Women in tech
Why the tech Channel is embracing and inspiring women across the board
Following on from International Women’s Day, which was held back in March we spoke with a number of women across the channel from a range of industry sectors to find out more about how their career path led them into the channel and what life is like as a female tech leader or junior and why more women should consider a career within the tech channel. First up is Laila Hede Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer, Zeta Display.
Here’s what Laila had to say: What is your professional background and how has this contributed to your current working position? After studying my Bachelor’s degree in marketing and economics at Lyngby Business University, I threw myself headlong into the world of tech. I’ve previously worked with cutting edge American tech companies in
various presidential roles, and I’m extremely proud to have been one of the early pioneers to introduce and educate the market about fine pixel pitch LED display technology. I took this from being a niche technology into a mainstream product, and in turn transformed these businesses from start-ups to brands that own the high-end space today. In my role as Chief Commercial Operator for ZetaDisplay, I lead
on bringing synergy across the global teams helping to merge the unit strategy.
What are your experiences of being a female tech leader? The tech sector is traditionally male-dominated and is often seen as a ‘man’s world’. Women leaders today are breaking the glass ceiling and we’re actively seeking out opportunities to encourage other women to step into the industry. In my early years in technology, there were challenges I had to face
but I used them to further fuel my passion. Instead of letting them affect me, they’ve motivated me to learn everything I possibly could about the industry. They’ve driven me to want to be the most knowledgeable person in the room. I didn’t necessarily want to be the loudest voice in the room, but I wanted people to remember me. Generations before us have paved the way and made it possible for us
to be where we are today. Now it’s our turn to guide the way for others and help the next generation of women by sharing our experiences. We must dare to think in new ways and dare to let in new perspectives.
What challenges have you encountered if any being a female in the tech sector? Bias is unfortunately something that is seen all over the world, it happens in every country, and it doesn’t just stop at being gender specific. Bias can take on so many different shapes and can be towards age, religion, culture, background and even education. I truly believe a person’s experience and achievements shows the image of the true person, not their background or where they grew up. If you’re
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passionate it will only fuel your fire to succeed and progress. I’m grateful to have worked alongside male colleagues who have
championed women and I’ve continued to find and provide support to women within the industry through the various networking events, associations, and mentor programs that are available.
What are your interests and passions in regards to working in the tech channel? I love how fast paced the industry is. Technology is constantly evolving and changing so there is always something new to be learning. I’m committed to understanding as much as I possibly can about the industry, and I thrive when working at the cutting edge of emerging trends and technologies. I’m grateful for the support network the industry provides, it really
has a community feel and you can learn so much from the people around you.
How can the channel drive greater diversity in the sector? I think the rise of online events, especially those that are free, are a fantastic way to make education within the industry more accessible. Not just for women, but across the industry in general to encourage people from all walks of life to see the opportunities this industry has to offer. I’d also like to see more mentorship opportunities, encouraging
and supporting younger generations to take further steps in this exciting sector.
How can the channel look to attract more females into leadership positions within the channel? The Nordics have a great approach for this, not just in the tech sector but for encouraging female leaders and entrepreneurs in all areas of business. For example, they have introduced a mandate that requires at least 33% of people on a board of directors must be female. I know that communities are being forged specifically for female
entrepreneurs helping them to get noticed and to secure investments in their businesses, as well as offering them advice and support from other industry-leading females. If initiatives like this continue to emerge, along with strong female
leaders in the industry speaking out and offering advice, we will see an increase of more women taking their first steps in this exciting sector.
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