30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 103
What has
encouraged you to
stay in the industry?
love the criticality of the data centre industry. It really is the
hub of everything we do, and modern life is not possible
without it. It appeals to me in the same way my early career
in emergency services did, with the same sense of being an
essential service.
I
The COVID pandemic really reinforced that for me. I remember
on the 昀椀rst day of the lockdown, my husband – who is in
public health - was sitting in our dining room in our house in
East Sussex in the middle of nowhere. He was on a Zoom call
with public health directors all over the world coming up with
COVID-19 triage protocols. I remember thinking this couldn’t
happen without data centres. It was a real moment of clarity
that what we do is actually very important.
I also love the sense of being involved in something that is
essential for people’s lives and helping the people I work with
understand how important the work they’re doing really is.
103
What advice would you give to young
women coming into the industry?
mbrace your con昀椀dence early and don’t be afraid
to speak your mind and learn to balance this with
an awareness of your audience and context. While
con昀椀dence is an asset, knowing how to read the room and
customise your approach can strengthen your impact.
E
Leverage your openness to technology and its possibilities.
This is one of the natural assets Gen Z possesses in today’s
workforce. They see technology as a natural part of life, as well
as the potential of where it can go, and this mindset will help
drive future innovation in the industry. Use this advantage to
lead with vision and creativity.
The younger generations today are much better about
establishing and protecting boundaries at work. Hard work
is always going to be essential, but maintaining a balance
between career and personal life is equally critical. If you stand
昀椀rm in your boundaries while demonstrating commitment to
your goals, you’ll help create a healthier, more sustainable
work environment.
Lastly, don’t lose the energy and conviction you bring to the
table. They’re powerful tools for driving change. Just remember,
progress is built not only through persistence but also by
understanding and adapting to the dynamics of
your workplace.
