30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 91
What has surprised you about
being a woman in digital
infrastructure?
hen I 昀椀rst joined, I didn’t really know what to
expect, but what surprised me the most was
just how welcoming and open the industry
is. I had assumed it might be intimidating or that
asking too many questions would make me stand out
in the wrong way, but it was the complete opposite.
W
Everyone—from engineers to sales teams to 昀椀nance—
encouraged me to ask questions, to be curious, and
to learn. People actually want to share knowledge.
They’re excited to talk about new projects, innovations,
and the future of the industry. No question is
considered stupid, and that made it so much easier to
grow and 昀椀nd my place.
What’s also been surprising is how inclusive the
conversations are. Regardless of job title or experience
level, you’re invited into the room, given space to
speak, and encouraged to build your own personal
brand. That kind of openness and support isn’t
something you see in every industry, and it’s one of the
reasons I love working in digital infrastructure.
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What unique qualities
do women bring into
this industry?
omen bring a host of unique advantages to the digital
infrastructure industry, particularly through offering different
perspectives. Creativity and emotional insight are vital, and
women often excel in these areas. For example, I’ve been involved in
initiatives focused on promoting mental health—a topic that, traditionally,
some men might shy away from discussing openly. Women’s openness
to addressing such issues not only fosters a healthier workplace but also
encourages more inclusive discussions which can lead to better
support policies.
W
Women are often positioned to recognize and address gaps within the
industry—whether it’s advocating for better health and wellness policies or
highlighting the necessity for comprehensive support systems that bene昀椀t
all employees.
This capability to challenge the status quo and promote necessary changes
is crucial as the industry evolves. Having women in tech isn’t just about
昀椀lling quotas; it’s about enriching the industry with diverse insights that
drive innovation and create a more supportive environment for everyone.
