Social media handle(s): LinkedIn
A few words about me:
I'm a working mum with nearly 20 years of experience, supported by a wonderful husband and our 12-year-old son.
Professionally, I've worked across various domains, participating in, leading, and managing testing teams.
Currently, I'm the Director of QA and Product Delivery at Simba Chain Ltd, a Web3-based organisation. We develop numerous innovative products and deliver exciting solutions using blockchain technology. Exploring testing in the Web3 world keeps me extremely excited.
As a family, we love traveling, I firmly believe that experience is the best teacher. I also enjoy running, which helps me plan my day and stay focused. I'm proud to have completed the London Marathon twice in the past five years.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
I began my career as a mainframe developer when COBOL and JCL were prominent. It's interesting to reflect on how I used to code back then. My mind naturally gravitated towards logical thinking about how things should work, and more importantly, how they shouldn't. I was particularly interested in database structures and avoiding errors. Later, I tried my hand as a Business Analyst for a while. Throughout my career, I've worked across various domains including Insurance, Wealth Management, Healthcare, Retail, Property, and now Blockchain.
What I've come to realise is that I truly enjoy testing because it allows me to thoroughly understand the product first and always think from the end-user's perspective.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
I'm one of the boring/blessed ones who had an educational background in STEM and profession career started and stayed in STEM. But I would say credits to my parents who were insistent that I did a degree in Computer Science.
Where did your professional journey start?
My journey in STEM began when I chose Science and Math as my majors during A-levels. This was followed by an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. In my family, pursuing STEM was somewhat of a tradition, and I admittedly didn't fully grasp the extent of my options or where this path might lead me initially. However, as I progressed through my A-levels, I started to develop a clearer understanding of what I wanted to do and where I wanted to focus my efforts for a future in STEM. This gradual realisation helped shape my career trajectory in the field.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
As I mentioned earlier, my family, especially my mum, played a crucial role in my STEM journey. She had started a degree in medicine but was unable to complete it due to personal reasons. As a result, she was determined to see us enter the tech field and made sure we did. My dad was equally supportive, providing both emotional and financial backing throughout our educational journey. Their combined support continued until we found our footing and discovered our passion in this field.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
Throughout my career, I've faced challenges at nearly every stage, but these experiences have ultimately made me stronger as a woman. In the early days of my career, I was constantly instructed on how to behave and present myself to appear professional and serious about work. I was warned about how failing to "look the part" would affect my career progression.
The work culture then was entirely different from what it is today. However, I'm grateful for where I am today. Now, I have the opportunity to help fellow women make the difference they want to see and mentor them to achieve progress in their professional fields while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
"Go for it - it’s absolutely worth it. There will be tough and stressful moments, but keep your head up, stay resilient, and trust your instincts."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
Looking back, I wish I had known that even after nearly two decades in tech, challenges would persist. However, I've come to see these ongoing hurdles as motivators. What I really wish I'd understood earlier is that these challenges aren't just obstacles to overcome, but opportunities to shape the field. Each difficulty presents a chance to innovate and to gradually transform the tech world into a more inclusive and dynamic space.
Knowing this from the start would have given me a different perspective on the hurdles I faced, seeing them as part of a larger mission rather than just personal setbacks.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
One of the most rewarding experiences in my career was when I was asked to establish a QA team and set up processes for my organisation to follow. And they offered to teach me about blockchain technology in return. This opportunity was truly one of the sweetest things I've heard and experienced professionally.
What made this experience even more special was the subsequent success of the team. We went on to win a Global award for being one of the best teams last year! This achievement not only validated our hard work but also showcased how effective knowledge exchange and trust in leadership can lead to exceptional results.
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
Like any field, working in tech has its highs and lows. What I love most is the ability to make a tangible impact - being part of something that solves problems and shapes the future is incredibly rewarding. It’s where I feel I contribute the most and truly make a difference.
As for the challenges, there are moments of pressure when things don’t go as planned. While these situations can be stressful, I see them as opportunities to grow and find solutions. The pressure, when approached positively, becomes part of the challenge that makes tech exciting.
"Along the way, you’ll meet incredible people - mentors, mentees, and even friends - who will support you throughout your journey. Cherish those connections as they definitely will make the ride even more rewarding."
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
One of my most memorable moments was when I spoke at my first conference a couple of years ago. After stepping off the stage, someone from the audience approached me and asked if I would be their mentor. It was such an unexpected and humbling experience, and it’s a moment I’ll always hold close. It made me realise the true impact we can have on others in this industry.
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
My advice? Go for it - it’s absolutely worth it.
There will be tough and stressful moments, but keep your head up, stay resilient, and trust your instincts. One important thing to remember is to balance your personal and professional life. Prioritise your mental and physical health, as it’s critical to long-term success.
Along the way, you’ll meet incredible people - mentors, mentees, and even friends - who will support you throughout your journey. Cherish those connections as they definitely will make the ride even more rewarding.
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