How would you summarize 2021 for yourself, your company and the local/global technology industry?
In 2021 we are still experiencing the effects of Covid on a personal and professional level. Throughout the year, I felt we were better suited to remote work and better suited to work-life balance than 2020. When the pandemic first began in 2020, private and public sector organizations had to find solutions for their continuation. of business, implement remote solutions, evaluate their architectures to support traffic peaks and adapt to more.
Cloud computing allows organizations to act quickly and change their processes and systems. In 2021, we continue to see acceleration in cloud adoption, and we remain focused on supporting customers in the Middle East and Africa with their digital transformation strategies. Last year, we announced that we would launch AWS Region in the UAE in 2022, which will bring new opportunities for organizations to accelerate their use of the cloud. And of course, 2021 is a special year for the UAE with the launch of Expo 2020, where AWS technology supports virtual event experiences.
What are your expectations for this year?
I am excited to see the return of personal events and face -to -face meetings. I’m highly looking forward to this year because of the opportunity for people to work more closely together and its positive impact on enabling teams to thrive and deliver more meaningful results.
As a female leader, what challenges did you face in reaching the top, and how did you overcome them?
I started my career as a software engineer and architect and, in the beginning, I knew that the recipe for success was having clear communication and gaining the trust of my peers by making sure I was giving my strengths. . I have built my confidence over the years by leaving my comfort zone and facing new challenges. My appetite for continuous learning played a large part in my development. This included learning from failure, which allowed me to pivot and find new paths to success. Finally, I never focus on titles – instead, I pursue opportunities that offer me personal and professional growth.
In the male -dominated tech industry, what steps should be taken to attract more women to tech?
While the tech industry is still male-dominated, we have seen growth in recent years and increased awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. To attract more women to tech, we need to encourage more girls to study and major in STEM degrees. The sector has an important role to play here, and this is something we take very seriously at AWS. Various initiatives such as code hours, hackathons, skills training programs, and internships are critical for encouraging girls to seek a future in technology. At the same time, for professional women in tech, it is important to provide proper mentoring and coaching. Sharing stories about successful role models is also very inspiring, not by focusing on the challenges they may have faced but by celebrating their journeys and successes.
What key tips/advice would you offer to aspiring women leaders/entrepreneurs to help them thrive in this industry?
Be proud of everything you have achieved so far, and continue to believe in your ability to grow further. Don’t say ‘no’ at one time because you’re scared. Don’t stop learning. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, expand your network, and keep yourself open to new opportunities.
Read: Woman in tech: Gina Collignon, VP and head of Marketing at SAP
Read: Women in tech: ServiceNow’s Cathy Mauzaize