Please share your journey as a female tech co-founder, shaping leadership views.
Having been in the tech industry for over 17 years, my journey as a woman co-founder at Routematic has been both challenging and transformative. I’ve worked in diverse roles, from software development to operations, finance, and HR. Gender Bias and stereotypes are often common in a male-dominated industry such as Employee Transportation. Overcoming these hurdles involved consistent high-quality work, and building a supportive network to navigate through these challenges.
My journey underscores the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and effective communication in leadership. I take pride in contributing to positive change and remain dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders, irrespective of gender.
How do you think women’s leadership enhances the tech and transportation industries?
Women leaders in the smart business sector, especially in technology and transportation, possess unique qualities such as strong collaboration and communication skills, empathy, adaptability, and resilience. These qualities contribute significantly to innovation, while a customer-centric focus ensures that solutions meet a wide range of user needs. Being a woman entrepreneur means managing multiple departments. In the last few years, I’ve handled company finances, HR functions, operations, and more. This diverse experience has provided a holistic understanding of the business, contributing to well-informed decision-making.
How do you balance tech career demands and personal life and what would you advise to women aspiring tech leaders?
Navigating the demands of the fast-paced tech industry while managing personal responsibilities necessitates effective time management, setting boundaries, and delegation. Embracing technology and placing importance on self-care is also essential. I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and colleagues who understand the challenges.
To aspiring women leaders, I advise communicating boundaries, delegating tasks, and prioritizing both personal and professional well-being. Surround yourself with a strong support system, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
Have you, as a female leader, encountered gender-related obstacles in male-dominated sectors?
As a woman leader, challenges like gender bias and limited representation have been part of my journey. Consistently delivering high-quality work, building a supportive network, and honing negotiation skills have been crucial in overcoming these hurdles.
Open communication about priorities has helped manage work-life balance pressures, and advocating for inclusivity has fostered positive change in the industry. Despite stereotypes, showcasing inclusive leadership styles has been key to my success.
How do you see technology transforming the transportation industry, and what role can women play in this space?
In the context of smart transportation solutions, innovations like real-time tracking, data analytics, and autonomous vehicles are optimizing operations. Women can play a crucial role in driving innovation in this space by bringing diverse perspectives and skill sets to the table. Inclusive teams, comprising both men and women, foster creative solutions that address a broader range of needs.
At Routematic, we believe in the power of diverse teams and inclusive leadership to navigate the evolving landscape of smart transportation. Encouraging women to actively participate in technology and transportation roles, providing mentorship opportunities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning are essential steps in harnessing the full potential of women in driving innovation within the transportation industry.
