Country of origin
South Africa
Which company do you work for?
Self-employed and former Group Executive of Altron – Africa’s leading technology company
What is your specific area of specialisation?
Marketing, Communications and Digital Transformation
How long have you been in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s (STEM) fields?
4 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?
By nature, technology is perceived as a male vocation but it’s not, women can equally add value to different parts of technology such as software development, marketing and sales. Technology allows for everyone to bring to life ideas that they come up with in order to solve business challenges and customer problems. Women can be creative and come up with ideas. During my tenure in technology, I brought my curiosity and creativity to the table and asked questions. Women in technology should be courageous, assertive enough to ask questions to understand and be able to execute their tasks with confidence. Women should not allow technology to intimidate them. We use technology every day, for example we do cellphone banking, use Zoom, buy airtime and prepaid electricity, all these are services delivered through digital technology so why be scared of it. Women and young girls can use technology to change their circumstances like start new businesses through selling items on Instagram, it’s easier with low costs. So much is possible with technology.
What inspired you to join this industry?
I believe technology can help us solve some of the world’s challenges and drive the change that we want to see. We can do things better and faster and connect the world through technology. I am also curious and willing to learn, so that suits the nature of what technology is about which is driving change. I like change although it’s tough, but it brings about growth and grows an individual’s mindset. It helps that I studied maths and science in high school as well.
What changes, if any, have you seen with regards to women in your field?
Women are being appointed to senior executive roles in the technology industry. This is very encouraging and hopefully a positive step towards achieving gender equality in this field. I also believe that when women see other women in senior positions in technology fields, they become much more interested and encouraged to aspire for management roles.
How can we attract more women to consider a career in the STEM fields?
We should encourage more girls in high schools to study STEM subjects and find mentors for them when they join the workplace.
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?
Be courageous, you are as good as anyone around the table. Stay interested in your work and perform it to the best of your abilities.
When not working, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy the Arts,.
I read about a vast range of topics: leadership, history and innovation.
I also enjoy gardening especially roses.
