Women in Tech Q&A

?1.???Leena, I’d love to hear – what inspired you to pursue a role in the tech industry??

While I was in graduate school, working on a PhD in Mechanical Engineering to pursue a career in research and academia, I realized that I wanted to try something different. I decided to take a break from my PhD program and try the corporate world. I was excited to accept a position at Accenture (then Andersen Consulting) as a technology consultant. I loved moving from project to project, working with different clients and on different technologies, and ended up not going back to my PhD.

2.? How do you recommend we work to shift perceptions of women in leadership?

I think it starts by assuming that women should have an equal seat at the table. With that assumption, we need to consciously work to eliminate gender bias and gender stereotypes and provide additional support for up and coming female colleagues so they can start to see themselves as leaders.

3.???Building on that, how have you seen the employee experience change for women and other underrepresented groups?

While we still have a long way to go to get to equal representation in the workforce, and especially at the leadership level, the percentage of women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles has been slowly increasing. This means more visibility for underrepresented groups at the leadership level, and more role models for others at all levels within a company. Having role models has been critical for me as I’ve grown professionally. Seeing that organizations are not “one size fits all,” and that different leaders bring unique skills and leadership styles to the table that are appreciated, is an encouragement to others to find their unique leadership style.

4.??What role does inclusion play in your day-to-day job?

I believe that an inclusive work environment is critical to building high-performing teams. Inclusion creates trust, a sense of belonging, and better engagement and productivity. I think each person in my team has unique strengths and characteristics that they bring to the team, and I remind myself to seek out and develop those strengths so that employees feel empowered to speak up and contribute knowing that their opinions are valued. As a team, we also celebrate successes and acknowledge specific contributions, whether it’s congratulating a team on a successful product launch, or an individual who was instrumental to accomplishing a specific goal.

5.??Building on that, what are your top tips for providing client solutions on a global scale??

Know your customer and your audience. Every client has specific needs and goals that they are trying to meet. Find ways to customize solutions to meet those specific needs, without compromising on quality or execution. Have a continuous improvement mindset so that you are always evolving and adapting to the current needs of your clients.

?6.??This is one question I always ask: What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Don’t stay in your comfort zone – the greatest growth comes from the roles that make you the most uncomfortable. That, and speak up. No one can hear you if you don’t use your voice.

7.??Which women have most inspired you to become the leader you are today and why?

I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors along the way who encouraged me, and more than anything, helped me see and believe in my own leadership potential. Out of everyone, my mother has been the most inspiring to me, for showing me that it is okay to want a successful career and that it is possible to achieve it, and that I can do so without compromising who I am.