Country of origin
South Africa
Which company do you work for?
Epic Games
What is your specific area of specialisation?
Marketing & Communications
How long have you been in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields?
9 years
As a woman in a male dominated industry, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I have faced – and continue to face – is dealing with imposter syndrome. I have a tendency of second-guessing myself and although on a rational level I know I am competent, there’s a little voice that tells me that people won’t want to hear from me and that I’m a fraud.
I overcome this by becoming more aware of my self-talk and attitudes towards myself and then choosing to talk to myself as I would a good friend. I also surround myself with good people – a good team at work, a good community of other professionals to share my experiences with.
What inspired you to join this industry?
I believe that technology has the capacity to dramatically improve lives, but that we must consciously create a future that maximises the benefits and minimises potential risks related to emerging technologies. It’s my personal mission to contribute to this through the work I do.
What changes, if any, have you seen in your field with regards to women in your field?
Since joining a tech-focused industry nearly a decade ago, I am seeing a greater number of women coming into various positions in the space. I am exceptionally proud that the product team I work most closely with is led by some talented, senior technical women. However, there remains a need to encourage young professional women to enter STEM fields and support them to fulfil their potential.
How can we attract more women to consider a career in the STEM fields?
It’s important that we make women – particularly younger women – feel welcome in these fields. It can be fairly intimidating for young women to enter a male-dominated industry, so as well as having female role models, it’s also important for organisations to consciously put plans in place for entry-level women to feel well supported with mentorship and career growth initiatives.
If you were to advise other young women starting their careers in the tech or within the STEM fields, what is the one thing you would say to them?
The field needs your voice and your vision. Diversity in leadership, particularly within STEM is essential not just for gender equity but for the wider benefit of human development. So be bold, make great relationships and have fun changing the world!
When not working, what do you do for fun?
I love to enjoy beautiful Cape Town with my husband and children (3 years and 2 months old). I’m a musician, so I try to play when I can, and I’m also doing my PhD in Information and Communication, so that keeps me busy (and yes, I find that fun!)
