Women in Tech: Sarah Carter

1. What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #ChooseToChallenge mean for you in your work life?

#ChooseToChallenge is this year’s IWD theme. From Challenge comes change. For me it’s about breaking down barriers, educating colleagues and making sure everyone feels supported when choosing to challenge.

2. What influenced you to pursue a career in Technology?

It is an exciting, fast paced and ever changing industry, full of inspiring people that have a creative vision for the future. It never stands still and I thrive on continually moving forward.

3. In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up powerful & successful roles?

Having women in traditionally viewed powerful roles usually means within senior leadership. At this level, having a diverse group of people brings different views and new ways of thinking. A different way to approach problem solving and negotiations. Which only leads to a better and balanced leadership team with clear direction and ultimately a more profitable business. More women “at the table” also brings more opportunity for mentoring other women within their careers and growth.

4. What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman starting out in her career?

Be true to who you are, everyone has their own strengths, play yours.

5. Do you think there’s a stereotype attached to high-powered females?

No, I prefer to think we have all moved on.

6. What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women within the tech industry?

Tech is still a male dominated industry and women are under-represented in all levels. We need to make sure that women have the opportunity and support within companies to not only grow organically through their organisation but are employed in roles at senior management level, not just from within our own industry but from other sectors.

7. How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Personally I dislike that this has focus and terminology. It shouldn’t be seen as an optional action or something we refer to. We shouldn’t have to remind ourselves that it’s important to “lift anyone up”, male or female.

8. On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

There is nothing that you cannot do or achieve, literally nothing. If things don’t plan out how you thought, don’t be afraid to change direction. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or years into a career that’s not working for you. There is always choice. Do not be limited by thoughts or distracted by others from your ability to accomplish your goals.

9. How can our colleagues support our quest for equality?

Be educated and be respectful.

10. "Only 5% of leadership positions in the technology sector are held by women" How would you react to this?

I react by choosing to challenge…….

Across the world on 8 March, women are being celebrated on International Women’s Day. From social, political and cultural achievements, the day marks a celebration of women’s successes but also shines a spotlight on the progression of women’s rights too.

Here at Apogee, we are committed to ensuring that we have a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Women have played a key role at Apogee since our company’s early days and remain vital to our success today. It’s our continuing objective to strengthen gender equality and achieve the full empowerment of all women.