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For International Women’s Day 2019, Mitel launched its hashtag #AmazingMitelWomen to showcase the amazing women who make Mitel an exceptional company. Across the globe, the women of Mitel are making an impact on the technology landscape of tomorrow, and we are pleased to celebrate them. As Women’s Month 2019 draws to a close, we wanted to take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on a few of those amazing women.
We asked five of our #AmazingMitelWomen to tell us about their experience in the technology industry as it pertains to women, share a few lessons learned and offer some advice to the future generations of technology men and women as we move into a more inclusive future.
Kaley Warren
UX Digital Designer
How I’ve seen the industry change:
When I first started my career in the corporate world it was not uncommon for me to be the only woman at the table. I remember being so intimidated by this at first! I have seen a change in the industry over the years, it’s definitely growing to be more diverse and inclusive. While women are still outnumbered, change is happening and progress is being made.
What I’ve learned over my career:
Never stop learning! Just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean the learning stops there. Find an informal mentor whose career progression interests you and learn as much as you can from them. I’ve learned from my mentors that taking the time to learn and grow your skills is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your career.
In my field, design is ever-changing and evolving, and staying on top of design trends and the latest research keeps me relevant to the industry. It’s also just as important to know the technology or the product of the company where you work.
Knowledge leads to confidence; the more you know, the more empowered you will feel.
Some advice for the next generation of tech leaders:
Seek out a mentor! When you are young and just starting out in your career you don’t have much experience yet, find someone who you trust (doesn’t have to be of the same gender) to guide you and give you honest advice and feedback along the way!
Shirley Wilson
Senior Product Manager, UCaaS Service Delivery
How I’ve seen the industry change:
By the time I graduated from college, women working in tech was not a novelty anymore. However, women in positions of influence still were lacking.
What I’ve learned over my career:
While management and the industry were always willing to give me a chance, I had to constantly prove I deserved the opportunity and more. I had to be willing to put in the time and directly ask for the “extras” (cool projects, promotions, raises). I had to be OK with being uncomfortable in a subject area until I became the expert. I had to become my own best advocate for my career.
Indirectly, all of the above drove me toward helping others to do the same as a colleague, mentor, or manager.
Some advice for the next generation of tech leaders:
Believe in your own skillset and your own experience. Actively surround yourself with other men and women who support you at work and in life. There will be a lot of mini-challenges in tech – step back, assess, and move on. Repeat.
Alison Pape
Director, Global UCaaS Program Management
How I’ve seen the industry change:
Attracting, retaining and developing female talent has become a business imperative in the technical industry.
Many technical companies have introduced inclusion and diversity programs to create an environment of involvement, respect, and connection where the richness of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are harnessed to create business value.
What I’ve learned over my career:
It’s important to both join a formal women’s network and build a strong informal career advisory network of women.
Some advice for the next generation of tech leaders:
Be a catalyst for change, always increase your knowledge and bring your team along for the ride.
Earn respect, be genuine, build relationships, sustain your curiosity, have a voice in your organization and then watch your career grow.
Jacqueline Hatchett
Global Business Operations Manager
How I’ve seen the industry change:
Women have always contributed to the advancement of the tech industry. In recent years, women have become visible as industry leaders.
What I’ve learned over my career:
Optimism always wins.
Some advice for the next generation of tech leaders:
Treat every opportunity and decision as a chance to learn.
Mona Abou-Sayed
VP, Collaboration and Applications
How I’ve seen the industry change:
I have always worked in high technology companies, and have gotten accustomed to being “the only woman at the table” more often than not. While I have seen the number of women in technology increase over the years, that dynamic is largely still the same. What I have seen over time is an increased awareness of the importance of inclusion and diversity within the organization, which actually has made me pay more attention to the gender mix in the room.
What I’ve learned over my career:
Growing up, as the daughter of two engineers, I was never raised to think engineering was a man’s job, and hence never went in with the mindset that I was in the minority in the room. As a matter of fact, it was my mom who was usually helping me with the tough geometry and calculus problems in school! It was eye-opening to get into the workplace and realize that the gender balance was not there.
Some advice for the next generation of tech leaders:
It’s important to establish good working relationships with others, because you can learn something from each and every person you work with! I have been fortunate throughout my career to work with supportive leaders who have given me new and challenging opportunities.
Also, seek a mentor or an executive coach to help you continue to develop yourself and your career!
Mitel is fortunate to have so many talented women on our team, and to be doing our part to make the technology industry a more inclusive place for women.
