Anna: Innovating QA and Global Quality Leadership

Technology conferences, where knowledge is shared, ideas are exchanged and communities are built, are essential for professional growth, collaboration, and pushing boundaries of innovation.?

One individual who exemplifies the power of these gatherings is Anna Royzman , a luminary in the field of software testing and quality assurance.?

Recognized for her innovative approach to organizing QA conferences and her impactful presence as a global keynote speaker, Anna has dedicated her career to fostering communities that drive excellence and inspire change.?

As a Top Quality Assurance voice on LinkedIn, a commitment to advancing the industry makes her a standout figure in the tech world.

As the founder of A Quality Leadership Institute and Test Masters Academy , Anna implements transformative approaches to elevate quality practices into strategic and dynamic disciplines.

In addition, Anna serves on prestigious Boards of Directors, where her expertise plays a pivotal role in shaping industry standards.

In a detailed interview, Anna shared insights into the transformative power of continuous learning and adaptation to new technological evolutions.

Liliya: What kind of work do you do in tech? What is your role?

Anna: My expertise is in software testing and quality assurance, cross-functional teamwork, and leadership development.

I am the keynote speaker at international conferences. I teach tutorials, workshops and provide corporate training in my areas of expertise.

Also, I organize ground-breaking conferences, events, and webinars that advance the field of software testing and quality leadership.

Liliya: If you own your business, can you share more about your company??

Anna: Test Masters Academy (TMA), founded by me, is an organization focused on providing advanced education and training in software quality assurance, and quality engineering leadership.?

TMA offers a range of services including conferences, workshops, and training sessions designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of software testing, QA, SDETs, and Engineering Leadership professionals.?

The academy aims to foster a community of experts and practitioners who are committed to excellence in software quality.?

It is known for its high-caliber events and programs that bring together industry leaders and professionals to share insights, best practices, and innovations in the field of quality engineering and software testing.

Liliya: That's a great initiative. Who did you want to be when you grew up?

Anna: I wanted to organize my own events and be a leader. Also, I love psychology and sociology and wanted to learn as much I could about the topics. In the country where I grew up, this was not an easy path to take.

Liliya: Can you share your journey into the tech industry? What or who inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

Anna: Sometimes, you encounter a profession and instinctively know that it aligns perfectly with your interests and skills. That was my experience with quality assurance.?

From the moment I started learning about the intricacies of software testing, I realized that this was my calling. The meticulous nature of the work, looking for patterns, exploring and understanding tech, the satisfaction of finding and solving problems, and the impact on customer life and experiences resonated deeply with me.?

Excelling in quality assurance has allowed me to combine my passion for events creation, speaking, and teaching to take my place as an industry expert.

Liliya: What are some of the accomplishments you're most proud of in your career?

Anna: Among my accomplishments is organizing conferences that have been recognized as some of the best software testing conferences globally.?

I was honored with the Jerry Weinberg Award for Community Building for my contributions to the field. Additionally, I have organized numerous meetups and served as the conference and program chair for several international testing organizations in the US, UK, and China.?

I have held board memberships at the Association for Software Testing (AST) and the Software Test Professionals Advisory Board (STPCon). I am also proud to be a member of the Advisory Council for the Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Certificate Program at Seton Hall Stillman School of Business .

Liliya: How do you balance the demands of a high-pressure tech job with your personal life?

Anna: Working remotely is challenging on many levels, especially when you have calls across different time zones. Sometimes, you need to find a reliable Wi-Fi connection for your online presentation while traveling.?

Other times, you might need to take a call with colleagues in India or China, managing a 12-hour time difference. Balancing these logistical hurdles with maintaining productivity and communication can be a demanding yet essential part of remote work.?

I try to shift my attention to exploring (beach, city highlights, new ventures) and allocating time with my family - like cooking together. Balancing work demands with family time helps me stay grounded and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Liliya: What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech, and how have you overcome them?

Anna: There is a significant glass ceiling in the corporate environment for women. This challenge is even more pronounced in my profession of quality assurance, where being truthful and bringing "bad news" to the table is essential.?

Because of this, women are sometimes perceived as pushy, arrogant, or "not team players." This perception can make it even more difficult to advance and be recognized for their contributions.

My professional expertise is my way of overcoming the challenges to a large extent. Everyone knows that I am an expert. It's visible. For everything else, I am constantly learning: to negotiate, build relationships with partners/audiences/sponsors/clients, and speak with confidence. It's a journey, it's not over yet.

Liliya: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the tech industry?

Anna:?

1. Build your expertise and learn how to talk about it. Don't sit in the corner.
2. Find the role models, approach them, and ask for guidance.
3. Learn constantly. The tech industry is changing fast, there is no skillset set in stone. Every profession is evolving. You have to be comfortable with the change.
4. Practice finding opportunities in your 'challenges'. It's a skill, and I can teach you how to see the opportunities.
5. Don't be afraid to grow as a leader. Start where it fits, take responsibility, and show your potential. It will be easier to claim your seat at the table and grow in your career as well.

Liliya: How can men in the tech industry be allies to women and underrepresented groups?

Anna: There is a lot that men can do: support their endeavors and projects, be a sponsor, take women and underrepresented group members seriously for their expertise, and give them more visibility and influence.

Liliya: What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about and why?

Anna: I’m really excited about AI. It’s already changing industries, so avoiding it isn’t helpful. Instead, there are so many ways to use it positively and explore its potential. I am finding that our critical thinking, and exploratory skills are extremely useful right now. The AI is given to the whole of humanity - and it's the first time when literally everyone can have an input in where it's going to be assisting humankind.

I also find a lot of good usage of AI in communication (writing, getting your point across, speaking "their" language, make sure others will understand you, etc.), especially for people whose English is not their first language. It will elevate the tech industry for sure.

A question from Cheryl Lutz who was recognized in Women in Tech prior. You can read her journey here.

Cheryl: Thinking of a situation where you worked on a team and the collaboration was successful, what conditions do you think led to that team’s success?

Anna: Shared goal and emotional attachment to the goal success and to the teamwork. It creates cohesiveness that the group of people needs to feel like a team.?

You know how you and your friends or family are watching a sports game together, and you all share the same emotions when your team wins or loses? This type of emotional attachment to the goal of success creates the right collaboration within the team.

Liliya: What else would you like the readers to know about you?

Name: I am part of an all-female QA group that organizes local meetups and recently organized the Innovate QA Seattle conference that will take place on August 22nd, 2024. It's sponsored by testRigor .

There is so much potential in this project, so much professional knowledge and innovation - we want to invite everyone to attend and support us.?

It's a local project, we are not a big name, in fact - we are a startup, and community support is very important to us. When we are successful with this first event, we will bring these events to other communities.

Conclusion

Anna’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to technological change.?

Her leadership in the software testing community, combined with her commitment to excellence and innovation, sets a remarkable example for aspiring women in tech.?

As she continues to shape the future of quality assurance, her story serves as an inspiration to professionals seeking to elevate their craft and make meaningful contributions to the tech industry.?

For those looking to experience her passion for quality assurance and her expertise firsthand, there’s an exciting opportunity just around the corner.

The Innovate QA conference is on August 22d, 2024 in Seattle, WA. It’s not too late to attend. Reach out to Anna Royzman for a special code to get the full-day discount. The half-a-day free ticket you can get here.?

Attend, learn from software testing experts, including Artem Golubev about the most advanced AI automation tools like testRigor , and network!