30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 57
What advice would you give your peers about
joining the industry?
What do you hope to see for women in the
industry?
f I were trying to encourage someone to join the data centre industry, I’d
start by sharing my own journey and how much I’ve grown since entering
this space. It’s not just about professional development—it’s about personal
growth, too. Being part of this industry has given me more clarity, con昀椀dence,
and support than I ever expected. I’ve had managers who genuinely listen,
give me space when I need it, and encourage me to explore opportunities
that excite me. That kind of encouragement has made all the difference.
hat I’d love is for the culture at the top to change, and I think that will
only happen when we have more women in those really senior decisionmaking roles - CEOs and board level. When women are at the top, the
culture shifts. It stops being about the same patterns, the same dynamics trickling
down, and it becomes something new, more inclusive, and better for everyone at
every level.
I
There is so much 昀氀exibility and opportunity as well. You’re never stuck in
one role or path. I’ve seen people move from being project managers to
working on the client side or even transitioning into supplier roles like power
generation. It’s not about being locked into one thing—it’s about gaining skills
and opening doors to other possibilities. Even if you don’t stay in the data
centre world forever, the experience and growth you’ll gain will set you up for
so much more.
And honestly, this industry moves fast. It challenges you, but in the best way.
I look back at where I was a year ago, and I barely recognize that version of
myself. The responsibilities I have now? I never imagined I’d be handed them
so soon.
It’s amazing to see how far you can come when you’re in an environment that
pushes and supports you at the same time.
So my advice? Take the leap. The opportunities, growth, and 昀氀exibility you’ll
昀椀nd here are worth it. Even if you’re hesitant, you’ll surprise yourself with how
much you can achieve and how much you’ll grow. It’s de昀椀nitely a path
worth exploring.
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W
I do think it’s starting to happen. Slowly. But it is happening, and I hope that in the
next ten years, we’ll see more women breaking into those roles. Not every woman
wants that position, and that’s okay—it’s a tough space to navigate. But there are
so many women out there who are ready and capable, and I hope they get the
chance to step into those roles.
I also think it’s so important that those already at the top—whether men or
women—be more intentional about passing down the skills and knowledge
needed to succeed at that level. Sometimes people treat leadership as this
mysterious “art” that can’t be taught, and that’s just not true. If there’s something I
need to know, tell me. Show me. Don’t let it retire with you. Shadowing, mentoring,
and sharing those skills shouldn’t just be for juniors—it’s something that needs to
happen at every level so the next wave of leaders is ready to step up.
And personally, I’d love to aspire to that someday. I know I don’t have all the skills
yet, but I want to keep learning. I want to see more pathways to get there for
myself and for other women in the industry. It’s about making sure those doors are
open and that the knowledge isn’t locked away, but passed down intentionally.
That’s how we’ll get more women to the top—and I can’t wait to see it happen.
