Did you know that while women make up more than 50 percent of the U.S. workforce, less than one in five employees in the tech industry are women? Like in most male-dominated industries, there are many reasons for the lack of women in tech, including work culture and gender discrimination issues, a significant gender pay gap, and a lack of female representation in the workplace. Despite these challenges, the technology industry is filled with incredible opportunities for women – not to mention the limitless benefits that women bring to the industry.
At Totango, we are proud of the immense gender diversity on our team, and we believe that our ability to successfully grow and expand is due in large part to the different perspectives and expertise that our female team members have brought to the table.
“Fifty percent of our leadership team, our executive team and our go-to-market organization at Totango are women,” said Jamie Bertasi, Totango COO. “I think it’s really important to support more women in tech and leadership roles and I think the number one thing we need to do first is to actually show that it’s possible.”
To shed some light on what it’s like to be a woman in tech and to gain a better understanding of how we can empower more women to join the industry, we spoke to two of our female leaders, Katie Yagodnik, Director of CS Operations & Digital Programs, and Ravit Danino, SVP of Product & Support, to get their perspective, tips and advice. Check out their thoughts below.
Why do you think we need more women in tech? What do women bring to the industry?
KY: Women bring a different way of viewing the world when it comes to solving problems and creating solutions. We are able to tackle multiple issues going on around us at the same time, so we are able to power through things very quickly. Technology continues to evolve quickly, so our ability to block and tackle quickly while also looking at things from multiple perspectives can help catapult good tech companies to GREAT.
What suggestions do you have for companies that are trying to promote a culture that embraces women in tech?
KY: Ensure that your leadership team is reflective of the diversity you are trying to achieve. Also, women are still expected to be great employees, and to some degree, great caregivers, so it’s important to empower a culture that recognizes this flexibility to be both.
RD: Through my experience over the years, I believe that whoever is good in their work will succeed, regardless of their gender. I personally feel you don’t have to take any unnatural steps to promote it, but you do need to make sure you are not blocking it.
What kind of support do women need in order to advance in this industry?
KY: Great mentors, and internal opportunities to shine and be visible within the organization.
What recommendations do you have for women who are interested in starting a career in tech and/or advancing their current careers in this industry?
KY: There are so many communities out there to join, so I would start there. Always be curious and keep investing in yourself by reading articles, becoming a subject matter expert in the things regarding technology that interest you. Try to sign up for 1-2 webinars per month on topics that interest you.
RD: My recommendation is to be who you are, bring what you know, and remember that being a woman is not a disadvantage.
Do you have any suggestions for encouraging more young girls to explore careers in technology?
KY: I think the accessibility of technology for children at a young age has definitely helped. With that being said, there is more work to be done regarding educating young women about tech jobs and what is out there – from engineers to coders to those in customer success roles, we are all touched and working in technology.
RD: I think young girls need to know that this industry is interesting and fun. It enables you to be creative at work and also in your everyday life.
Why did you choose the technology industry?
KY: Tech isn’t going away, so why not embrace it and be a part of its evolution? I have always been a problem solver and having the ability to leverage technology to move faster is exciting to be a part of.
RD: My main interest has always been creativity. I loved art as a child and I love sewing as an adult, so I knew I wanted to do something creative in my career. I looked into architecture and technology, and eventually, I decided that a career in technology would allow me to bring value through creativity, but also to develop things that would make a greater contribution to the world.
What is your favorite part about working in tech?
KY: There is never a dull moment. Every day brings new challenges.
RD: Collaboration with creative people and the constantly changing market.
What support have you had throughout your career that has helped you to advance?
KY: Great mentors and leaders that championed me investing in myself – whether it was buying books to become a subject matter expert or solidifying a budget for me to have continued education in leadership.
RD: My husband has been a great support as he believes, as do I, that there is no connection between your position and your gender. I’ve also always been driven by my love of crafting something out of nothing – whether it’s in sewing or baking or programming.
The contributions that women make to the tech industry are undeniable, which is why we at Totango will continue to advocate for women in tech. No matter your gender, however, we’re always looking to add creative, motivated folks to our team. If you’re interested in a rewarding and challenging career and want to join a team that is at the forefront of the growing customer success industry, be sure to check out our job openings. Or, if you’re simply interested in learning more about Totango and how we can help you reach your customer success goals, sign up for Totango for free today!
