Tell us about your journey in tech. How did you get started, and what motivated you to pursue a career in tech?
I am currently the Chief Technology Officer at Atos, a role I have held since June 2022. In this position, I leverage emerging technology trends and industry best practices to establish mature models and drive continuous process and solution improvements across the organization. Prior to joining Atos, I spent several years at HCL Technologies, most recently serving as the Associate General Manager in Finland. An interesting point about my background is that I was just named one of the Top 10 Women in UK & Europe in the 2024 edition of Technology Magazine’s Annual Top 100 Women in Technology list. This recognition is a testament to the impact I’ve been able to make in my career thus far.
As CTO at Atos, I’m responsible for providing strategic technology leadership, overseeing technical roadmaps, and ensuring our solutions and services remain cutting-edge. It’s a dynamic role that allows me to leverage my extensive experience in the industry to drive innovation and operational excellence. I’m very proud of the work I’ve been able to accomplish, both in my current position and throughout my career. It’s highly rewarding to be able to contribute to the growth and success of leading technology organizations like Atos.
Tell us about your journey in tech. How did you got started, and what motivated you to pursue a career in tech?
I have always been interested in more inquisitive technologies. However, getting into IT as a career was never planned. This started with the small project where I wanted to work to test my knowledge and then I just didn’t look back. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by brilliant leaders where I have been able to learn and grow with them initially and my path was paved through many such leaders, mentors, and managers during the career path.
Olga can you share a pivotal moment or project that contributed to your success in the tech industry?
I have always felt that networking with the tech community and my peers come very naturally to me and never felt like needing to do extra work.
As I have worked on many different projects, scenarios, and user cases this has enabled me to participate in many different community discussions. However, I am aware that this is not always the case for many women in tech so my top tip would be: focus on your mindset and that honest attitudes leads to honest answers. There should never be a bad question and never be shy if you don’t know the topic always be open to learning and growing.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in tech, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in tech, some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced include the historically male-dominated culture, especially in high-intensity work environments. In the past, the atmosphere could feel unwelcoming, particularly when working late nights, commuting alone, or interacting with predominantly male teams.
However, I’ve found that focusing on the work at hand, rather than dwelling on my gender, has been an effective way to overcome these challenges. I’ve been fortunate that both my personal and professional environments have generally been quite diverse and accepting.
Overall, while the tech industry may have been more male-centric a decade ago, I believe diversity in tech is now becoming a reality, not just an aspiration. The key is to maintain a mindset of professionalism and competence, rather than letting gender differences distract from the job at hand.
Who are some other women in tech that you admire or have inspired you, and why?
I greatly admire the women colleagues and team members I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my career. Each one has their own unique story of success, which I find incredibly inspiring. What stands out to me is how they are able to maintain such a tight technical discipline and dynamic workflow, all while balancing the demands of their careers and personal lives.
It’s truly remarkable to see how they are able to devote 8-9 hours every day to advancing their careers, yet never lose sight of the importance of work-life balance. Their dedication and resilience in navigating the challenges of the tech industry is something I find deeply admirable.
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from these amazing women. Their examples have shown me that it’s possible to excel technically while also caring for oneself and one’s family. They embody the notion that success in tech doesn’t have to come at the expense of a fulfilling personal life. Their journeys continue to motivate and inspire me to push the boundaries of what’s possible for women in this field.
What strategies have you used to set clear career goals and create a roadmap for your professional development?
One of the key strategies I’ve found effective is to focus on getting things right the first time, rather than rushing or taking shortcuts. This mindset has allowed me to achieve career growth more quickly, as I’ve been able to consistently deliver high-quality work that demonstrates my technical capabilities and commitment.
I’ve found that setting goals in the tech industry requires flexibility and an openness to dynamic career paths. There is no single, predetermined route to success anymore. I’ve seen many colleagues excel by pivoting to entirely new fields after decades of experience in one technology.
The important thing is to identify what truly interests and motivates you, and then set goals accordingly. For me, this has meant being very intentional about the projects and roles I pursue, even if they don’t always fit a traditional career trajectory.
By marrying this sense of purpose with a focus on excellence in execution, I’ve been able to create a professional development roadmap that is tailored to my unique strengths and aspirations. It’s a continual process of self-reflection, goal-setting, and adaptation as the industry landscape evolves.
The key is to avoid getting too attached to a rigid plan, and instead remain agile and open to new opportunities that align with your core values and interests. This flexibility, combined with a dedication to doing exceptional work, has been instrumental in guiding my career progression.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for women striving to succeed in the tech industry?
2. Break the silence around you by Networking and socializing
3. Listening more first.
