Since the early 2000s, technology has been driving far-reaching revolutionary impacts.

Because of this, I held an unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of technology in improving our lives, keeping us connected, entertained, and safe while enabling people to make a living in a secure techno-environment.

My foray into technology stemmed from a keen interest in problem-solving and creating solutions, which led me to begin my first job as a Systems Engineer with ExxonMobil in 1993.

As I continued to pursue a career in this ever-evolving industry that predisposed me to many challenges, I decided to take the chance to contribute more actively in my chosen field. This led me to find my own digital solutions company, Complete Human Network (CHN).

Throughout my years as a technopreneur, I not only learned to navigate the ups and downs of running my own business but also to break glass ceilings as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.

Years in the industry were building blocks to starting my own company

Before starting CHN, I served as a country manager at Avaya, a multinational telecommunications company, assisting businesses in integrating with internet intelligence for increased productivity.

As businesses started to embrace technological advancements and became more reliant on digital tools, I realised how necessary digital transformation would be for every business to grow sustainably in the future.

Moreover, in taking a hands-on approach when assisting businesses across multiple industries manage the productivity and connectivity of their workforce, it became evident to me that enterprise mobility and cybersecurity would be key enablers for digital transformation.

This led to the inception of CHN in 2012, intending to help enterprises achieve exactly that. In partnering with prominent brands like Apple, Samsung and Microsoft to provide end-to-end mobility services leveraging state-of-the-art mobile devices, CHN was recognised by Apple as the Top Apple Enterprise Partner in Malaysia back in 2013, a boon for my first anniversary in the business.

Through CHN, I was able to help enterprises digitise and save capital costs, but I was also able to present eco-friendly solutions that could help prevent the upsurge of e-waste. More specifically, my team and I changed how companies and their workforce use devices.

Instead of purchasing new devices only to discard (sometimes, without taking the proper precautions) outdated ones, CHN enables companies, through their Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution, to ensure that all hardware is properly maintained and managed well so that it can be reconfigured to extend usability. This minimises the amount of e-waste produced by businesses.

Sharing the passion with other women in the industry

Despite successfully navigating the ups and downs of running my own business for the last ten years, I cannot deny that varying amounts of prejudice exist in every industry, and the technology sector is certainly no exception.

Also Read: 3 leadership lessons for women in tech

While we cannot control behaviour exhibited towards us by other people, we can control our reactions to them. In realising that there is widespread prejudice against female leaders, I believe that it’s very important for those in this position to be assertive and confident while never losing sight of the positive change they can affect.

Following the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia findings last year that reported women currently have less access to opportunities linked to the digital economy. I am on deck to call out to all women in the industry to stand firm in breaking these barriers. Do not be intimidated by your male counterparts, and instead, learn to practise the three ‘S’ more: speak up, stand up and show up.

I believe that women have important roles in contributing to the tech industry through their insights and skills.

Therefore, as we continue to encourage female talents in pursuing their passions and interests in tech, the community must do its part in providing a conducive environment for women to enter the industry, providing them with a growth platform on that they can rely and learn from.

–

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image Credit: SolStock

The post Women in tech: It’s time to reframe the conversation appeared first on e27.