of paying it forward, we can ensure that this initiative not only succeeds but also creates lasting impact.