Tell us about your journey in tech. How did you get started, and what motivated you to pursue a career in tech?
My journey into the tech industry kicked off during my final year of college while studying graphic design. As part of our curriculum, we explored web development basics like HTML and CSS using Dreamweaver as a development tool. This sparked my interest in technology and the digital aspects of design. Around the same time, I co-founded a design and innovation centre. Our mission was to consult with businesses and bring their innovative ideas from mind to market. The demand for eCommerce web development began to surge among our client base, which coincided with Shopify’s expansion into EMEA. As an early adopter of the Shopify platform, I became one of the first partners in Ireland. This led me directly to a position at Shopify, and subsequently, to a role at IDHL, where I applied my consultancy, design, and tech skills to support their mission. My tech career – though rooted in design and innovation – has been a journey of adapting and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve with technology.
Share a pivotal moment or project that contributed to your success in the tech industry?
Throughout my career, numerous moments have helped shape my trajectory. For instance, as part of the RnD team at Shopify, I worked closely with the sales, product, and engineering teams to bridge significant product gaps to help acquire and/or retain some of the platform’s largest clients.
On a more recent note, I am currently spearheading a technical transformation project at IDHL, which is incredibly exciting. The goal is to boost efficiency, quality, and time to value when developing eCommerce solutions for our clients. My primary focus has been on promoting the adoption of scalable solutions by nurturing a culture of standardised development practices within our team.
This project has already made significant strides in enhancing our capabilities and offerings. It has brought about improvements in our development processes and established new innovative benchmarks for future initiatives including the exploration of what we can achieve with AI capabilities.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in tech, and how did you overcome them?
In my experience, I’ve been fortunate to work in professional environments that are supportive and inclusive. I realise that not everyone is as fortunate as me, and challenges still exist for women in tech. To anyone facing gender-specific challenges, I would advise advocating for change where possible, and if that’s not possible, seeking a new environment that values supportiveness will be key. A positive and supportive environment is crucial for a successful and positive career trajectory.
“Focus on making an impact in everything you do and aim to create contributions that drive innovation and change that impact the bottom line.” Angela Mahon Hoey
Who are some other women in tech that you admire or have inspired you, and why?
My inspiration comes from the women I work with daily. While they may not all have a technical background, their contributions are invaluable to the tech industry. For instance, Shimona Mehta demonstrated visionary leadership as she navigated complex decision-making in her role as MD of EMEA at Shopify. I’ve also been inspired by Namrata Murlidhar, who advocates for her female colleagues, embodying empathy, and the leadership qualities I aspire to emulate in my own journey. Anneka D’Cruz impresses me with her ability to remain incredibly level-headed while leading large, complex projects. Helen Buchanan is another incredible human, a peer advocate with a steadfast focus on fostering a healthy team culture and a deep commitment to the company’s mission. While there are many more women I could mention, these are the ones who have most significantly shaped how I work today.
As a woman in tech, what changes or improvements would you like to see in the industry?
This is a more general shift I would like to see across the board, not limited to women in tech — I’m observing a trend on social media platforms suggesting that remote work stifles innovation. I find this view short-sighted, and it appears to be a form of groupthink that will hinder career progression for all genders. Remote work also creates opportunities for people with disabilities, those in remote areas, and people who have commuting challenges. The view that remote work limits innovation signals that these companies are not managing their remote working strategies effectively. Events, workshops, and days at the office can be strategically scheduled to support fostering more innovation. It’s essential that more people speak up and advocate for the benefits of flexible working. This advocacy is important, not only for women in tech but for everyone who requires flexible hours to manage their work-life balance effectively.
What strategies have you used to set clear career goals and create a roadmap for your professional development?
My strategy consists of aligning my objectives with the company’s goals and technical direction. My approach to career development is, first and foremost, focused on maximising the impact of my existing skills and secondly, on constant learning. I follow an 80/20 rule: dedicating 20% of my time to learning new things and 80% to applying the skills I have to make an impact.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for women striving to succeed in the tech industry?
