Senior sector leaders on what Women in Tech Day means to them.
Melanie Payne, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer, Syniti, part of Capgemini,
There are many ways to build a successful career in the tech industry. And for women, who are still underrepresented, this brings an opportunity to shape the industry. As businesses across sectors embrace digital transformation, there is an increasing need for leaders who can navigate change, foster innovation, and drive adoption – skills that extend far beyond traditional tech roles.
My career didn’t begin in tech, it actually began in accounting! After college I joined the “Management Information Consulting” division at Arthur Anderson (prior to the company split, which led to the formation of Andersen Consulting, a company we all know now as Accenture). This created a unique opportunity to work with their audit practice during the busy audit season. I’m a big believer in audit as a foundational skill – this helped establish a baseline understanding of how businesses work from the inside out and use that knowledge to design systems and processes the worked together to seamlessly operate those businesses.
Whether you’re thinking of getting started or you want to progress in your tech career, let me share some tips that helped me succeed.
- Draw on your strengths
While understanding the basics of tech is important, you don’t need to be a software engineer to grow your career in this industry. Tech firms need strong leaders in areas like finance, strategy, people operations and beyond. Early in my career, I realised that my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills – which I built through my time in the auditing world – became a true differentiator that has helped me in every role I’ve had since.
It comes down to understanding where you can add the most value, which requires a good amount of self-reflection. One way to get started is to ask a trusted friend or colleague to help you identify your top three strengths and then seek out projects or roles where you can apply them directly.
- You need to think strategically AND operationally
Leadership is about translating vision into action – which means understanding how different parts of the business work together, aligning your team with organisational goals and finding effective ways to implement strategies
Being both strategic and operational is like playing chess while also making sure the chessboard doesn’t catch fire. It’s not just about using both sides of your brain – it’s about switching between them constantly without short-circuiting.
Success comes from thinking through ideas all the way to execution – and then making them happen.
- Understand business levers
What drives your organisation’s success? From customer acquisition and operational efficiency to financial performance and marketing positioning, learning how to identify and influence these key factors will set you apart as a leader who can deliver results.
Start by tracking one key business metric that relates to your current role. Look for patterns and insights, then analyse how this metric impacts the business. Use your findings to make decisions or adjustments in your work and then share what you’ve learned with your team to spark new ideas.
- Build trust with emotional intelligence
Developing your emotional intelligence enables you to build trust, navigate team dynamics, and manage uncertainty – all key qualities of great leadership.
I recently came across a quote that really resonated: “Whether you’re selling a product, an idea, or yourself, everyone is in sales at some point in their career.” At the core of success in the workplace is influence. It’s about understanding what drives people, what motivates them, and how you can help them succeed.
Leadership is about fostering those connections, building trust, and aligning with others to achieve meaningful results.
- Always make time to grow and nurture your network
A well-developed network is invaluable, but it’s so much more than just collecting contacts or errant LinkedIn connections. You need to be connected with people who will challenge you to think differently and push you to grow.
I believe that success comes from maintaining your network – even when there’s no immediate need. A great example is from my own experience. All the most impactful opportunities came as a result of connections. They came through a mix of fortunate timing and staying close to people I respected in prior roles, which kept me “top of mind” when a new opportunity that fit my strengths came up. Call it planned luck.
The most important thing is to keep these networks alive. Send news articles you find interesting and keep in touch with a quick email or text – “was thinking of you earlier and hope you’re well. Would be good to catch up soon.”
Get ready to take the lead
The tech world needs more women in leadership, not just to fill a gap, but to actively shape its evolution. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, the key is to stay true to yourself and embrace opportunities to grow. Tech leadership is vast and varied, and there’s a place for you.
Lim Hsin Yin, Vice President of Sales for ASEAN, Cohesity
“Women in Tech Day is a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made in fostering gender diversity and to reflect on the work still ahead. With over 30 years in the tech industry, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of diverse perspectives. To contribute to the community, I spend time on mentoring initiatives, including my involvement as Chairwoman of the SGTech AI Skills and Training Committee and in industry councils. At Cohesity, we recognise that diversity fuels innovation, and through initiatives like the Women’s Impact Network, we are creating an environment where women can thrive, grow, and lead. Empowered with the right opportunities and a supportive network, I hope the next generation of female leaders are inspired to push forward and scale new frontiers.”
Preethi Bridgement, Senior Director, Solutions Engineering – APAC & MEA, Freshworks
“AI is only as powerful as the people who build and use it. At Freshworks, we focus on a people-first AI approach—one that enhances customer service teams rather than replacing them. As a woman in tech, diverse perspectives are key to shaping AI that is intuitive, inclusive, and impactful. By fostering mentorship and opportunities, we can ensure technology serves everyone equitably and drives meaningful innovation. Creating space for different voices in AI and tech will help shape a future where technology truly works for all people.”
Jessica Jacobs, Managing Director – Northern Europe, Incubeta
“It’s a sad truth that women in tech often start with enthusiasm but are pushed out by systemic barriers. Misogyny in the tech industry is a harsh reality and one that I’ve faced first-hand. Early in my career, I was denied the chance to train developers simply because a company refused to learn from a woman. That was the first time I realized that, despite being fully competent, I was prevented from doing my job. It was infuriating to be judged not on my skill set, but purely on my gender.
“Overhearing ex-colleagues question my role with derogatory comments—suggesting that my position was earned through personal relationships rather than merit—was another harsh reality of the workplace. These experiences are exhausting and degrading, creating constant pressure on women to justify and argue their worth.
“From my experience, the only way to prove value is to stay focused and let your work do the talking. Instead of seeking validation, invest in honing your skills, delivering results, and demonstrating your value through action. Don’t waste energy on those who doubt you—channel it into building something undeniable.
“To help build confidence, support networks are essential. Women in leadership must actively mentor and uplift others, creating spaces where more women can thrive. We also need to take bold risks, just as men do—experimenting with technology, innovating, and making our contributions visible. The playing field is levelling, but only if we choose to step up and claim our space.
“One thing to note is don’t internalize the negativity. Brush it off and keep moving. Every challenge overcome is progress toward equity. This fight isn’t just for us – it’s for the generations of women in tech who will follow.”
Emily Neish, Vice President of Professional Services at AutoRek comments:
“Throughout my career in fintech, I have frequently faced the challenge of having to demonstrate my abilities and expertise, especially when compared to male counterparts. In my first role in the industry, I was the only woman on my team, which felt quite isolating. I’ve also lost count of the number of times I’ve been in a group of peers with similar responsibilities yet held a significantly lower job title. Unconscious bias around women’s skills and abilities is still deeply ingrained within the industry, and after previously having to fight these biases every day, I understand why so many women leave the industry.
“Currently, women make up 28% of the fintech workforce compared to 44% in financial services at large. In order to grow these industries, we must ensure equal representation and diversity. While fintech is at the forefront of innovation and change, it is still lacking behind in terms of gender equality.
“To encourage more women to enter fintech, it’s essential to collaborate with schools, universities, and STEM programs. With fintech still being a predominantly male-dominated field, such efforts can inspire young women to pursue careers in this sector. Initiatives like internships, coding boot camps, and partnerships with educational institutions can play a pivotal role in bridging the gender gap and making pathways into the industry more accessible.
“Fostering a culture of equity within the sector is equally critical. Systemic biases and the lack of visible role models often limit women’s access to leadership roles. To counter these challenges, the industry must prioritise mentorship, professional development, and unbiased hiring practices. Tailored mentorship programs and networks can offer the guidance and support women need to navigate obstacles, while leadership initiatives can empower them with the skills and confidence to advance their careers.
“As the industry evolves, creating an environment where women can thrive isn’t just a nice-to-have-it’s a business imperative. Fortunately, throughout my career I have had the privilege of mentoring and being mentored by incredible women. It is through these networks that we can grow, prove our worth, and drive meaningful change in the industry.”
