30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 26
What has surprised you about being a
woman in this industry?
What are unique perspectives women bring
to the industry?
he thing that surprises me the most has very little to
do with being a woman. Even though it’s been a long
time since I 昀椀rst noticed it around 2015, there’s still a
prevailing attitude that without a technical or engineering
background, you’re somehow less quali昀椀ed. It’s as if a large
portion of the industry still sees an engineering degree as the
ultimate credential, the be-all and end-all.
T
omen inherently bring a unique set of skills to the data centre
industry, primarily our agility and creativity. We’re raised to
constantly adjust and adapt, transforming ourselves and our
surroundings to 昀椀t the mould expected of society. This upbringing doesn’t
just make us 昀氀exible; it makes us exceptionally creative. We’re essentially
trained from a young age to think outside the box and navigate complex
social dynamics.
W
Many 昀椀rms are so engrossed in the engineering side that they
overlook the broader business management aspects which is
where non-engineering skills add enormous value. We operate
data centres with strict processes and protocols, which naturally
attracts people who excel in structured environments and are
resistant to change. But this creates a paradox: we demand
strict adherence to protocols yet wonder why there’s resistance
to dynamic business management.
Joyfully and rather inevitably there comes a point in life when many women
decide they’re done bending to please everyone else. It’s a powerful
realisation that being perpetually accommodating doesn’t serve us very well.
From there, we often adopt an approach where we do what we believe is
right, regardless of others’ opinions. This attitude, which varies in intensity
from woman to woman, leads to empowered women who are not only ready
to make bold choices but are also equipped to live with them.
This means that the industry needs people who can bridge the
gap between the technical details and business strategy. Most
people would hesitate to let a stereotypical chief engineer
speak directly with a stereotypical chief investor, they’re just
too different. The skills that make an engineer exceptional
technically are not the same as those needed to handle a
demanding investor focused solely on 昀椀nancial returns. Their
goals and training are worlds apart. Although perhaps a clichéd
example, it is one which underscores the value of bringing
in people from different backgrounds who can offer new
perspectives and approaches.
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In a 昀椀eld like data centres, where the industry desperately needs these very
skills—agility, creativity, and a strong capability to manage intricate workplace
dynamics—women excel. We aren’t just participating; we’re transforming
the industry. We bring a nuanced understanding of how to navigate and
in昀氀uence tech environments that are often rigid and resistant to change.
Like I’ve mentioned earlier, there’s this wonderful culture of mentorship
among women in tech. It’s like we see each other, recognise the journey, and
extend a hand to help. This is why women in data centres are such a force.
We not only navigate the space with a blend of trained agility and creativity
but also build supportive networks that empower more women to enter,
succeed, and reshape this 昀椀eld.
