International Women's Day | An Interview with our Chief Creative Officer

Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A: It’s a time to deeply reflect and pause to consider the unique journeys and contributions of women worldwide. It celebrates our collective achievements, resilience, and progress—despite geographical, cultural, and social boundaries. This day serves as a reminder of the strength and grace inherent in all women, highlighting how far we've come in our quest for equality and justice, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain. It's an opportunity to honor the past, cherish the present, and forge a brighter, more inclusive future for all women.

Q: Which women inspire you the most?

A:? My mother was a force to be reckoned with and she inspires me the most. She was the epitome of strength, resilience, grace, and generosity. Her story is one of remarkable courage and determination. She got married at 17, started a family at 19, and left India to build a new life in the UK with nothing but a few pennies in her pocket and the support of my father. With no extended family, she single-handedly raised four daughters whilst working tirelessly around the clock. Despite the challenges and hardships she faced—she was always smiling and oozed positivity. Her ability to create a successful life from humble beginnings, without ever losing her kindness and optimism, is nothing short of inspirational. She passed away suddenly in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and love. As I navigate through life, I often find myself asking “What would my mother do?” Her spirit continues to inspire me every day, shaping the person I strive to be. She’s my hero!

Q: What do you think the biggest issue is for women in design and technology?

A:? I think the biggest issue is a double whammy of women being underrepresented and experiencing imposter syndrome, especially in leadership roles. Underrepresentation limits role models and perpetuates a cycle that discourages aspiring women, while imposter syndrome undermines their confidence and sense of belonging, despite evident achievements. This combination not only impedes women's career progression but also deprives these fields of diverse perspectives and innovation. Addressing these challenges sparks systemic changes, including initiatives for inclusivity, mentorship, and supportive policies, to cultivate an environment where women can excel, lead, and inspire future generations.

Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

A: Fortunately, I have not encountered any major barriers in my career specifically due to being a woman. However, growing up as an Indian woman, where there are preconceived expectations of you from birth, was challenging to navigate and downright hard. Despite this, I always knew from a young age that I wanted to be in design/tech, so I kept advocating for myself and pushing forward. I remained passionate, determined, and laser-focused on my goal. I am truly grateful to hold a position at Insomniac where I can actively advocate for DE&I alongside my fellow leaders. We are all committed to confronting challenges head-on and driving the necessary changes to achieve inclusivity for all.

Q: What message do you think is the most important to young women thinking about their careers in design and technology?

A: Be true to yourself, stay authentic, and advocate for yourself and others! Your unique perspectives and ideas are invaluable contributions and will foster creativity and drive progress especially in industries often marked by rapid evolution and innovation. As you embark on this exciting journey,?embrace the challenges and remember they are opportunities for growth and learning! Your resilience and determination have the power to break barriers and set new precedents. Seek out mentors and allies who support your ambitions and can guide you through their experiences. Success in design/tech is not just about technical proficiency but also about collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to envision solutions that improve lives and communities. Never underestimate the impact of your work, and always hold onto the passion that drives you. You'll not only achieve your own goals but also inspire the next generation of women to pursue their dreams in these fabulous fields.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of gender diversity at Insomniac Design?

A: Our deep commitment to DE&I is a fundamental aspect of our culture which drives us at Insomniac Design. As leaders, we have a responsibility to continuously champion and demonstrate this commitment through our actions and policies. To achieve this, we hope to increase our inclusive recruitment practices, provide tailored mentorship programs, broaden professional development opportunities geared to women, continue to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture through diversity training and employee resource groups, and establish external partnerships to widen our talent pool. This holistic approach aims not only to attract but also to retain our incredible talent across all genders, which will create a more equitable, and meaningful work environment.?