Breaking Barriers in Tech: IWD 2025

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable women who work with us as they break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and help shape the future of tech. We spoke to Anna Eriksson , a Principal Consultant & Solutions Architect, about how she found her way into tech, the misconceptions she wants to change, and the advice she’d give to the next generation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM, and how has your journey been so far??

I’ve always enjoyed logical problem solving and the STEM subjects were always my favourites at school. I never really had a set career path but I’ve just gone for what I thought I would enjoy and that’s how I’ve ended up here.??

What’s a misconception about women in tech that you’d love to change??

That it’s a hostile environment for women. I’ve always found people in tech to be very welcoming and you tend to get judged on your abilities, rather than your identity. I’ve ended up building great relationships with a lot of the men I’ve worked with, but I always get extra excited to meet other women.?

How do you think companies could better support the career growth and advancement of women in tech roles??

I think flexible working is really important to help retain women in the work force, and tech as an industry is well set up for this. Not just allowing women flexible working to help with childcare, but also to support a culture where men can do their share of childcare, which also helps women focus on their career goals.?

Can you share a significant achievement or success story from your career that you're particularly proud of??

This is an old one, but very early on in my tech career I had to take a Red Hat Linux Engineer exam – a very difficult practical exam. When I arrived at the exam centre I stood out like a sore thumb as a young woman, but the look on all the older mens faces when I finished the exam before them with top marks was unbeatable. I love defying people’s expectations.?

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for women to succeed in STEM, and how have you developed them??

For anyone pursuing a career in STEM I think it’s essential to be curious and always open to learning new things, but one important quality I think women tend to be better at is the ability to listen, as often we tend to hear what we want to hear, which can lead to a lot of misunderstandings and conflict. These days I always make sure I play back what I’ve heard to make sure everyone’s on the same page - this saves a lot of problems down the line.?

Who is a woman in STEM that you admire, and why??

Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space. She had to overcome a lot of prejudice in order to succeed, as well as her own fear of heights! She was also a medical doctor and a dancer. I think she’s a really inspirational example of not allowing yourself be limited, by yourself or anyone else.?

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self starting out in tech, what would it be??

Don’t be afraid of speaking up. A lot of men tend to speak very confidently, but that doesn’t mean they know more than you. Your voice is as valid as anyone’s in the room.?

At Cloud Elemental, we know that great ideas come from different perspectives, and we’re all about creating a space where everyone can thrive in tech.

If you’re looking for a team that values talent, growth, and flexibility, check out our careers page - we’d love to have you on board!