‘Don’t hesitate to share ideas – your voice matters’

It was 1996, and I had just returned from an onshore stint in the US, with my one-year old at home. I was looking for a role that would keep me closer to family. That’s when I took on a position in the software engineering process group of the company I was working for at the time. It was a real shift for me – moving from being handson with technical delivery to focusing on the processes that enable teams to succeed.In this role, I realised something important: Success isn’t just about working harder; it’s about building the right systems. When you have solid frameworks and processes, you empower teams to do their best work. That insight changed how I thought about leadership. It taught me to zoom out, see the bigger picture, and focus on long-term, scalable solutions rather than quick wins. It’s a mindset that’s stuck with me and shaped how I approach my work today.Work-life balance isn’t staticAt this stage in my life, with my child grown and independent, my career i s m y main focus. I’ve learned that work will always expand to fill the space it’s given, so instead of striving for perfect balance, I prioritise my personal commitments and structure my work around them with strict time-boxing and prioritisation.I don’t believe in a one-size fits-all approach to work-life balance. It’s more about being self aware and listening to your body. Some seasons are more demanding than others, and it’s crucial to adjust your habits to match the ebb and flow of work. Reflect on past experiences, improve your work estimations, and adapt as necessary. Balance isn’t static – it’s a continuous process of refining your approach to fit your current life and workload.Build a network of mentorsMy advice to young women aspiring to make their mark is simple: Work hard, be bold, and speak your mind. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas – your voice matters. Surround yourself with people whose goals align with yours and who challenge you to grow. Building a network of mentors and peers you enjoy working with will provide invaluable support as you progress.Reflect on both your experiences and those of others. Learning from feedback and staying open to different perspectives will help you grow. Most importantly, reduce distractions and be patient. Success takes time, and learning is a long-term investment. Embrace delayed gratification by investing in your personal systems and habits – it’s key to achieving lasting results.