Women In Tech Webinar: Insights and Inspirations.

Matillion recently hosted an inspiring Women in Tech webinar dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of women in the tech industry. The panel highlighted achievements, challenges, leadership, and the importance of support and advocacy for gender equality in tech and beyond. 

The panel included host and customer advocacy and social media manager placement student Jaya Cornish-Frazier; Tamar, Chief People Officer; Molly Sandbo, Director of Product Marketing; Laura Malins, former VP of Product; and Steve Warburton, Director of Quality Operations.

Get to know your panel!

How did you start your journey into tech?

Laura: “I’ve always loved tech. I loved math and the logical processes in school and applied them to real-world experiences. Fortunately, I attended a school that encouraged me to pursue this interest without steering me down a specific path. I studied maths and science as long as possible and ended up doing computer science at university. Initially, I chose computer science because I worried I wouldn't get into a maths program. However, I enjoyed the creativity and experimentation in tech. After university, I realized I didn't want to sit in a dark room coding. I wanted to apply my technical skills to real-world problems, leading to data science. Data is an excellent field where you can use technical skills and logical thinking to understand what people need from the data to make those skills useful. I was lucky to have support from my school, family, and my dad, who was in STEM. However, we don't always encourage young women to pursue STEM subjects for various reasons, such as social media, school expectations, and peer pressure. It's crucial to show that engineering isn't just about sitting in a dark room coding; there are many different roles in STEM, and we need to encourage young women to explore these opportunities.”

Steve: “Engineering isn’t just about writing code. There’s data science, infrastructure, AI, and more. Our responsibility is to ensure that opportunities for women in tech expand. My journey started with a love for breaking and fixing things. After college, I went into technology, working in hardware support. Although I wasn't passionate about it, I wanted to enter software engineering. I was lucky to work in a large company with great leadership. I volunteered to cover a software support role when a co-worker took maternity leave. She taught me what I needed to know, and 20 years later, I've progressed from an apprentice to a director. My route into tech was guided by a wonderful woman who believed in me, highlighting the importance of mentorship.”

Laura: “This underscores how crucial it is to have a mentor or someone who believes in you and your career journey.”

The Importance of a Mentor 

Molly: “I transitioned from internal audit at an accounting firm to getting an MBA, then working in a strategic role in retail. However, I lost my job offer due to Covid. Since tech was big where I lived, I thought, why not? I interviewed for a tech role that was different from my current one, just to get a job. One interviewer suggested I might be better suited for product marketing, but I dismissed it as I was focused on the role I applied for. Although I didn’t get that role, the leader created a position for me in product marketing. This experience taught me that mentors/advocates don’t need to look like you or be the same gender. It’s essential to find strong leaders who can guide you, regardless of their background.”

Steve: “When I started, I didn't have much knowledge. My mentor continuously encouraged me to believe in myself, emphasizing that if I didn't know something, I could learn it. It's not about being the most educated person; it's about recognizing potential and giving people a chance to succeed. This approach is vital for supporting women in tech. Men often take chances even if they only meet 50% of the requirements, whereas women tend to hold back. We need to change this mindset.”

Tamar: “As a mentor, I focus on positive reinforcement and building on strengths instead of highlighting weaknesses.”

Different Styles of Management

Laura: “Women often need a different management style compared to men. They may require more confidence-building and reminders of their strengths and not being treated like other colleagues.”

Steve: “The women on my team are very methodological and thoughtful. They come up with well-planned ideas, whereas men might bring up topics at the last minute. This difference in approach is valuable.”

Navigating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Tamar: “To combat self-doubt, I needed people to believe in me and remind me of my talents. I also stepped out of my comfort zone to gain experiences that proved my capabilities. When faced with a challenge, I give it my best shot and encourage others to do the same.”

Molly: “I realized that no one has done everything exactly the same, so it's important to position yourself based on your experiences and what you can bring to the table. Instead of pretending to know everything, I ask questions, do my homework, and learn as I go.”

Tamar: “Becoming an executive at the start of Covid was challenging for numerous reasons, (building engagement in a virtual world and understanding furlough for example), but I relied on my skills to navigate these uncharted waters.

Steve: “I value core skills and am equally interested in a person's ambitions and potential. It's about taking chances and encouraging women to do the same.”

Skills vs. Experience

Steve: “Even if you don’t have all the skills for a job, take the chance. Encourage women to take these opportunities, strengthening our position to get more women into tech.”

Being a Parent and Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Molly: “As a new mom of a 9-month-old, returning to work after 3.5 months was a significant shift for me in prioritizing work-life balance. Previously, I worked intensely, and I still do now, both professionally and personally. Dropping my son off at daycare and picking him up at 5 requires me to be fully present for him. I strive for 100% efficiency during work hours and have set clear boundaries with my team to ensure I meet expectations. There's no room for compromise when you have a baby who depends on you at home. My experience has given me a deeper empathy for other moms. Still nursing my son, I spend a lot of time pumping during the day, a process not everyone understands. At the office, I've turned the nursing room into my 'personal office,' aiming to bring more transparency to this aspect of working parenthood. I'm grateful to work for a company that supports these needs. It's important for people to recognize that new parents manage a lot behind the scenes."

Laura: "Totally agree with your points on efficiency. I do no know how I was so inefficient before becoming a working mom. Achieving a work-life balance is a hard one to achieve, especially in a tech role and in leadership. As a people leader, I find working moms are incredibly efficient in getting things done quickly. A good tip for a working mother is to get your children involved in your work. For example, I got my 10-year-old to test the product we were working on. Get them involved to see what you are working on, the benefits, how it works, and for them to see their mother working."

Tamar: “I prioritize important family events and make sure my children understand my work commitments. This way, they know when not to disturb me.”

Steve: “Having a supportive partner and a well-organized schedule is crucial. Our children understand our work, and we inspire them to pursue their interest regardless of whether it is seen as female or male-heavy in order to try to avoid that stigma.” 

How Can We Support and Encourage Young Women?

Steve: “We must provide diverse platforms and opportunities from a young age, exposing them to various careers and possibilities. This can be through practical experiences, self-learning, and group work.”

When Did You Start Setting Boundaries?

Laura: “I've only recently started setting boundaries, reassessing my core values and what I want for my future and my children. Overcoming the stigma of being labeled 'bossy' is important. Demonstrating resilience and rising above negativity shows that women can be assertive and successful.”

Tamar: “Developing resilience has been key. Being vulnerable and recognizing my progress in male-dominated careers has built my confidence.”

Molly: “Women often do thorough research before presenting ideas, but they can feel unheard. I’ve had ideas dismissed by male leaders only to be accepted later when presented by male colleagues. This experience drove me to seek a more supportive environment.

Steve: “As a male leader, it's important to recognize and address unconscious bias. Diversity in teams brings valuable perspectives and ideas.”

How Do You Support the Development of an Inclusive Workforce?

Tamar: “We must ensure inclusivity within our workforce before we can go out and hire more diversity. At Matillion, we offer flexible workdays and hours, career coaching, flexible return phases after maternity leave, and support for new parents. We also pay attention to unconscious bias in our policies and practices.”

Steve: “Unconscious bias can appear in job descriptions and other areas. It’s essential to be aware and correct these biases to ensure inclusivity.”

Top Tips for Women in Tech

Molly: “Clearly articulate your past performance and future contributions. Advocate for yourself with data and examples to back you up.”

Tamar: “Don’t hesitate to ask for help and guidance from anyone.”

Laura: “Believe in yourself. You belong where you are and can achieve more. Take chances and seize opportunities.”

Steve: “Remember the 3 C’s: Challenge, Confidence, and Commitment. They will help you find your path.”

This webinar provided valuable insights into women's journeys, challenges, and successes in tech. It highlighted the importance of mentorship, the need for supportive environments, and the power of resilience and self-belief. By sharing their experiences, the panelists offered inspiration and practical advice for women pursuing careers in tech.

Want to watch the full webinar? Check it out below.