Women in Digital Interview Series Archives

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Introducing the 2023 Women in Digital Awards Champion of Change powered by BlackCard, Renee Noble!

Renee Noble isn’t just your typical CEO. She’s truly a force to be reckoned with in the tech world as CEO of Tech Inclusion, CEO and Founder of ConnectEd Code and if that’s not all, she is also a Cloud Advocate for Microsoft. Her passion for technology, education, and community is at the heart of her professional journey.

Renee’s nomination for Champion of Change was centred around her incredible work with the Girls’ Programming Network (GPN) working to improve tech education for people of all ages and levels of experience, particularly women and girls.

Renee is really living and embodying the “if they can see it, they can be it” motto which has been evident in every step of her career journey! Her achievements as a champion for women in digital is nothing short of outstanding.

We were thrilled to talk to our 2023 Champion of Change about her winning entry, career journey and more.

Click here to meet all the 2023 Women in Digital Award Winners.

Congratulations Renee! We are huge fans of your work in the industry.

To try and sum up who I am at my core, I’m a person who loves to give to other people. Being able to build other people up is when I feel great, and helping other people flourish is how I feel like I am doing my part in the world. With that, I am also a person who goes all in on things. I struggle to do things by halves (but I am trying to have some more chilled-out hobbies now!) If I see the benefit or potential in something I want to give it my all, I want to see how good something can be, and I want to see what I have in myself to be able to make that a reality.

I’ve always been very motivated to prove what I can do, maybe originally this was to prove to others what I can do, but these days it’s more about showing myself how much I’m capable of. I just love figuring things out, learning what I need to take things to the next step, and working hard to make it happen. I could definitely have been described as a workaholic for a lot of the parts of my journey to this point, but along the way I’ve realised that all the opportunities I had to do all that work has been what lifted me up to this point, and that sharing the work around will not only benefit me by reducing my workload to closer to normal human levels but also make space for other people to have those same opportunities.

It has been a very conscious decision of mine to recreate opportunities that I had when I first joined GPN for as many people as possible. Being thrown in the deep end a little my first time at GPN helped build my confidence in my tech skills immensely, and having the support of the people around me was one of the things that made me feel like I had found a home in the tech scene. At that time, GPN was a tiny little thing with a tiny group of volunteers. Everyone had to do things they wouldn’t necessarily sign up for, things they didn’t think they were “qualified” to do. These days we have plenty of experienced volunteers, but it’s part of the culture I set out to establish to make space for those experiences – giving people a little bit of a push to take on giving a lecture, running a room, or leading a whole event.

And to bring our readers up to speed, could you give a little pitch for Tech Inclusion and ConnectEdCode. How did ConnectEd Code come to be?

So firstly, Tech Inclusion is the charity that I co-founded around the already existing GPN program. GPN had existed for over 13 years when we founded Tech Inclusion two years ago. Until then we had been under the umbrella of various organisations, but we thought it was about time we went out on our own. Now we have set up Tech Inc. (yep that’s what we call it for short! Our org where the Inc. stands for Inclusion!), we have a lot more ability to be agile, and to work with industry partners. We’re always looking for more sponsors and more university partners that can help expand and grow our program around the country.

Within Tech Inc we’re also looking at different ways to build on the work we are doing with GPN, providing more opportunities for our tutors, trialling a new program for year 3-6 students, and many other things that are on the to do list. It’s still all volunteer-run, but we hope to get to a place where we can have people working on this as their job, to help us achieve all these benefits for gender diversity throughout the tech education and career pipeline, as well as potentially other marginalised groups.

ConnectEd Code is actually also inspired by my GPN work. In 2020, everyone was having a bit of a watershed movement, I think. It was then that I realised that I had built up a huge amount of skills and a huge network through my work on GPN and they weren’t really being recognised and were under utilised at my job at the time. It was then that I decided I wanted to tackle the problems I wasn’t getting to take on in my job.

This was about tackling delivery of the mandatory Australian technology curriculum by really listening to teachers and working with the limited time they have and the constraints of the school system. I knew a lot of the pedagogical learnings I had from GPN would be something that could benefit a lot of people. Since then I’ve come up with a lot of really creative ways to work with schools to make meeting their requirements easy, while also having kids that are really excited to learn about technology. It’s all about bringing Coding together with content, community, and curriculum. You can do a lot of cool stuff with that as your basis, like have teams design and code the tech for an escape room, or solve a murder mystery using their hand-coded detective devices.

The crux of your nomination is GPN. Tell us more about this program and what you have achieved?

I joined GPN in 2014 when there were maybe 30 girls learning to code each term at a workshop in Sydney. In 2023 we taught 1500 girls to code around the country! And that’s not even back to our pre-COVID peak attendance of around 2000 a year, since some of our GPN nodes only started back up about a year ago, and a lot of the students have graduated high school and now become GPN volunteers.

When I joined, having a nationwide network of GPN nodes was not something that was on the cards, I don’t know if that had even been imagined. But today we have nodes in Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Melbourne, and regional Tasmania. And we’ve had four others along the way we hope are back on deck soon!

It’s amazing to see how GPN has spread over the country in less than 10 years, the full story goes something like this…

About a year after I joined, I discovered I had accidentally inherited the leadership of the program, and I was hooked. As I’ve mentioned, GPN was somewhere that felt like a home for me. I wanted to help more students and volunteers to find out about it. It felt like I was giving them a gift!

With a (big) handful of commitment, I was able to add some of the hands-on activity ideas we had been talking about for at least as long as I had been there. And with this I also made space for other ideas from our other volunteers to shape the event, adding our mentoring sessions for senior school students that has meant that a lot more students keep coming to GPN throughout their senior years, seeking that support as they look to their futures.

The student population at the events started to rapidly grow. Girls were bringing their friends, who then went on to bring more and more friends. At the same time, I was racing to reach out across the tech industry to find as many women to volunteer as possible to make sure we had enough volunteers for all the kids! This led to us having a richer, more diverse range of volunteers from a variety of tech, teaching, and other sectors, at various stages of their careers.

Eventually, we reached our cap in Sydney, there simply weren’t more than 180 computers we could use at the same time. We ultimately ended up having to add an extra day of the workshop, because so many girls were upset to be missing out. We had a problem that no one foresaw, too many girls wanted to learn to code.

And, while there were girls we knew were missing out in Sydney, surely there were girls around the country who would also love to go to a GPN workshop. Canberra was the first to jump on board, with support from ASD, and soon we had Perth, then Cairns, Mackay, Adelaide, Burnie, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In bringing on board people and partners from across the country I spent a lot of time working out what it really meant to be a GPN node. And then spent a lot of time making sure our content was something that could be delivered by the volunteers on hand at every location around the country, from the middle of Sydney where software developers are plentiful, to regional Australia where GPN events were run by passionate teachers. Finally, finding more ways to help more GPN die-hards get on board to help grow and support the program, and give them a methodology for spreading what GPN is, why we do it, and how to recreate it, to a diverse range of communities around the country.

We now have a great team of experienced GPN volunteers supporting nodes around the country, travelling to new nodes and supporting them as they come on board. And all our nodes are working together to support the growth of GPN nationally, sharing the knowledge that they have gained in their own communities and experiences. This in particular is something that has helped us thrive in recent years and looks to have us scale faster than ever into the future.

How are you planning to grow the program in years to come?

In 2024 we are hoping to have at least two more nodes up and running in capital cities around Australia and to be looking at reaching students in NSW that likely aren’t benefiting from our Sydney workshop. We’d also love to see our Sydney numbers return to their pre-COVID heights, and we’ll be chasing that this year too!

We’re also piloting our GPN Junior program for year 3-6 primary school students in Sydney. There is always such interest in our high school program from parents with younger kids, so we’re trialling a half-day experience designed specifically for that demographic.

Looking further ahead, I’d love to have a node in every capital city by 2026. I’d also love to get some of our regional Queensland nodes back up and running. With our expanded team and the help of our sponsors, I hope to be able to increase support for the hardworking teachers who were bringing GPN to life in pre-COVID years.

We have a lot of other ideas as well, from programs to support uni students who are new to coding, ways to reach more students in schools, workshops on ways to build essential career skills for graduates, and creating opportunities for high school and university students to experience what it’s really like to work in a tech team. These are just a few of the things we want to get done, we’re just waiting on the right partners to help us bring them to life and to energise our operations by allowing some of our volunteers to make GPN their job.

What led you to pursue a career in tech in the first place?

I actually ended up in tech by chance. Living in college my first year of uni a couple of people decided that they wanted to teach me to program at 11pm one night. That was my first ever experience of coding, I didn’t even know that anyone could just get started with it on a regular laptop before that. It really felt like a superpower.

I took to it quite naturally, and I saw it as a way to use all the types of maths and problem-solving that I had loved in high school. I was studying Chemical Engineering and Science degrees at the time, but added a computer science subject, and ultimately squished in another science major alongside my chemistry major in Science. For my chemical engineering honours thesis, I utilised coding and machine learning for sustainable energy solutions, coding my experiments up and leaving them to run overnight, coming back to my beautifully graphed results in the morning (most of the time at least!) Meanwhile, a lot of my peers were whiling away time in the labs, with one eye on their experiments as they slowly completed.

I really loved how I could use coding to solve problems in a new way that multiplied what I could do by myself by a factor of millions. I just had to know the instructions to tell the computer. I’d found ways to use code in my chemical engineering internship as well, to make processes easier for everyone and the huge amounts of data they had. I loved the feeling of scripting something and seeing the results come out and having achieved something or having uncovered the next problem to solve.

Upon finishing uni, I decided that I was going to take the computer science route, rather than the engineering one. I got my first full-time job at what is now Data61-CSIRO, then was in an ed-tech start-up for a while, then started my own business, and now work for Microsoft – all while I was leading and growing GPN.

Tell us more about your role and what it is you do in a week as a CEO and Cloud Advocate.

While all three roles, CEO for Tech Inclusion/GPN, CEO for Connected Code, and Cloud Advocate at Microsoft are similarly summed up as tech + education + community, they are all very different in terms of the kind of work I am doing for each of them.

For Tech Inclusion/GPN, as we grow and as we solidify the charity, it is becoming more high-level work. I am spending more time looking at contracts, policies, and prospectuses than I was before, which are all new skills I’m getting to build. I also only get to move up to these new tasks because there are other amazing volunteers who are taking on things that I used to spend a lot more time on, like educational planning and event management. I am still very focused on the mission, and how to spread that mission to other locations, so after my day job at Microsoft, I often have meetings to connect with the GPN Committee running leading GPN nodes around the country, with teams starting up new projects, or spending the weekend with my powerhouse COO, Alex Penna, at one of our classic “GPN Planning Parties”.

For ConnectEd Code, that is another one where I am lucky to not be taking it on alone anymore. Since I started at Microsoft, my fiancé and CTO, Jack Reichelt, has taken a lot more of the business. Most of my work for that will be chatting with him over lunch about new initiatives that we want to pursue in relation to new curriculums and the introduction of AI tech in schools. I’m in the loop in the education industry in a variety of ways, so most of my work is to loop Jack in so we can connect meaningfully with the schools and organisations that need some help in the tech space and provide them with a solution that works for their constraints and desires. Occasionally I might need to take a couple of days off work at Microsoft so I can go and be part of a cool event where we work directly with the kids, like getting a whole school year of over 150 students, coding to solve a murder mystery with data science, launch a weather balloon full of sensors, or build and code the electronics of their own escape rooms. Those are very exciting days to be a part of!

Microsoft is my full-time job, so that follows a bit more of a normal structure, except for the fact that I’m here in Sydney, a very awkward time for engaging with a global team during office hours. But, luckily, as a Cloud Advocate, the kind of work we do can be largely done independently. This might be writing a new module to be released on Microsoft Learn, working with the Microsoft Reactor in Sydney to host a YouTube livestream with a guest, writing a blog discussing an upcoming event, or working on collecting diversity and inclusion stories to be shared both internally and externally as part of my work on the D&I committee for my organisation. We’ve had so much cool new tech coming out from Microsoft in the last year, so some time has to go into getting up to speed with that, and then telling other people about what it was like to get started with it.

How do you manage to juggle it all while keeping your energy so high?

I really love giving opportunities to people, whether it’s the chance to learn, the chance to volunteer, the chance to join and be part of something. I think that’s what keeps me going, I’m just genuinely excited about what I get to offer people, and how they respond when they realise the possibilities they’ve unlocked through learning and building skills.

Also, having people along on the journey with me is now a major source of energy and momentum. I can’t pour as much raw energy in as I did when I was 10 years younger, but having a team who believes in the mission as much as I do and knowing that we will keep the momentum going as a team, it makes it both a lighter lift for myself and everyone, and makes me want to do it even more.

What does winning this award mean to you?

To be recognised in this way is a major honour. I’ve been doing this a long time, and you do kind of get lost in the day-to-day, never-ending nature of it. There’s always something more to do. But a moment like this is one to stop and reflect on all that I have been able to achieve on this journey, and all the people who are now on the journey with me.

Also, having this moment for GPN to be seen by a bigger audience is always so meaningful. That’s what all this work is about, and giving it a moment to be seen and knowing that could lead to an even bigger impact, that’s incredible.

You have achieved incredible company growth so far! Do you have any key personal highlights?

The highlights from my GPN journey really have been around uncovering the potential I could see in GPN and bringing that to life all around Australia. It’s amazing how many requests we get for GPN to start in different communities, or people travelling great distances to get to the closest GPN to them. It is also very special to me to know how many people are carrying GPN forward, to know that this idea to make GPN this crazy big thing is shared by others and together we can ensure GPN gets to continue into the future.

I have also got to have a lot of personally exciting opportunities around my work with GPN, doing photoshoots and events with other incredible women for Women’s Weekly, CREATE magazine, and the AFR 110 Women of Influence. To be included among lists of such talented people is both very humbling and empowering.

We’re so excited to know… what is next for you? Do you have an ultimate career goal or North Star?

I think we’re really in a moment in time where we’re seeing how important it is for everyone to have an understanding of technology, whether we think about how AI will play into our futures, or the impact of cybersecurity on our everyday habits. I think equitable access to opportunities around understanding how we can change our own futures with technology is key.

Whatever I’m doing, whether it’s through GPN/Tech Inclusion, ConnectEd Code, Microsoft, or something else, is about bringing tech education opportunities to the community in a creative way. There are so many exciting things about technology, I think it is worth the extra effort to think about how we can make the way we learn about tech as exciting as the opportunities that knowing how to code and create new technology has. I want to be at the front of that, taking on the things that people say “that sounds great, but impossible”, doing things that people just don’t know how to do, or creating whole new ideas that shake up how we think about engaging with technology. If I can do that, and make it easy for teachers, students, and learners of all ages to be able to use, then I’ll know I’m heading in the right direction.

It is commonly recognised that there are fewer women in technology. What do you think could be done to improve diversity in tech?

I have so many opinions on this, and it’s hard not to explain all the principles we have behind what we do at GPN. So I’ll sum it up in a few things we hold close to us, and some things we want to see even more of to help people at all stages of their tech journeys.

GPN’s core values are around ensuring that coding is fun, social, and represents a diverse community of people, not just “hacker” style people, but anyone, you can love ballet, baking, or basketball and still love coding. We also want to show more people that coding is relevant to them and can help them solve problems they care about, whether that’s helping people, the environment, or animals – coding exists across all industries and can be combined with nearly any aspiration in a new way. Being in a welcoming culture of diverse minds makes tech a fun place to be where we solve important problems together.

Another key component for people at all stages of their learning and career journey is role models. And that can’t just be one role model you see on the internet, or one who visits your school once. It needs to be a diverse set of role models at different stages of their own journey. The ability to interact with these different people is a core way to plan your own journey, seeing where you can be in 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years’ time. It’s a lot easier to hopscotch your way to your dream than to figure out the path all on your own.

I’d love to see these principles carried out in schools, from primary school, right through to universities and the workplace. When we focus on the people and problems to be solved first, and the tech tools later, we open up a new world of thought, new ways to work together, and hopefully more welcoming environments that will attract more women, and if we keep it up, will retain them too.

If someone wanted to get involved with Tech Inclusion or ConnectEd Code, are there any opportunities to do so?

To get involved with Tech Inclusion the best thing you can do right now is support GPN. If you’re high up in a company, find a way to sponsor us! Check out our prospectus – https://gpn.org.au/sponsor

GPN also needs university partners, that’s how we bring GPN to new locations. If you have contacts at a uni in a city that doesn’t have a GPN, we need to hear from you! You can reach us at info@girlsprogramming.network

And for individuals, if you are a woman or a gender-diverse person, volunteer for GPN! There’s so much to give and so much to get in return. You never know where it’s going to take you, I think my story is a great example of that. GPN is everything we can collectively imagine it to be. Fill out our tutor sign-up form: https://gpn.org.au/tutor

As for ConnectEd Code, we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to bring coding to their school or community group. We love working with individuals to make sure we give them the help they need, whether they need teacher PD, an awesome workshop for dozens of kids, or some tips and tricks on coding projects. We take pleasure in figuring out the hard stuff for busy people! You can reach out to us at info@connectedcode.org or check out our website: https://www.connectedcode.org/

What do you believe is the importance of industry awards such as the Women in Digital Awards?

There are a lot of people out in the world trying to do their best, trying to do something incredible, or something that goes against the grain. This is often true for women in tech, just trying to fight the uphill battle to succeed as a minority group in tech.

Industry awards like the Women in Digital awards are a moment to take stock of what you have accomplished and take in the fact that while you might not have finished your goals yet, you are doing something amazing and to feel the support of your peers and the industry smiling upon you. It’s a nod to let you know you’re going in the right direction and to not stop now, you’ve got even more great things ahead of you.

Renee, if you could leave the Women in Digital community with one parting word of wisdom, what would it be?

I look at myself as someone who doesn’t have any innate talents. Might seem a bit self-deprecating, but actually it’s to remind myself that everything I have accomplished is something I figured out and worked hard to get.

If there is something that you want to accomplish, (that doesn’t rely on some unchanging characteristic, like being 7 feet tall) you can get there. You might have to learn something, there might be some hard yards to put in, you might fail a bunch of times along the way, it might take a lot longer than you imagined and some days are going to be harder than others, and you might even need to inspire some people to help you on your journey. And when you do get there, you’re going to be even more proud of what you have accomplished for everything you have overcome along the way.

If I had to say I have a “talent”, it’s that I want to make things happen and that I’m prepared to work hard to get there. If you decide you want to say the same things about yourself, then I can’t wait to see what you do.

Once again, congratulations Renee on this accomplishment and thank you for taking the time to chat with us!

To read more about our 2023 Women in Digital Award Winners, click here.

For those pursuing an academic pathway, university is arguably some of the best years of your life! They are also crucial years that can serve as a pivotal launchpad for your career (and we’re not just talking about the qualification at the end). From internships, vacationer programs, student clubs, networking events and more, there are many ways to get your foot in the door and gain some real-world industry experience long before you toss your graduation cap. The key? A keen eye to recognise opportunities and the drive to go after them.

Meet Mackenzie Kerr. Mackenzie is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Information Technology (majoring in Software Information Systems) / Bachelor of Business Management (majoring in Marketing) at the University of Queensland. She is also an Undergraduate Business Analyst at NTI, a recent Digital Engineering Vacationer at EY and has completed an impressive list of internship programs and industry roles that have set her up with an incredible foundation for her career.

With so many achievements already on her resume, we wanted to chat with Mackenzie and drive deeper into her experience finding opportunities at university, juggling study and internships and also ask her advice for students trying to land competitive positions or stepping into the corporate world of tech for the first time. As one of our very first interns who participated in the 4B Internship program – a partnership with Women in Digital, Cisco and Data#3, we also wanted to ask her a few questions about her experience with the program!

To kick things off, tell us! Did you know you always wanted to work in IT? What drew you to a career in IT and business management?

Leaving high school, I wasn’t set on any particular career. In fact, I originally applied for a Bachelor of Science majoring in Data Science as I’d heard that this was going to be the ‘in demand’ job. After receiving an offer for this course, I came to the realisation that I had absolutely no interest in this degree! I always enjoyed studying IT as one of my high school subjects as we did a lot of web design and development, so I decided to apply for a Bachelor of IT at UQ. As for business, I figured that if I was going to go to uni I may as well do a dual degree to broaden my career options in case either of the two didn’t work out.

In hindsight, I have found the areas of IT and business to be very complementary and both have provided me with a wider range of opportunities compared to if I had done a single degree.

Were there specific courses or projects during your university studies that you found particularly beneficial for your career?

Much of my IT degree has consisted of group projects where we are given a project brief and are tasked to design, develop and build a product over the course of the semester. I have found these subjects to be the most beneficial as we get to work in diverse teams where each member brings their own unique skills. This has taught me that utilising different skill sets in a team can actually make for a better-performing team, rather than each person trying to excel at everything.

A lot of students worry about having too much on their plate. How have you managed to juggle work, study and life?

For me, it is important to know what habits and routines work best for me. Personally I have found that I really enjoy the structure of a 9-5 so I have structured my work and uni around this. I work regular business hours on three days of the week and use the other two days to do uni whether this be attending classes or at home studying. Where possible, I try to avoid overlap (i.e. working on uni days or doing uni on work days). Having distinct work and uni days has really helped me to separate these two parts of my life and allowed me to be more present in each – I know that when I arrive at work I am 100% focused on work and on my uni days I am far more engaged in my classes.

In saying that, I am such a big believer that what works for might not work for everyone! I would strongly recommend finding out the routines that work best for you and doing what you can to fit your schedule to that.

We know a lot of students are nervous about the idea of going ‘part-time’. What is your response to this?

My response is simple – I get it! I was so worried about decreasing my subject load and extending my degree because I thought it would put me behind my peers. I thought that graduating a bit later than intended would mean that all my friends would be out working while I would still be stuck at uni.

I have been doing 3 subjects per semester and 3 days of work for pretty much my entire degree. Although this has meant I will graduate a year later than intended, I truly believe that it was the best decision I made career-wise. Having the ability to work 3 days a week in various industry roles has given me a wealth of work experience before graduating and more importantly, has allowed me to explore my own skillsets and discover a multitude of potential career paths. I have found this experience to be infinitely more valuable than having an extra year in the workforce and to be quite honest, most of my friends ended up extending their time in uni either by going part-time or changing degrees.

When should students start exploring opportunities for internships or entry-level opportunities? Is there such a thing as ‘too early’?

I would say that the right time to start exploring is whenever you feel ready – so long as you are still able to enjoy this season of your life as a uni student. There is absolutely no pressure to start your career the second you get into uni, and I truly believe it is important to enjoy this time while it lasts. Personally, I started looking at IT-specific industry experience in my 3rd year, as I was genuinely curious about what the world of tech had to offer and wanted to experience what an IT career would be like.

Where should students be looking for these opportunities and is there anything they need to know / any tips when looking?

LinkedIn, Seek, Indeed and word of mouth. I am a huge LinkedIn advocate and see a lot of internship opportunities either posted by companies or advertised by employees. The more you search the job section of LinkedIn with keywords like ‘internship’, the more tailored your algorithm will become and the more relevant your suggestions will be. Who knows – you might just stumble upon an algorithm-recommended opportunity on your morning scroll!

As weird as it sounds, LinkedIn ‘stalking’ people is also a great way to see what internship opportunities are available. You can stalk people who study similar fields in a similar age range to see what programs they have been involved in, and then go to the company website to find out more about the program such as when their application period is. This can be a great way to find out which companies run regular intern intakes and can help you plan ahead for internship periods.

What advice would you give your peers aspiring to land competitive internships like you have?

Think about your personal brand and unique skillset, and let this guide your application letters, resume and interview answers. It is tempting to think that you have to be the best at everything to land these opportunities when in reality, it is just as valuable to identify what your unique mix of hard and soft skills is. I would also strongly recommend using any mock internship opportunities that are available to you – interviews can be the most intimidating part of the application process and having interview practice personally boosted my confidence ten-fold. They are a great way to practice responses and get feedback without the pressure of an internship at stake.

Also, a running Excel spreadsheet of annual internship opportunities that tracks application deadlines, internship dates and interviews never hurts 😉

Did you face any unexpected challenges stepping into the corporate world of tech? How did you overcome them?

For me, my biggest challenge has been to accept the fact that I am by no means technically strong. Whilst I have a foundational technical understanding, I suck – and I mean suck at programming. I spent a lot of my degree worrying that this meant there were no opportunities for me and that I was at an immediate disadvantage because of this. I found it quite challenging to recognise that I didn’t have to be good at programming to have a career in tech and that there were plenty of non-technical IT roles out there. To overcome this, I spent a lot of time focusing on what my skills are and what kinds of roles these translated to – even though I may not be cut out to be a Software Developer, my skills are just as valued.

What can interns expect entering their first internship programs or undergraduate positions?

No one expects you to know anything, and everyone is there to support you! These programs are designed to give you exposure to the industry and for you to learn – you are not expected to enter your first internship with a wealth of knowledge. In fact, most internship positions will focus on how you learn, not what you know. It’s important to remember that every experience is what you make it – take the opportunity to be curious, ask questions and make lasting connections with those that you meet.

Tell us more about your current role!

Of course! I’ve recently started in a Business Analyst role and am absolutely loving it. For the platforms that are in my team’s remit, the BAs are responsible for identifying business requirements from our internal stakeholders and translating these into actionable solutions for our developers to implement. This can be anything from implementing new features on our platforms to identifying ways we can leverage our platforms to streamline business processes.

For me, this has been the perfect opportunity to combine my foundational technical knowledge with my broader business understanding. I am really enjoying learning about the intricacies of business processes and finding new ways we can use technology to solve non-technical problems. I have also been so lucky to have such great support from my new team and have loved working with them so far!

What advice would you give or what would you tell younger Mackenzie about university life or working in tech? Is there anything you wish you had known earlier?

I would definitely tell myself that uni is not an accurate representation of your career – it can be so easy to get caught up in the bubble that is university and forget that there is so much more beyond campus. To be quite honest, I spent the first few years of my degree wondering how my studies could possibly be preparing me for a career – aside from some basic programming understanding and a little bit of theoretical technical knowledge, I felt wildly unprepared for a career in tech! It wasn’t until I had a little bit of work experience under my belt that I realised the most valuable skills uni had taught me were soft skills – things like communication, teamwork and critical analysis of problems. So if I could give my younger self some words of wisdom, I would definitely tell her that uni isn’t forever and that there is so much more to learn from industry work experience. (I’d also tell her to not over pluck her eyebrows, but that’s another story…)

Are there any industry-related support networks, communities, events, or extracurricular courses you would strongly recommend to students or recent graduates wanting to break into the industry?

So many! Uni societies are the best place to start as they run heaps of events with industry professionals which are a great way to learn about potential career pathways or internship opportunities. I also find these events great to talk to professionals about their own career path – it’s always valuable to learn about how others reached their current roles, especially if it was on a ‘non-traditional’ path. I would also strongly recommend attending any mock interview or case study-type events that are run by societies as these give you a chance to practice real-world skills in a low-stress environment.

I would also strongly recommend Cisco’s MentorMe program – this isn’t an internship per se, but it is a great opportunity to connect with tech professionals and learn more about the types of careers available in tech. Over the course of the program, you will attend a variety of information sessions on topics such as new tech innovation or impactful tech projects, as well as professional skills like resume writing or interview tips. You will also be paired with a dedicated mentor, which is the perfect opportunity to build a meaningful relationship and ask all of your tech-related career questions. I had such an awesome experience in this program and still keep in touch with my mentor almost two years later!

Do you have any last pieces of advice do you have for students who are aspiring to build a successful career in digital/technology?

Figuring out what you don’t want to do in your career is just as valuable as figuring out what you do want to do. It’s okay to try different roles and not like them, as this just puts you one step closer to figuring out roles that may be more suited to you.

Also, make the most of being a student! It is the best opportunity to learn about tech careers without the pressure of having professional responsibilities. More people have your back than you think and there is no better time to be curious.

You are among the first group to participate in Women in Digital x Cisco and Data#’s 4B Internship program. How would you summarise your experience?

The 4B program was my first insight into a career in tech and I really could not have asked for a better introduction! The program provided exposure to a huge variety of tech roles from non-technical roles such as sales and account management to highly technical software engineering roles. It was the perfect opportunity to understand how tech businesses like Cisco and Data#3 operate, as well as gain insight into the different paths into tech careers. I remember being so blown away by how supportive the Cisco, Data#3 and WID teams were and it made me realise just how keen other industry professionals are to see young women succeed in tech. The 4B program has huge sentimental significance to these organisations and it was truly such a privilege to be part of the first intake honouring Brenda Conroy’s legacy. I truly could not speak more highly of this program and would encourage anyone who is passionate about a career in tech to apply.

What was your favourite part/s of the internship?

As cheesy as it is, definitely the people. The teams at Cisco, Data#3 and WID were so welcoming and supportive, which really made the idea of starting a career in tech way less daunting. I also really enjoyed learning about the high variety of non-technical roles that are available and it really helped to ease my concerns about having a more non-technical skillset. It was so reassuring to learn that so many of the team had such unique paths to their current role, regardless of their technical background.

How did the program open doors for you?

The 4B program allowed me to form strong connections across these organisations which I have been able to utilise in many different ways. Since being a part of the 4B program, I have been able to participate in Cisco’s MentorMe program, secured permanent employment with Data#3 and been a regular attendee at WID’s events which are an amazing way to network with other amazing industry professionals. I have also maintained relationships with many of the people I met through the 4B program and have used these connections as references, career consultants or even just friendly faces to chat with about tech careers, uni studies and life in general. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would have a strong professional network, let alone one as supportive as I do. Knowing that I have the support of so many has made such a huge difference to my confidence and speaks volumes about the value of having a supportive community.

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Here at Women in Digital, we believe that gender diversity is just the beginning of a much broader conversation about workplace diversity. Diversity isn’t a one-dimensional concept; it takes many forms and when you examine high-performing companies it becomes increasingly apparent that diversity—of thought, culture, and experience—is not only desirable but essential. Someone we were very excited to talk to on this topic is Nazli Seghar.

Hailing from Iran and now a prominent business leader and transformation advisor, Nazli Seghar exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. From her childhood dreams of becoming a movie director to her unexpected entry into computer science, Nazli’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s true interests and passions, even when the path seems uncertain.

Today, Nazli is a Customer Success Executive at Cisco with over 20 years of experience under her belt in successfully leading teams in various government and large private organisations including the University of Newcastle, CSIRO, AWS (working in space innovation!) and Cisco where she has carried through her unrelenting drive to explore the possibilities of emerging technologies.

In this Q&A, we discuss Nazli’s journey into tech, her experiences working as a woman in tech in Iran and building a professional career in Australia, and the unique challenges that have influenced her leadership style and approach to managing diverse teams. We also heard Nazli’s advice on getting your foot in the door with large tech innovators, facing cultural barriers at work and more.

This promises to be an inspiring read!

To kick things off, what did 5-year-old Nazli want to be when she grew up?

Back when I was 5 years old, I had my sights set on becoming a movie director and producer. I would go on scouring for stories, rounding up all the neighbourhood kids feeling like a mini-Hollywood casting director, and putting on performances that would leave their parents in awe (or at least, they pretended convincingly!). Lights, camera, action—In my own eyes, I was the little maestro of backyard blockbusters!

How did you end up in your current role at Cisco?

Six months ago, I embarked on an exciting journey with Cisco, taking on the role of Customer Success Executive as part of the ANZ Customer Success team. This position, relatively new to the tech industry, is centred around aiding customers to maximise the value from their investments. Rather than a traditional sales-centric role, it’s about fostering a positive customer experience as they navigate their transformational journey.

Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about ensuring customer success, and this role allows me to focus on just that. My particular enthusiasm lies in the industry I am currently engaged with, which adds further motivation and excitement to my work. At Cisco, I continue to champion customer satisfaction and success, making their journey both seamless and rewarding.

It is commonly recognised that there are fewer female leaders in digital and technology. Could you tell us a little bit about your career background and how you ended up working in the industry in general?

When I was faced with the decision of choosing my future career in Iran, the university entrance exams were very competitive, leaving little room for choice. I initially dreamed of becoming an architect, but circumstances led me to be accepted into the field of computer science. Surprisingly, it was harder to get into computer science, and I didn’t think I stood a chance of getting accepted and to be honest, I had only added it to my list to please my mum, who had already been disappointed that I didn’t aspire to become a doctor. With a computer science degree, I embarked on my journey in technology, and it felt like a natural fit for me. Even when an unexpected opportunity arose for me to study architecture and even work at an architectural firm a few years later, I realised just how fortunate I was to have veered away from pursuing architecture, and that I eventually found myself doing what I am doing now. My current path aligns perfectly with my curiosity for emerging technologies and my personal passion. It is a testament to the fact that when you follow your true interests and passions, you naturally gravitate towards a fulfilling and rewarding career, regardless of the specific academic path you initially embark upon.

You were able to grow an impressive resume working in Iran before moving to Australia. What was that experience like? How did go about building up your network, and professional career in Australia?

Back when I was completing my bachelor’s degree, a miraculous opportunity presented itself—I stumbled upon Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), of all things, for my thesis. Little did I know that this seemingly niche topic would open doors for me in the vast realm of the online world including leading the software team of the first web platform in Iran. Fresh out of university, I ventured into Iran’s male-dominated tech industry, working on the country’s first online platform without the convenience of Google. Instead, we relied on books and hands-on learning to deliver. Although the challenges were immense, the result was exceptionally rewarding. When I relocated to Australia, by a stroke of incredible fortune and reward for working hard and getting good marks in my master’s degree, found a job at university which was a stepping stone for me for my future career. I found myself working at CSIRO—an experience that has played a pivotal role in shaping my career and leadership in advanced technology. With each new wave of emerging technologies, I’ve been irresistibly drawn in. I was curious about the potential of cloud computing within AWS and that’s how I ended up working at AWS which led me to leading the aerospace and satellite business in ANZ for AWS and working with amazing space innovators in the region. I love pushing my limits, constantly seeking new challenges, and right now I consider myself unbelievably fortunate to be surrounded by the greatest and brightest minds in Cisco. Collaborating with these remarkable individuals who have shaped technology infrastructure across the globe is a privilege beyond measure.

Reflecting on that, is there anything you would do differently? And what would your advice be to someone starting fresh in a new country?

Growing up in war in Iran has taught me not to dwell on the past with regret. If I have emerged from those circumstances alive, I consider it a success. While I do acknowledge and learn from my mistakes, I view them primarily as opportunities for personal growth. Thus, would I change anything? Probably not, as it would hinder the valuable lessons I have learned. They are like treasures. However, I constantly strive to do better and improve upon my past experiences.

To anyone embarking on a new journey in a foreign country, my advice is to recognise that most of the limitations we assume to exist are often confined within our own minds. It is essential not to let those self-imposed limitations restrict our potential. I often advise my mentees that migrating to a new country is like finding yourself in a situation where you lack the keys to various aspects of life, from finding a home to applying for jobs and more. It can be overwhelming, but instead of succumbing to the pressure, approaching it with enthusiasm, excitement, and curiosity will often result in positive outcomes and solutions to most challenges.

How would you compare your experiences working in Iran vs. Australia? Were there any interesting challenges you had to overcome?

This is an intriguing question. One of the greatest aspects of Australia is that if you remain focused on your goals and genuinely passionate about your pursuits, your efforts will not go unnoticed, and you will make progress. While challenging situations exist everywhere, in Australia, these challenges often revolve around specific individuals you encounter in your career. In Iran, however, there are additional political challenges that make things significantly more complex, especially for women. Unfortunately, being a woman in the tech industry and striving to become a leader is still more challenging for women worldwide. In Iran, this situation is exacerbated by laws that favour men. However, in Australia and Western countries in general, there is growing awareness and encouragement for gender equality in the tech space. While there is still progress to be made, the recognition and support for doing what is right is increasingly prevalent.

It is often said that as a woman in the tech industry, you must work twice as hard to gain recognition. When you add an accent to the equation, the expectation is that you must work three times as hard! Building trust becomes crucial, and being extremely results-driven becomes a necessity. In Iran, that wasn’t any barrier, but there were thousands others!

How have your cultural background and experiences influenced your leadership style and approach to managing diverse teams?

You may be aware that Iran is a collective society where strong loyalty to family is highly valued. In this cultural context, the interests of the family always come first, and individual needs take a backseat. The concept of family honour and shame is shared by all members, where success brings prestige, and any dishonour affects everyone. This deeply ingrained aspect has profoundly shaped my leadership style, emphasising the importance of unity, responsibility, and the collective well-being of those I lead.

As a leader, my team and customers are like family to me. I take responsibility for my team members’ mistakes while celebrating their individual achievements. I deeply care about my customers’ success and treat them with the same genuine interest as I would my family members. I prioritise their best interests, even if it comes at a cost to my own situation. This genuine care has fostered strong bonds with my team, leading to lasting connections that transcend time and cultural backgrounds.

Coming from a diverse cultural background, I empathise with the challenges faced by individuals from minority backgrounds. Embracing diversity, I actively seek varied viewpoints rather than surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. I value the unique perspectives that diversity brings to the team and strive to create an inclusive environment. Learning from exposure to other cultures and their leadership styles has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

You have worked with some heavy hitters in Australia including CSIRO, AWS and now Cisco. How did you get your foot in the door? What is your advice to others looking to get their foot in the door with large tech innovators like these organisations?

It is often said that success in one’s career is a blend of passion, hard work, and a sprinkle of luck. There are moments in life where the choices we make can have a profound impact, and that’s where luck comes into play. I have encountered several pivotal moments in my journey. Meeting two incredible women during my masters at the University of Newcastle paved the way for my first job, leading to more opportunities. The first job is always challenging, but once you secure it and perform exceptionally well, the doors begin to open. As a woman, I encourage others to seize chances and never assume they won’t be chosen. What I always emphasise to my mentees is to go for it— the worst that can happen is not getting it. Throughout my years of experience, I have hired numerous individuals. I believe that technical skills can be learned, but finding the right cultural fit is crucial. Interviews are also a chance for candidates to assess if the company aligns with their values. Ultimately, my advice is to pursue something you love and a company that brings out your passion. Go for it!

In your opinion, what can organisations and leaders do to create a more inclusive and diverse environment, particularly in relation to gender and cultural diversity?

To promote diversity and inclusivity, we must actively and consciously embrace differences with an open mind. It’s important to challenge ourselves to be comfortable with discomfort and resist the natural inclination towards familiarity, whether in gender or culture. Stepping out of our comfort zones and creating a safe environment where everyone can freely express themselves is crucial. By doing so, we can foster a culture of inclusivity, embrace diverse perspectives, and work towards a more inclusive future.

What advice do you have for women that are wanting to progress in their career but perhaps face some cultural barriers?

To pursue your ambitions, you must be resolute and courageous, with a clear destination and well-defined goals. Seek a reliable mentor, take ownership of your future, and actively engage in networking. Showcase your capabilities and ask for assistance when needed. If cultural barriers arise, seek advice from those who have overcome similar challenges. With determination and perseverance, success will be within reach. Remember, it is up to you to demonstrate your worth and make your dreams a reality.

Any final thoughts you would like to add?

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the Women in Digital for providing this opportunity and for the incredible work you do.

To all the amazing women out there, I offer this advice: never underestimate your capabilities and always aim high. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Believe in yourself and embrace the power of your potential. Keep pushing boundaries and reaching for the stars!

And just for fun… What is a podcast or book you are loving right now?

One of the books I cherish, recommended by a mentor, is “Untamed”. Additionally, I found great enjoyment in reading “The Dopamine Nation”. As a dedicated podcast listener, “Space Connect” is among my favourites, and “Everyday AI” by CSIRO also captivates my interest. These resources have enriched my knowledge and sparked my curiosity in various subjects.

Is there something you wish was illegal but isn’t?

I believe that while society is aware of the prohibition of certain forms of discrimination, additional measures should be implemented to combat them in various ways. I strongly advocate making such discrimination illegal, akin to crossing a red light. By enacting stringent laws and enforcing them rigorously, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society that upholds the values of fairness and respect for all individuals.

What is your favourite way to waste time?

I have a deep passion for cooking, especially when it comes to discovering new recipes that I haven’t tried before and preparing them in my kitchen! There’s something incredibly satisfying about exploring different flavours, ingredients, and techniques to create delicious dishes. Cooking allows me to unleash my creativity and brings joy as I experiment with new flavours and textures. It’s a delightful journey of culinary discovery that I thoroughly enjoy.

You’re suddenly teleported to an airport with a plane ticket in hand. What location are you hoping to see on the ticket?

Egypt, I really want to visit Egypt.

Keep an eye on our blog for more Women in Digital Member Spotlights and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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In this day and age, it’s no secret that women are underrepresented within the field of cybersecurity, making up approximately 11 to 25 per cent of the workforce. We want to bring more awareness to careers in cybersecurity and shine a light on women currently working in the industry, like Susie Jones.

Every day, business owners are hearing about the cyber risks threatening their business. But with the rate of change in cybersecurity accelerating, many smaller businesses are simply being left behind by an industry designed to solve the problems of larger enterprises. These small businesses are some of the most at-risk and underserved parts of today’s economy, despite being the backbone of every society. Finding a way to help business leaders take back control of their risks is where Susie thrives.

Susie Jones is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cynch Security and is an experienced cybersecurity, risk, insurance and innovation leader passionate about solving cybersecurity challenges faced by small businesses. She is also Victoria’s Cyber Strategy Mission 2 Expert Advisory Panel Member and Cyber Industry Advisory Board Member at RMIT University.

In this Q&A, we discuss with Susie her entry pathway into cybersecurity, her journey co-founding Cynch Security, common misconceptions about starting a career in cyber, and advice for women interested in breaking into the field. We also talked about the cybersecurity challenges small businesses face today and what these businesses can do to be better protected from looming cyber threats.

To kick things off, what did 5-year-old Susie want to be when she grew up?

For the longest time I was 100% sure I was going to be a lawyer – I only changed my mind when I realised as a teenager that I might not always win, even if I was right, and so the idea lost its charm!

There have been varying studies over the years in Australia that suggest the percentage of women working in cybersecurity floats around 11% to 25%. Tell us about how you ended up working in cybersecurity?

I started my career in insurance and risk management, and climbed the corporate ladder using that expertise. It was that expertise that led me to meeting my now co-founder, Adam, at my previous employer.

We realised that by combining my risk management and business acumen with his technology and cybersecurity expertise we could create a really powerful solution to a very human problem.

We will do an introduction before this but could you tell us a little bit about Cynch Security and your current role?

At Cynch, we are dedicated to supporting small business leaders to build cyber resilience, or what we call cyber fitness. Our core product is a cyber risk management SaaS platform that translates all the complexity of cyber into plain language, actionable steps that those without technology backgrounds can implement themselves. We also support large organisations that have a large number of SMB suppliers to measure and improve their third party cyber risk.

As CEO, I lead our business operations, sales and customer success.

What motivated you to start your own cybersecurity company in the first place?

In a prior role at my previous employer I was fortunate to be invited to speak to a number of small business owners who had suffered a data breach. Their stories of the emotional impact those breaches had on them as well as the financial loss showed me the human side of cybersecurity, and once we came up with an idea of a solution we just had to take the leap.

In your opinion, what are the most significant cybersecurity challenges faced by small businesses today? How can they better protect themselves from cyber threats?

The biggest challenge in my opinion is that in order to avoid an incident the business needs to get it right 100% of the time, whereas the cyber criminals only need to get it right once. That’s why we talk about building and maintaining cyber fitness. Because the fitter a business is when they fall victim, the easier it will be for them to recover – just like with physical fitness.

Small and scaling businesses often lack dedicated IT departments and resources. What are the practical and cost-effective measures you recommend to enhance their cybersecurity position?

Password management and access control is fundamental – if an attacker can’t get into your accounts through a virtual front door, they are more likely to either move onto another victim or they will need superior skills in order to find another way in. Reusing the same password across multiple systems is as damaging as leaving all the windows and doors of a building unlocked and open – make the criminal have to work for it.

How do you recommend small businesses approach employee education and training to foster a culture of cyber security awareness?

Openly talk to your team about security and scams that you’ve seen around. Share examples of phishing emails, provide password management software. Basically, be intentional about your security.

Can you share more about your journey as a woman working in cybersecurity?

99% of the time my gender has no impact on my working life. I think it may have been different if I’d started my career in this industry, but I didn’t. I experienced much more sexism and gender bias against me when I was working in insurance and risk management.

What is your advice for women looking to break into the field of cybersecurity?

If you’re changing careers, then lean into whatever skills you have already developed and look for roles where you can use them also. If you’re just starting your careers, then look at the roles being advertised and seek out skills listed.

Are there any specific educational paths, certifications or general resources you recommend to upskill or get support / meet people in the field?

Attending conference are a great way to get access to a variety of people in difference security fields, so I’d recommend that over formal training for most.

What do you think are some common misconceptions people have about a career in cybersecurity? What do you wish more people knew?

That you have to be a technologist to add value in this industry and it’s just not true. I’ve known plenty of people who were great with computers but couldn’t make in the security, just as I know plenty of people like myself who are successful without a tech degree.

With the rapid advancement of technology, what emerging trends or areas of cybersecurity are you particularly interested in right now?

I know there’s a lot of investment going into access management and control and I think this will continue for many years to come.

What steps can be taken to encourage more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and increase gender diversity in the industry?

The language used by many in the industry is overly complex and unappealing to many women. We need to talk like normal humans if we’re going to be able to convince more women that the field is interesting.

What is your favourite piece of advice you’ve been given?

When you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, remember that everyone else is just making it up as they go along too.

And just for fun… What is your favourite way to waste time online?

Watching movie trailers!

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The signs of a growing tech industry are all around us, and for many women, a career-pivot in technology is an exciting pursuit – though one that may require some encouragement.

The tech sector is now the seventh largest employing sector in Australia, employing 861,000 people according to the Tech Council of Australia. With more opportunities becoming accessible for people to work in this lucrative industry, we are seeing more women entering the tech sector as a mid-career transition, like Teena Glassick.

Like many tech leaders we connect with, Teena Glassick’s journey into the world of technology wasn’t a straight path right after high school. It took some interesting twists and turns. Initially, Teena pursued her passion for dance starting a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at the Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne. However, her path took a different direction when she decided to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry. After completing her research-focused honours year, Teena spent five years exploring various research roles before she took the bold move to enrol in a Graduate Diploma in Informational Technology. Today, Teena is a Senior Director of Product Engineering and Operations at Skedulo.

In this Q&A, we get to know Teena’s fascinating journey into tech, the challenges she’s overcome, advice to people pondering a career pivot into the industry and where to get started!

To kick things off, what did 5-year-old Teena want to be when she grew up?

Either an author or a ballerina. I absolutely loved writing stories from quite a young age, with my most famous piece being a story called “The Storm”, which I wrote in Year 2 and got a special Principal’s award for!

Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in your current role??

I discovered Skedulo through the Tech Girls Are Superheroes program. I had been a mentor for the program and joined the winning teams as an ambassador on their trip to Silicon Valley in 2018. Skedulo was one of the companies we visited. I met our CEO Matt Fairhurst and some other members of the team. I was very inspired by their product and leadership team and after that trip I just kept them on my radar. Then, in 2021, a recruiter contacted me about an opportunity at Skedulo, to help support their high capacity vaccination booking product and I was really excited by the role and joined the team.

After your first career pivot from dance to biology, what motivated you to pivot from academia into tech? How did you evaluate the potential risks and rewards of the transition?

To have a career in academia, you really need to do a PhD. I had enrolled in a PhD and even had a supervisor and scholarship ready to go and I got cold feet just before I was due to start! I was just not sure that was the right pathway for me and to be honest, whilst I enjoyed the learning and the research, I did not enjoy the lab work and was not sure if I was ready to commit.

At the time, I was quite interested in the field of Bioinformatics and decided to do an IT postgraduate degree as a possible pathway into that field. I really enjoyed my study and in particular I really liked my software development subjects and decided to pursue a career as a Software Developer. The advice I gave myself and give to my young adult daughters is to just try things out until you find the thing that ‘fits’ and that you enjoy.

How did your experience in academia lend itself to a career in tech? Were there transferable skills that you took through with you?

I think there are many skills and capabilities that are transferable across professions. For me specifically, my main callouts in the transition from life sciences to IT are research skills and applying the scientific method (which is the systematic way of exploring observations and answering questions) to software development practices and processes.

How did you prepare yourself for this transition? Were there any specific resources, mentors, or networks that supported you during your career pivots? How did they contribute to your success?

When thinking about a career pivot, I try to do some personal learning and research about specific roles and pathways into those roles. I have been very fortunate in my career to have had a couple of great managers who have believed in me more than I believed in myself and have encouraged me and supported my career growth and changes I’ve made along the way. I don’t have the highest self esteem so having people who want to ‘lift me up’ has been crucial for me.

When I first started my IT degree, my husband was also incredibly supportive. He had a strong background in computer science and maths and he firmly believed in my abilities to make the change and kept being my cheerleader while I was trying to balance full time work and part time study.

How did you manage to juggle a career pivot, while raising two children and working your way up into leadership positions?

Balancing a career and young children is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done! My daughters are my world and I went through periods of immense guilt when they were very young. I wanted to spend all my time with them, but I also did not want to give up or pause (for too long) a career that I had invested so heavily in.

The key to my survival and success was a flexible and supportive workplace and managers. When I first transitioned from an individual contributor role into a management role, I actually did this in a job share capacity with a colleague who also had young children and we were both working part time. This is fairly unheard of and was a very progressive decision from the company I worked for. My colleague and I found really effective ways of sharing an engineering management role with a shared inbox (this was pre-Slack!!), effective splitting of our responsibilities and ensuring that we had full coverage for any issues and escalations. We worked together in this way for a number of years and formed a great partnership. I think the company benefited from this decision and so did we.

Were there challenges and opportunities you encountered during this transition that you perhaps didn’t expect?

The biggest challenge I had when transitioning from an individual contributor role to a leadership role, was needing to become a manager to people who had previously been my peers (and friends). I think I lacked empathy as an IC about the challenges of leadership, thinking it was going to be a lot easier than it was. I did not fully appreciate that leadership is a distinct craft in itself and that I needed to develop and mature a whole new set of skills and capabilities to be successful, and I definitely made some mistakes (and still do) along the way.

What would you say to someone wondering if it’s ‘too late’ to make a change and pivot?

I don’t think it is ever too late to make a career pivot. We spend so much of our lives working and I am so grateful that I am in a role that I am passionate about and genuinely enjoy.

If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently? What would you tell younger Teena?

I think I would probably just be a bit kinder to myself especially during those early years of balancing being a mum and maintaining a career. I tried (in vain) to be ‘perfect’ in both roles and just felt constant guilt on both sides – either I was not being a good enough Mum or I was not being a good enough employee. What I would tell women trying to do ‘the balance’ is that it does get easier over time and there will be times when the balance tips in one direction and that’s okay. What I would tell organisations is that flexibility and supportive leadership is so very important for parents and other people in caregiving roles who are doing a balancing act. I was so thankful for the support I received that I think I gave back more than was expected, learned to become very outcomes focused through ruthless prioritisation and developed a fierce loyalty for my company and my team in return.

If you could name two things that someone needs to successfully pivot into a career in tech, what would they be?

Start with the fundamentals – technology is a craft and you need to learn the key skills and capabilities of your chosen discipline. This could be through self learning or more formal education, but you will need to learn and that will take time, so be patient.

I would also encourage people to build a network or seek out people / meetup groups related to your area of interest. There is so much available that you will be spoilt for choice and you will gain immense benefit from having that network and hearing the ‘real life’ experiences that you won’t learn from your studies.

What advice do you have for women in tech that are wanting to progress in their career and move into a more strategic, people management role?

I would seek out opportunities to ‘dip your toe in the water’ of leadership as a good first step. This could be through an interim role or just identifying a gap that needs to be filled and putting yourself forward. As an example (in the software development space), this could be through taking on a team lead type role where you can combine your IC skills with some leadership responsibilities.

And just for fun… What is a podcast or book you are loving right now?

I am reading a great book right now called “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver. It is a story of poverty and addiction in the American South and inspired by the Charles Dickens novel “David Copperfield”.
I have also been listening to this really interesting podcast called “Sounds Like a Cult” which explores modern day cult culture.

Does your car have a name? If yes, what is it? If not, what name might you give it?

It does not – if it did I’d probably call it Bullet – fast and silver.

If you could magically pivot into a new career tomorrow (no upskill required), what would it be?

Probably medicine – I’ve always found human physiology completely fascinating.

What do you think your superpower is?

Being genuine and humanistic is a leadership superpower. (I also wear my feelings all over my face, so I have no choice because people can often read me like a book!)

Keep an eye on our blog for more Women in Digital Member Spotlights and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The Australian Government and the Australian tech sector have a shared commitment to create 1.2 million tech jobs in Australia by 2030, and to help Australians across the country access those jobs. Getting more women in tech is one of the most impactful levers to meet this goal, bridging the gap of gender disparity and encouraging a wider talent pool from people of all backgrounds with non-technical experience to break into the tech industry. This is a topic Kanika Chopra is particularly passionate about.

Kanika Chopra is an experienced sales professional with an impressive history working in the tech industry. You might just recognise the big names on her resume including Telstra, Deloitte, Microsoft, DXC Technology and Data#3 where she currently works as an Enterprise Account Executive.

Like Women in Digital, Kanika is passionate about harnessing the power of technology to solve problems and create a better future for all, having always gravitated towards innovative ways technology can help to achieve customer success. In this Q&A, we get to know Kanika and get her valuable take on how to break into the industry with no technical experience, what it is really like to work as a woman of colour in tech, and gain insight into where the industry is headed to shape a future where innovation knows no boundaries and where women play a pivotal role in driving Australia’s digital economy forward.

To kick things off, what did 5-year-old Kanika want to be when she grew up?

A dancer! I was such a happy and hyperactive kid so this felt like a great future profession.

Tell us a little bit more about your background and you ended up working in this industry?

When I was finished Uni, I was looking to start my professional career and ended up receiving a great offer from Telstra as a Finance Graduate. After a few years there, I pursued a full time MBA at Melbourne Business School. This was one of the best investments I’ve made in my career as it really propelled me to take risks. Soon after, I was recruited as the country’s first ‘MBA Graduate’ at Microsoft as the company looked to broaden it’s horizons and hire more non-technical talent.

You studied a Bachelor of Business in Banking & Finance, coupled with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Was there a particular experience or opportunity that led you to pursue a career in tech instead?

I accidentally fell into a career in tech. After completing the Finance graduate program, I started working with the Venture Capital team at Telstra as an Analyst. Essentially, I spent weeks listening to pitches from founders who believed that their little business idea was the next big thing. Invariably, each of these potential investments was centred around technology. The Telstra Ventures team was looking to invest millions of dollars annually into carefully selected tech start-ups that could yield new income sources for Telstra. The sorts of business ideas I heard were phenomenal. That’s when I knew, that I didn’t just want to work with numbers, I wanted to be in the digital and tech space.

We know one area you are also passionate about is diversity in the industry. We’d love to know more about your experience as a woman of colour in tech? How have your experiences shaped your career or views on the industry?

Diversity helps everyone. But it is well documented that – as a general rule – women tend to be more conservative when applying for roles or going for promotions due to our social condition. And I can definitely see that this concept of Imposter Syndrome is amplified amongst women of colour. This can show up as not speaking up or sharing our ideas. I am passionate about mentoring and helping women of colour break into the tech industry and achieve their full potential.

Tech is one of the fastest-growing industries with many people wanting to break into the IT / digital industry or pivot into this area. What advice do you have for someone who does not have prior experience?

Get networking! WID is a great start. You can also reach out to recruiters in the specific companies you want to work in.

Secondly – Get certified! You really don’t have a stale CV. The industry is moving at lightning pace and your skillset needs to evolve too. So I suggest that you pick your niche (security, cloud computing, analytics, etc.) and start nerding it out. It will pay off in spades.

The Australian Government and the Australian tech sector have a shared commitment to achieve 1.2 million tech jobs in Australia by 2030. What do you think can be done to encourage more women to work in tech?

Starting at the grassroots level, it is important to encourage girls to take up STEM subjects and STEM-focused careers. This ensures we have that the next generation of leaders are diverse and passionate. But for those women who are currently in professional careers or middle-aged, look to capitalise on the transferrable skills you already have. There is such a prominent talent shortage in tech.

It’s clear that as an industry and as a broader society, we need to do better to improve diversity in tech. What is your advice for women of colour who want to work in tech?

It’s important to challenge the status quo. Women of colour are plagued even more by the ‘pipeline problem’ whereby the number of women in STEM related fields is even lower. This is a result of systemic and cultural factors which are slowly being ironed out as globalisation makes our world smaller. My advice to women of colour is to be bold and believe in yourself. You have just as much value to provide as the other men and women in the room.

Any there any specific resources, programs, or networks you recommend for something looking to break into tech?

Free TAFE is offering Cert 4 in cybersecurity.

The certs for AWS, Azure and Google are approx. USD 100 each and they have market value!

What would you say to someone wondering if it’s ‘too late’ or impossible to make a pivot or break into the industry?

Tech is so much broader can coding and technical consulting. The roles are so varied, and it touches every industry from healthcare to retail. You could be using AI to perform remote surgery on patients, or you could be testing out technology which monitors inventory at the local supermarket. Tech is more than sitting behind a computer screen. Be open to change and skill up. See what transferrable skills you already have to break into the industry (e.g. sales or project management).

You have had the opportunity to work with some impressive tech companies including Microsoft and Deloitte, what advice do you have for women wanting to break into big tech organisations like this?

Get a mentor. These are not easy companies to get into. If you have a mentor within these organisations, they can help you navigate the nuances of the hiring process, and the extra skills you may need to acquire.

In your opinion, where do you think the industry is headed in the future? Are there any particular advancements in technology or movements you are excited by?

AI is the next big thing and it is already moving at lighting pace. We can already see the advancements in our everyday life. Just yesterday I was at the self-check out and buying a red capsicum from Woolworths. The camera used AI to narrow down the selection of produce down to red coloured ones only. It saved me a few seconds per product and improved accuracy across self-check out registers. AI is truly everywhere.

Embrace the change. Embrace your empathy, because this is the only skill which technology lacks and it is what makes us human.

And just for fun… Would you rather be 10 minutes early or 10 minutes late?

10 min early – although I am almost always 10 min late.

Call or text someone?

Call – the best friendships and relationships are made through actually talking to the other person!

What is the life hack you swear by?

Vision Boards. I believe that we can all work towards the goals we want to achieve and manifest the life or career we want. Get creative and build yourself a vision board today.

Thanks Kanika for chatting with us!

Keep an eye on our blog for more Women in Digital Member Spotlights and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Big tech is a hot market for job hunters. Known for competitive salary packages, enviable work perks and a fast-growing landscape, it’s a booming industry that people are eager to get in on. The best part is, coding skills are not usually a requirement. Truly! If we took one key learning from our chat with Emma Crichton, it’s about what you have, not what you don’t have yet.

A 2018 Glassdoor study that found 43% of roles advertised by tech companies (around 53,000 positions) were non-technical opportunities. The ability to understand ‘tech speak’ or a degree in IT or Software Engineering is simply not a necessity. In fact, a non-technical background can even work to your advantage. Of the many companies we have talked to or partnered with, we know employers are interested in the candidates, particularly for Sales and Customer Success teams, that can bring a different perspective to how they communicate technology and connect with consumers. As Emma will tell you, the ability to connect with others and build relationships are key skills.

Emma Crichton, currently an HXM Account Executive at SAP and former Product Marketing Communications Partner at TechnologyOne, did not land her first role in big tech by accident. Starting her career in various marketing roles, including a stint at Women in Digital, Emma has carved her career with intention. In this Q&A, we get to know Emma, the experiences that have shaped her as a professional, how she carved a career in big tech, and her advice, particularly for early career professionals on being intentional about building a career in big tech.

To kick things off, what did 5-year-old Emma want to be when she grew up?

A barrister lawyer! (No really – I had no idea what that meant at the time, but I come from a family of lawyers and have two older brothers who I would constantly argue with). Needless to say, looking back it’s probably best I didn’t pursue that career path.

Could you tell us a little bit about how you ended up in your current role?

As the old saying goes… a friend of a friend of a friend let me know of a great opportunity! Throughout my relatively short career, people would always tell me that my personality would be suited to Account Management style roles. I didn’t understand or fully appreciate what they meant when they said that, but I decided to take a chance and gave it a go! I’ve since learned, it’s all about trust and building relationships with people, something you’ll learn soon below which has been a significant part of my background growing up.

You have had the unique opportunity to grow up in 4 different countries by the age of 14 – how do you think that experience has shaped you as a person and as a professional?

I wouldn’t be who I am today without my background. Growing up and moving schools six times in different cultures, I was constantly having to build new friendships with people. As a result of this, I am always naturally drawn to connecting with people. Particularly, in a professional context, understanding their unique challenges and how I can help them to solve these. Whether that’s for friends, colleagues or customers I am motivated by helping others.

To quote my Strength Deployment Inventory 2.0 results (a tool used to assess an individual’s strengths and their ability to interact with others, which I highly recommend!) I am: “motivated by the protection, growth, and welfare of others. You have a strong desire to help others who can genuinely benefit.”

Tell us, what first drew you to big tech as a marketer before you moved into Account Management?

I fell into it by accident after learning about the exciting graduate opportunities available in the tech space. I quickly fell in love with the fast-paced nature and constant innovation happening in big tech. It made me feel like anything was possible and I was excited by the idea that I could be part of something bigger that was contributing to society in a positive way.

Tell us more about how you have carved a career for yourself in big tech.

Curiosity and asking questions about what’s possible will open the doors to you in so many ways! There is so much opportunity in big tech and the sky’s the limit, you just have to be curious enough to find what’s out there and have the ability to back yourself (something that I tend to struggle with).

Were there any specific resources or mentors, or networks that have supported you throughout this journey? How did they contribute to your success?

Absolutely! The mentors and networks supporting me throughout my career thus far have been pinnacle in landing where I am today. My first internship was actually with Women in Digital while studying my Marketing/Journalism degree, which helped me to get a foot in the door with my graduate role in the R&D team at TechnologyOne. I met so many people (and still do as an active member of the WID community), who have been so generous in sharing their experiences with me.

From there, and to this day I have had many mentors who have helped me to better understand myself, the big tech industry, and how to navigate challenges through sharing their own stories. If it wasn’t for these mentors and them constantly challenging me to be better, I don’t think I would have been as confident in my ability to try something new and understand that it’s okay to fail at something before you can be good.

You have moved through a variety of roles in Product Marketing, Communications, Program Management and Account Management – what do they all have in common?

For all of these roles, despite all being in software people want to work with people. Having empathy and the ability to connect with people is a superpower in helping to achieve your own goals while simultaneously helping others to achieve theirs. We can achieve so much more by taking the time to ask questions and understanding what is important to people and why.

How would you describe what it is like to work in big tech for someone that is interested but hasn’t experienced it themselves? Are there any particular factors that stand out?

If you’re looking for any industry where no two days are the same and things are constantly changing – this is the place for you. I’ll admit some days this is a blessing and other days a curse! But for the most part, it’s really an exciting industry to be part of as you’ll constantly be challenged to come up with creative solutions to complex problems.

What advice would you give to graduates or early career professionals who want to be intentional about building their career in big tech?

Get out there and start speaking to people in the industry who are already doing it! It is scary, daunting and often uncomfortable – which is where all great growth comes from. When in university, I would often make an effort to attend networking events by myself, in order to force myself to meet new people and step out of my comfort zone. I always thought if I learned something new or met one new person who I didn’t know before, that I could count it as a win.

I remember once attending a deeply technical networking event on Artificial Intelligence. I was curious about the topic, but didn’t realise how detailed it would be. It was a panel of speakers at the beginning, followed by networking and I felt so out of my depth and like everyone in the audience knew that I was out of place. Afterwards, I chose to ask questions to the other attendees, who were more than excited to share their knowledge on the topic in a way I could understand. I walked away feeling like I was on cloud nine from having learned so much!

As you’ve mentioned, you have been quite involved in the industry joining clubs, attending events and volunteering as well. What would you say drives your passion for getting involved?

I love learning from other people’s experiences. It’s exciting to get to know people at different stages of their careers and hearing what they’ve learned along the way. You meet some phenomenal people who are out achieving the impossible and not letting anyone stop them. I find that mindset serves as a constant source of inspiration for me to be constantly learning, always curious and hungry to keep striving to be the best version of myself.

Do you have any tips specifically for building your network within the tech industry?

Join the industry groups related to what you’re interested in. For me, these groups provided a safe space to connect with like-minded people and ultimately these people were the ones who have helped me to get where I am today.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? Do you have any career ambitions you are willing to share?

How long is a piece of string?! While I love a good long-term plan, at the moment with my new career in Account Management, I am simply focused on the next 12 months and understanding how I can best help my customers to achieve their goals.

And just for fun… We want to know if there are any podcasts or books you are loving right now.

I love listening to The Imperfects Podcast, as they interview people from all walks of life on their success and the adversities they have had to overcome to get there. I am guilty of looking at someone successful and forgetting that they have had their own share of battles that us as individuals face on a day-to-day basis. I highly recommend the two-part episode with Kate Reid, former Aerospace Engineer at the William F1 Team in the UK and more widely known as the Founder of Lune Croissanterie.

Like all of the episodes, Kate is extremely vulnerable as she bravely talks about her internal struggles of being the only female in the F1 team and then going on to create the perfect croissant dubbed by the New York Times as “the world’s best croissant”.

On your LinkedIn profile, you have “Enabling people to be at the heart of every organisation” as your headline. Tell us a bit more about this – how you came to make this your ‘why’ and what it means to you?

People are at the heart of everything I do, which extends far beyond my career. However, I’m very lucky that I work in a job where this is truly the centre of what I do day-to-day also. As employees, we should feel happy and empowered to go to work and feel like what we are doing is valuable. Only when organisations put their people first are we able to make this happen and the ROI on that is irreplaceable. Following COVID-19, this topic became the focus of far more companies who had to find creative ways to put their people first in a time of great uncertainty.

As you can tell by now – I am a very people-centric person. From what I’ve seen with the companies I’ve worked for and customers I’ve worked with, when organisations put their people at the heart of what they do, it reaps incredible results both from an employee happiness perspective to overall financial outcomes, and that’s what I help people to do!

You can have dinner with anyone, dead or alive. Who do you invite?

Based on the above… Kate Reid, as her story is so incredible and I’m a sucker for a good almond croissant (as an ideal three-course menu, all courses are a different variety of croissant).

What is your mobile wallpaper?

Flowers! Fresh flowers always make me happy and brighten up the room – when I’m working in the office I like having the reminder of the beautiful things that are outside on our doorstep.

And most importantly… Did you manage to get Taylor Swift tickets?

Yes! After many gruelling hours and square eyes from staring at multiple screens patiently manifesting the idea of leaving the TicketTek waiting room to purchase tickets.

Thanks Emma for chatting with us!

Keep an eye on our blog for more Women in Digital Member Spotlights and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The business case for a diverse workplace is strong. Yet, at the grassroots level, we still fall behind. As Priya O’Grady will tell you, awareness is key.

Priya O’Grady is an experienced senior marketing leader, the Head of Marketing at Felix, a proud industry mentor and fierce advocate for diversity in digital. What you might not know beyond her LinkedIn profile, is that she is also a UK-born Indian, mother of two, daughter of a mother with a disability and the sister of a sibling in the LGBTQIA+ community.

For Priya, creating a culture of inclusion and respect for all aspects of diversity is not a mere requirement, it’s a responsibility. A responsibility that goes beyond a ‘box to tick’ and permeates every aspect of our professional lives.

In this Q&A, we get to know Priya and the experiences that have shaped her views on D&I and how to foster inclusivity in the workplace, why hiring the right person, not making a ‘diverse hire’ matters, and the fundamental importance of being able to back yourself in any room.

To kick things off, what did 5-year-old Priya want to be when she grew up?

I always thought I would be a doctor thanks to my parents pushing that on me… the reality is that I feel faint at the sight of blood so I would have been useless if I chose that as a career option.

In a 2022 report, ACS reported that women represent only 31% of the technology workers, compared to 48% across the Australian workforce. Could you tell us a little bit about your career background and how you ended up in your current role?

After finishing my degree in Media I knew it wasn’t for me (I just wasn’t passionate enough to make the sacrifices required to succeed in the role at such a young age). That’s when I started researching other courses and careers and landed on Marketing.

Once I knew what I wanted, there was no stopping me. I completed both my Master’s and Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma simultaneously and landed my first job in Marketing whilst still studying – the rest is history!

My career has been varied, covering many different industries and facets of Marketing. My initial experience in the UK was for a global consumable wholesaler – this is where I learned a lot about data-driven marketing (including direct marketing), how to be respected within the boardroom, budget management, communications, advertising and branding. I got exposed to the full marketing mix and ended up running the show for a couple of years!

I then went travelling, fell in love with an Aussie and moved here. Since then I’ve worked in the NFP sector, Mining, Energy, Education and now, Technology. Each one has its own unique challenges – but also shows that good firm principles in Marketing can let you work across a multitude of sectors.

It’s clear that as an industry and as a broader society, we need to do better to improve diversity in organisations. What has sparked your passion for diversity and how have these experiences shaped your view of D&I in the industry?

I personally come from a very diverse background… I’m a UK-born Indian, who has a disabled mother and a homosexual brother. Diversity is engrained within me. But what sparked my passion was having kids and seeing leadership teams that are made up mostly of white men, or going to events where there is no one who looks like me stand up on stage and inspire me.

I mean don’t get me wrong, I love getting inspired by successful white men, but I also want to be inspired by women, our indigenous community, people from different countries, the LGBTIQ+ community, people with disabilities and so on. They also have great stories to tell that we can all learn from.

I’m passionate about living in a world where everyone is accepted for who they are and are not held back because they don’t fit a particular box.

In your opinion, why is it important for companies to provide opportunities and growth pathways for diverse talent?

You can make better business decisions when you have a full spectrum of diversity on your team. You’re more well-informed because you work with a cross-section of diversity and can probably unlock pockets of growth that you wouldn’t have thought about.

But also, it is our responsibility as leaders to create a culture of inclusion and respect for all aspects of diversity and promote the benefits – it’s the only way future generations will prosper.

We’ve seen mentorship play a pivotal role in many career journeys. What role do you think mentorship has in helping overcome barriers and biases? Was there someone that helped give you a ‘leg up’ in your career?

I’ve had a couple of great mentors in the past that have shaped how I still do things today. The first was a CFO who taught me the importance of knowing my numbers (both financially and strategically) and how this will earn my respect with the board. The second was a Sales Manager, who went on to become CEO. He taught me how to lead high-performing teams, how it’s okay to fail and how to remain authentic in my approach.

Between the two, I now have the confidence to back myself and also know that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

I see initiatives such as Assisterhood are already trying to overcome these barriers within the Marketing and Comms space but I believe that companies also need to take some initiative by introducing diverse mentors throughout the cross-section of management and beyond.

The great thing about mentoring is that it’s a two-way program – both the mentor and mentee learn from each other and grow.

We often hear about diversity quotas and companies ’embracing’ diversity to tick a box. What steps can companies take to move beyond treating diversity as a mere box to be ticked and truly embrace it in their culture?

Be authentic in your approach. It needs to be part of your culture and values – but also don’t discount hiring the right person for the role just to hit your diversity quota.

Promote your inclusiveness!

**In an industry where it is very much who you know, not what you know, what advice would you give to someone that perhaps lacks those connections?**

Ha, ha, join the club! Having said that, I’m hoping things are getting better as we become more informed as a generation.

But my main advice is back yourself – because no one else will. If you want to become a leader or are a leader but want to take the next step in your career – let it be known, seek feedback on what you need to get there and if there isn’t that opportunity where you currently work then find out how they can help you get to where you want to be.

You’ve talked about the importance of backing yourself. What advice would you give to others about building that confidence to back yourself?

Honestly, it can be hard, especially if you’re not a confident person. I personally found reflection and feedback a really good way to build my confidence. Ask your peers to provide feedback and look back at your achievements – then use this as your strength to build confidence. I also love learning from my mistakes and knowing that “I won’t be doing that again” or “next time I’ll do it differently”.

Why do you feel at the ‘grassroots’ level we’re aware of where the conversation is going, and yet leadership still falls so far behind? How do we move from focusing on diversity to embracing belonging?

Such a great question – and I definitely don’t have the answer, however, it needs to be a culture change throughout the whole organisation for us to see truly inclusive workplaces.

What can employees do to encourage companies to prioritise D&I efforts and not just gender representation?

Speak up. It’s hard for management to see the gaps beyond diversity if we don’t make it obvious. As employees, it’s as much our responsibility to promote an environment of inclusiveness as it is for the leadership team.

I also want to say that gender diversity is so important! Women are great leaders, but so are men and women with other forms of diversity (such as race, ethnicity, gender role/identity, disabilities, culture etc.).

I think overall awareness is really important. If we don’t make organisations aware of our diversity issues then how can we make change? But I also want organisations to embrace change and all the positivity that can come with it, if not for our generation, then definitely the next.

Switching gears now… We want to know if there are any podcasts or books you are loving right now.

At the moment I am reading Atomic Habits and I am listening to Patrick Lencioni’s “6 Working Geniuses“. But I love listening to the Finite podcast for B2B marketing inspo.

Do you have any marketing hacks or resources to share?

Not really a hack – but I love completing post-campaign evaluations, seeking feedback from stakeholders and then using that to improve on the next campaign.

I’m also a huge fan of the test-and-learn methodology.

And just for fun… What would you like to be known/remembered for?

Tequila shots! Just kidding! Honestly, I just want my kids to remember me as a great mum who leads by example (the dream).

What is your go-to karaoke song?

There are so many songs that I have sung very badly to! For the purpose of this, I’m going to pick Wonderwall!

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

I’m terrible at most sporting activities, but if I had to pick one it would be the 800m. My legs are too short for the sprint races haha!

Thanks, Priya for chatting with us!

Keep an eye on our blog for more Women in Digital Member Spotlights and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to our very first Member Spotlight with the wonderful Liz Ballantyne!

Liz Ballantyne is the General Manager of marketing agency Media Mortar, Queensland Mentor Liaison of industry-wide mentoring program Assisterhood, Podcast Host of the Your Marketing Mates podcast, and is a mother of two small children. Liz has also been part of the Women in Digital community for several years now.

If you’re thinking ‘WOW! How does she juggle it all?’ We can tell you, so are we!

Juggling a full-time career and raising a family is no easy feat. Couple in other commitments like mentoring and attending regular industry events – it can seem overwhelming. Finding a supportive tribe that just ‘get it’ while building a network of like-minded humans to learn from can make all the difference, as Liz will tell you.

We thoroughly enjoyed putting together this Q&A with Liz to find out her tips for doing it all and what drives her passion for getting involved in the industry.

We love asking people this question! Tell us, what did 5-year-old Liz want to be when she grew up?

When I was really little I wanted to be a minister – I think I liked that they got to stand up and talk in front of people! As a teenager I was more interested in understanding the career path to becoming a bungee jumping instructor – mainly because I was annoyed the only career suggestions I was given at school were nurse, teacher or journalist.

It is commonly recognised that there are fewer female leaders in digital and technology. How did you end up working in this industry?

Long story really. I wanted to be a literary agent because I love books, stories and people. However when I graduated uni all the bookstores were closing down and it was a hard industry to crack into. In the end I fell into marketing and then got a graduate job at a tech company learning digital. It was a great opportunity because at the time it was one of six companies in Australia that were partnered with Google. I learnt a lot about digital marketing, tech and developers pretty quickly!

In the Your Marketing Mates podcast, we know that you and your co-host love to set a ‘word for the year’ to help set your intentions. Tell us about your word and what it means to you?

Last year it was ‘uncomfortable’ and was all about leaning into the discomfort that comes with pushing yourself and growing.

This year my word is ‘intentional’. I’m trying to be more intentional with how I use my time at work, how I spend time with my family, how I can use my voice, and how I factor in me-time.

You are a General Manager of an agency, a podcaster, a mentor liaison for a mentorship program AND a mum of two kids! How do you do it all?!

I would say not well sometimes! I have a very supportive husband who shares the load with parenting. And I have surrounded myself with a tribe of women who support me in different ways. And like everyone, I have weeks where I do lots of things well, and weeks where everything gets rather tricky and I drop a few balls. Thankfully, from what I can tell so far, the only victims who suffered during those tricky times are some house plants.

Overall though, I think what helps me ‘do it all’ is that I really enjoy 99% of it – it’s fun!

Do you have any advice for women trying to juggle it all?

I recently did a LinkedIn post on this which you can read here. But to be expand on that, I’d say the key thing is to be kind to yourself – sometimes you’ll drop a ball. Let go of the guilt of not doing everything the way you’re ‘supposed to’ and just keep trying.

And also find ‘your people’ – those people who understand the juggle and can help you. Everything is always easier when you don’t feel alone.

Finally, for me, a really helpful book was ‘I know how she does it’ by Laura Vanderkam. She interviews all these women about how they mange to juggle it all. It was honestly a life-changing read for me, and one I still re-read every few years. (TIP: It’s also available on audiobook which is super helpful if you’re trying to multi-task!)

We’ve already mentioned you do a LOT for the community from attending industry events, your podcast, Assisterhood and joining Women in Digital’s Membership. What would you say drives your passion for getting involved in the industry?

When I was 27 and pregnant with my daughter, I didn’t know what to expect about managing maternity leave, or how to juggle a career and motherhood. I’d just been offered my dream role, and I didn’t know how I was going to be able to do both. When I looked for role models of career-driven women in tech and marketing, who were also mothers, I struggled to find anyone. Everyone I spoke to seemed to be stay-at-home mums, teachers or nurses. (These ladies were all wonderful and make up my supportive tribe, but they couldn’t give me the example I needed at the time.)

I absolutely loved work, and was very worried about losing my identity and my joy of work. Before I had the baby, I even wrote myself letters to read in the future, reminding myself how much I loved my job and that my daughter would do fine in childcare!

In the end, I managed to find someone to speak to, and I went back to work and started the juggle of managing work and family. But I realised a few things then:

I needed to build my network to find more like-minded people
I wanted to share my experience with others – in case they like me, wanted to have both family and career, but didn’t know how

Also, I love learning new things, and by getting involved in the industry and meeting new people makes for a fun way to do this.

What career advice do you have for women wanting to grow into a leadership position?

Build your network and chat to people. This is how you can find people to help you identify where you need to grow to gain those skills, and who also can help guide you on how to reach that leadership position – they may have roles open or can talk you through how to bring up the topic in your current workplace.

Also realise it’s a journey – take those small steps, like any goal, to work your way into a leadership position. I like the analogy of a career being like a jungle gym – sometimes you go up, sometimes you go backwards, sometimes you go down – there is no one way to get into the position you want, so just keep focusing on your end goal and don’t give up. I’ve had people say that there is no way a General Manager role could be part-time. But I manage to do it. Is it easy, no. Is it rewarding – absolutely.

What is a podcast or book you are loving right now?

I’ve intentionally been taking a little breather from any podcasts at the moment, and instead listening to some fiction audiobooks on my commute and while doing housework. Don’t judge me, but I just finished listening to a Nora Roberts fantasy trilogy.

When I do have a moment to sit, I’m slowly working my way through ‘Leaders Eat Last’ by Simon Sinek.

Do you have any marketing hacks / resources you wish you found earlier?

I love following different social media accounts for an easy way to get snippets of info quickly. A few good ones include:

I’m also a huge fan of two time-management techniques which help keep me on track and realistic about what I can fit in a day – the Pomodoro Technique and calendar blocking.

and just for fun… What do you think is your superpower? What superpower do you wish you had?

I recently did the Clifton Strengths test and my top strength was positivity. I’d say this is a superpower which I took for granted for a long time. I think perhaps another superpower is my resilience/stamina – which I credit my parents with helping me develop from a young age. (Ask me one day about having to do ‘stick-picking’ in a paddock as a child 😉.)

Superpower I wish I had – easy! I wish I could click my fingers and be transported to a new location. I’d never have to worry about commute times again!

If someone offered you a million dollars to give up your smartphone forever, would you do it?

Totally – I’d likely do it for less! I could easily be someone who uses my phone just for making calls and texting. But I would appreciate it if they could make MP3 players more accessible again – they are hard to find these days!

If you were an athlete, what would you choose as your walkout song?

Hmm, I’ve started playing hockey and given I have no idea how to play and get super nervous, I’ve taken to listening to music to get me confident before a game. ’Pump it Up’ by Endor or ‘The Greatest’ by Sia are my go-to songs. I also listen to ‘The Greatest’ if I’m having a low day and need to try to change my mood before a busy day at work.

Thanks Liz for chatting with us!

Keep an eye on our blog for more Women in Digital Member Spotlights and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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Introducing the 2022 Women in Digital Awards Customer Experience Leader of the Year, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Rebecca Mitrevski!

Rebecca (Bec) is a Product Lead at Canva – an online design and publishing tool with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere.

Rebecca was crowned the Customer Experience Leader of the Year for her work on Canva’s Creator Marketplace, a space built for creators to give Canva users a truly localised experience when they come to Canva.

Executing such a global project of this scale was ambitious and bound to be challenging. Throughout this project led by Rebecca, she demonstrated a totally different level of thinking and creativity, brilliantly leveraging internal resources and talent across Canva to build an efficient, scalable solution to help creators create more local content faster.

The judges were really impressed by the project’s return on investment as well as Rebecca’s ambition, leadership, and mentorship of women in CX.

We were thrilled to talk to our 2022 Customer Experience Leader of the Year about her winning entry, career journey and thoughts on diversity in digital.

Click here to meet all the 2022 Women in Digital Award Winners.

Congratulations Bec! We are so impressed by your entry and obviously so were our judges, but tell us, who is Rebecca Mitrevski?

Well first up, I’m only called Rebecca if I’m in trouble. Otherwise, everyone calls me Bec. My team has also recently given me other nicknames including T-bex, and chew-becca. When in doubt, though, just call me Bec.

Now that that’s out of the way, in a nutshell… I’m Bec, I am a Bikram yoga fanatic, I have a co-dependent relationship with my dog, Bella (pics below, you can see why I’m so attached), and I love building things. At work, that manifests in building products and teams, in my personal life it manifests in mentoring start-ups, and students.

What is something that not many people know about you?

I haven’t been to a hairdresser in 4 years. The last time I went, I was in shock after I got the bill and I haven’t been back since. Not proud of it. Part of me admitting this to someone is me reminding myself to get over it.

Who is your professional inspiration?

Mel Perkins. She is so good.

‘Product’ is still largely an emerging discipline. You can’t yet go to university to study a Bachelor in Product and often, people pivot into Product once they are in industry. Tell us, what did your journey to becoming Product Owner and now Product Lead look like?

Yessss this is so true.

First up, I didn’t study tech. I don’t come from a tech family. Both parents were from migrant families, my parents didn’t go to university – my mum didn’t finish high school, and my dad was a bus driver. I grew up in South Western Sydney (Campbelltown, 2560 represent).

Tech was not on my radar when I was growing up and if someone had suggested I go into tech, I would have been waaaaayyyyyy too intimidated. I am here because people opened doors that I didn’t know existed.

When I decided to go to university, I was convinced I was going to be a child psychologist so that I could help children from underprivileged backgrounds. I went to an interview for a psychology scholarship, and afterwards, Nicola Ronan from the university called me and said “Hey, I’m going to put you forward for a double degree scholarship. Take on a commerce degree too. I think you’ll like it.”

And so I studied psychology and commerce and I loved it. In my final year, I did a forensic psychology subject and realised that I probably didn’t have what it takes to be a child psychologist. That was a scary realisation after 5 years of study and when it was time to find a job.

I then went into Human Resources but realised that also wasn’t for me.

Thankfully, a mentor called George Robinson then took me under his wing and invited me to spend time with his team, which did due diligence on internal transactions >$10m. This is where I learned about the tech space. I remember George saying to me “Go where the money is – Digital or Mandatory, Compliance-led projects”. Digital was way more “Me.”

From there, I spent time in a Strategy and Operations role before I went into Product. And I found my fit. I’ve been in Product since.

About 5 years ago, I was with another very influential leader in my life, Stephen Bowen. We were building a team in India, from Australia. And it was hard. The tech wasn’t great, we could barely hear people in India when we were in video conferences with them, we didn’t understand each others’ culture, and we hadn’t chosen the team leaders to ensure their values and way of working aligned. It was hard. Stephen suggested I head to India and spend 6 months there building the team from the inside. I lived in Pune for 8 months, building that team and product and we achieved great, unprecedented things together.

From there I moved to Canva. I was one of those people who was told they were crazy for joining a startup during Covid. I couldn’t be dissuaded, though, I’d found my people. And here I am, still at Canva. It’s a place where I’ve been able to do my best, most impactful work yet.

Again, I am only here because people opened doors for me and I could not be more grateful to Nicola, George, and Stephen for lifting me into greater challenges.

How did you end up working in this industry?

After spending time in banking and telecommunications I wanted to flex different muscles by going to a much smaller company. I also wanted to be somewhere that was female-led and Canva ticked both of those boxes.

What do you wish people knew about a career in Product?

I’ve read the book “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” maybe 6 times now, which is hilarious because I’m not married* BUT this book gives me so many tips for managing relationships. I’ve found the better I become at growing and improving relationships, the easier Product becomes.

*Unless you’re my mum or my grandmother, in which case, this is not hilarious.

What’s your go-to resource recommendation for Product people?

Lol. See above. It’s not a product manual but it’s the best thing any product person could read.

What has been the best career advice you’ve ever received?

It hasn’t been explicit advice but watching Mel lead Canva has been transformative for me.

She invests so much in storytelling and bringing people on the journey. She exudes joy. She’s kind. She’s empathetic. I feel like I have a model of the kind of leader that I want to be from watching her.

Welcome to our WIDAwards Alumni! We want to know… what does winning this award mean to you?

It’s been a good moment to pause, feel proud and then reflect “Ok, I’ve had a positive impact, am I doing the most that I can to amplify that and apply that where it’s needed most” and it’s inspired me to plug into schools and start-ups more so that I can help and support others’ growth.

Obviously, Canva is a game-changer in terms of design software (and our go-to at Women in Digital HQ)! But tell us why you think Canva is so important for creators (and the wider public for that matter)?

Canva is on a mission to empower the world to design and diversity and authentic representation are at the heart of that.

With our Creators, we are able to partner with designers, videographers, photographers and illustrators all over the world to provide truly diverse local content for every Canva user.

Users benefit from this, they can come to Canva and find content that represents their culture and use that to authentically express themselves.

Our Creators benefit too. The last 2 years have been turbulent for artists, worldwide. First, we had Covid hit. When this happened we had just started the Creators beta and it was at a good time because many designers had been laid off. Many of us were also locked down. The Creators product gave us a community to connect, learn, explore, grow and earn together. Even now we have Creators share how meaningful the partnership between Canva and Creators has been.

Tell us more about your journey with Canva! Do you have any key personal highlights?

There’s so much I could talk to here… the impact the Creators team has had is so wonderful. The biggest highlights, though, are notes that the Creators send us.

Here are some of the highlights and stories, which make me smile, which I regularly go back to:

“Something that started as an extra, dedicating a little time when I could, became a very important pillar in my life.”

“I realized that it wasn’t just a job, it was something that fulfilled me. From the creative freedom it offers, the human quality of all those who are part of it and the joy of sharing my designs with many people, it really is something unique… Thank you #Canva for making my days happier and to all the team that accompanies us every week. Today we are a #canvafamily and we have a lot of love and templates to share”

“Just want to say thanks to the Canva team. I am going through the toughest time as my father is admitted in hospital for the last three months and has no insurance. It wouldn’t be possible for me to bear all the hospital expenses but Canva creator’s income helped me a lot. Canva is just not saving time it’s saving lives too.”

“At late evening, when the [baby] is asleep we both thank god that you found us. We are so happy to be with you guys on this adventure. Lifetime experience and feels like we are actually working with you guys, feels like we have a team! :)”

“I really, really appreciate all that you and the team are doing at Canva. This is my first time working with a company that really listens to and understands designers, and also takes quick action to make things easier! I really love the experience and can’t wait to see how things progress”

What do you consider the biggest challenge you faced while working on the Canva Creator Marketplace? How did you overcome it?

The war in Ukraine has been – by far – the greatest challenge that we have faced.

When the war broke out, we had a heartbreaking moment when we realised we had thousands of Creators in Ukraine and they were at risk. Some of these Creators I know personally and would consider a friend (Hi Ilona!). Canva quickly mobilised to distribute $500k to Ukrainian Creators via our Peacefund, knowing many would not be able to design at this time but would need money.

Seeing their appreciation filled our hearts with so much joy. Soon after that, Canva made the decision to exit Russia.

We had so many stories of everyday Russians who weren’t supportive of the war but wanted to continue creating for Canva. We were incredibly sad that we could no longer continue that partnership.

We worked through both of these challenging times, by banding together as a team, as a company and as a community.

It was the most challenging time for us, but we leaned on each other, we kept communication lines flowing and we worked tirelessly to respond in the way that was the most aligned with Canvas values.

What is next for you and Canva in 2023?

We’re really just 1% of the way there. It will be another massive year ahead as we continue doubling down on the huge opportunity for Canva, especially among teams and workplaces. We’re also continuing to hire around the world. Finally, we’re continuing to double down on innovation. We were the first to market with our Text to Image product which we announced at Canva Create. We’re excited to be working on lots more in this space like the recently released AI-text generator, Magic Write as well as continuing to build upon all of our new Worksuite products.

What’s your personal philosophy when it comes to customer experience design?

Don’t be afraid of doing things manually and hackily (is that even a word) first. In fact, have fun doing that, it’s how you learn what your customers actually need.

What would you tell someone interested or unsure about what a career in tech looks like?

It’s the way of the future.

If you aren’t in tech, you are cutting yourself off from the industry that has and will continue to have the greatest and most accelerated earnings opportunities. Women need to be in this space, or else, you will miss being in a space that is experiencing steady earnings growth.

What do you think can be done to improve diversity in the digital industry, particularly in more technical positions?

I mentioned Nichola Ronan and George Robinson earlier. What was probably a small gesture for them (suggesting I do a double degree and inviting me to join his team so I can explore a career out of HR, respectively), changed my life and career path.

If more people in leadership create these micro opportunities for the next generation, these tiny opportunities shape people and send them on a different path. Sure, you might be in a tech space and they probably won’t understand what’s going on but it matters. Every opportunity matters.

What do you believe is the importance of industry awards such as the Women in Digital Awards?

It spurs so many convos about women in tech. Social proofing and opening doors.

And finally, Bec, if you could leave the Women in Digital community with one parting word of wisdom, what would it be?

Give young people micro opportunities. Have a work experience student shadow you for a week, volunteer in a mentoring program, suggest an intern spends time in your team – do something that opens students’ eyes to other spaces – esp if they come from disadvantaged backgrounds, they won’t even know that these areas exist.

Once again, congratulations Bec on this achievement and thank you for taking the time to chat with us!

To read more Q&A blogs from our line-up of Women in Digital Award Winners, head over to our blog and keep an eye out for more stories on our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. You can also see our incredible list of 2022 WIDAwards here.

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