Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started?
In my 15 years of experience focused exclusively within the digital industry, it’s been interesting to see the unique paths that have led many of us here, since “digital” jobs weren’t even a thing when we were getting started in the workforce. I began my career working within the telecom industry around the time IP Telephony was broadly commercially released. My company at the time asked me to help spearhead the design and implementation of our website. Needlessly to say, I was hooked on a career in digital from then on.
I rolled up my sleeves and learned the “business”, first at a full-service agency then in an all-digital consultancy. This approach allowed me to fully understand both traditional and digital parts of the marketing eco-system and the cohesive benefits it can offer customers and their end-users. As a I matured in my skill set and made the progression to an all-digital agency, I was able to see how just how innovative and hard-working digital experiences can be. I was able to go way beyond brochureware sites, working on highly complex, integrated solutions including multi-brand, commerce, connected products, portals, custom applications, you name it!
Historically, many of my roles have focused primarily on delivery and project execution, tackling everything from project management to client strategy and account direction. For the past 5+ years, I’ve worked within sales. The pre-sales expertise I provide includes highly personalized and pragmatic recommendations to prospective clients on what’s possible as well as what’s going to be impactful to their business; specifically in the areas of marketing strategy, commerce, and digital marketing technology platforms, like Sitecore’s full product suite. I also focus on sales enablement and working across our global selling teams at Horizontal Digital, making sure they have the information they need to help customers within Sitecore ecosystem – this everything from product knowledge, training, and access to sales assets like case studies.
Outside of work, I find balance with my husband and our three kids. We love to plan multi-state road trips, try every sport at least once, and we’re currently attempting to camp in each of Minnesota’s state parks. I also play on a women’s soccer league.
Was there ever a time that you wanted to give up when pursuing a career in tech? What kept you motivated?
As Rick Astley aptly sang “never going to give you up.” I’ve been all-in with a career in technology since I participated in that first website project in 2005. That said, it’s not all fun and games. Not only is the industry highly competitive, but things are also always changing; capabilities are enhanced, new platforms are introduced, and customer expectations are higher than ever.
One thing that keeps me motivated is I’ve embraced a personal goal of continual learning and growth. I’m not talking about reading industry articles, trends, and research—though, yes, that’s part of it—I’m talking about a next level of education where it becomes a fundamental part of my day-to-day work. For me, this includes everything from seeking out innovative solutions to challenges, helping creatively solve problems, driving better results for customers, as well as refining our approach to how we work together – both internally, across disciplines as well as how we partner with our customers and partners. For those of us in the industry, it helps if you’re truly passionate about technology and believe in the endless possibilities of digital solutions. I also believe that gaining experience in multiple discipline areas helps provide a well-rounded perspective into the whole business.
What resources have helped you along your career?
I spoke previously about cultivating a personal passion for learning and I can contribute a lot of my growth to this approach, but I think it’s only half the story. The other side of success is the individuals and teams that have pursued mutual success along the way.
What challenges do you see for women in tech today?
One main challenge that comes to mind is representation. Research broadly shows women are becoming more influential in purchasing decisions both at home and in the workforce. However, many times those voices are absent when it comes to planning and creating the experiences that support them.
Companies that invest in equality and diversity many times have better stock prices, higher performance metrics, and lead the pack on setting up a foundation for ongoing growth and bottom-line success. Today the technology industry is predominantly male, and companies can’t wait around for change to happen on its own. There isn’t a checklist of how to get it right. Instead, there needs to be a purposeful approach to define and shape what equality means for you, your organizational brand, and culture.
Tangible ideas that come to mind that can help all of us to amplify the voices of women and the underrepresented in our day-to-day experiences include:
- Advocate for experiences that consider and support all people and their needs. For example, if your agency is creating a new website for a provider specializing in Prenatal care, your research and usability should include speaking with women that have become or plan to become pregnant as well as their partners.
- Professionally challenge the stereotypes and outdated cultural realities that suppress ideas and voices. Many times, folks may not realize they are interrupting when a woman shares in a meeting or always asking a woman to take on the more administrative tasks like taking notes or setting up the calendar invite.
- As you rise, lift others. Purposefully share the amazing stories of the women around you and elevate positivity.
- Support the next generation of working professionals by giving your time volunteering to help encouragement to the next wave of women technology leaders.
Do you have any advice or tips for women looking to start a career in tech? What do you wish you had known?
One thing I wish I had learned much sooner in my career is to have courage and self confidence in my own voice and opinions. Oftentimes I’m the only female in the room and I’ve second guessed when I should speak up and/or if what I have to say will be taken seriously. What I’ve come to realize is that our opinion not only matters but it’s appreciated. Part of this is self-driven assurance that you and what you say is valuable, but there is also the cultural reality of the company you work for. An inclusive company culture promotes allyship and demonstrates it in practice every day.
Finding our individual voice within the fast-paced, competitive technology industry can be challenging. If you can participate in a formal or informal mentorship program that provides 1:1 support from female leaders – I would recommend jumping at the chance. This may help those earlier in their career identify with successful role models, as well as offers personalized guidance to your specific journey and experience.