June 2021 Female Tech Leaders Magazine

YASSAMAN OMIDBAKHSH
Do you think there is a diversity issue in the tech sector? How the lack of women in
technology has affected you?
Yes - I believe there is a huge gap. I must admit, I've had the pleasure (although unfortunately
very limited), to work with talented, ambitious, smart women who are very capable in their
own area and those were some of the most inspiring moments for me. I have noticed,
women (contrary to popular belief), are mainly executors and less of talkers. We need more
technology oriented women in this sector and in leadership positions. I have seen numerous
studies in sizable companies across various sectors, where the performance, efficiency and on
top of all "team morale" has been the highest with women in leadership positions. I certainly
uphold this statement from my own experience and observation.
Generally, diversity is necessary across all areas of our lives - being gender, cultural, ethnicity,
etc. It is proven how having different personality traits in a team strengthens that team and
helps bring them closer to their goals. I can only imagine, diversifying deeper within genders
and ethnicities in organization can have immense value and benefits by fostering different
thought patterns and tackling problems.
Technology is a male-dominated field. How could the tech industry be more inclusive for
women?
Talking again from personal experience - when attending university (or even prior to that), it
wasn't the easiest for a very young girl to easily fit into the already socially constructed norms
of male oriented industries, namely technology sector. I have been fortunate enough to go
against the norm and always stand up for myself, perhaps by luck or by choice. But not
everyone has this luxury which did open my eyes to the reality of many. One example I can
think of among my (strong, liberal, independent) friends and colleagues - especially in the
Finance sector - all were faced with extra challenges early on throughout their careers -
numerous instances of bulling, shaming and pestering in heavily male oriented work
environment/industry.
I guess all of us, as women, came far to have gained the confidence and alternative mindset
to have the strength and courage to stand-up to these challenges, but for young girls, about
to face the world this is not an easy feat. And that's ok. I truly believe this is the best time to
take ownership of the narrative and encourage one another. Historically speaking, the social
norms have always been shifting gradually and that's normal. Nothing ever came easy
throughout not only the history of mankind but also in nature. Alot of fights have been
fought, alot of sacrifices have been made for us to attain the many luxuries we have now. And
I strongly believe we as women are at this point of time: to take ownership of this evolution.
For obvious reasons, it is absolutely dangerous and wrong to put the emphasis on male
patriarchy and blame the genders for any inequality. Rather, we should all steer the ship with
our own hands and set sail to the direction we choose. Slowly, in few years and next
generations, the gaps will be filled and we will have a more equal world which was made by
us, not given to us. We, as women, not only have to strive professionally, but also have the
herculean task of dominating and scratching out the traditions. With the right mindset and
more success stories yet to be written we will get there soon.
What are some of the biggest challenges that women in the world of technology face
today?
Connected to the story above, I think the biggest challenge - like any other start-up story - it's
not the founding part, nor the beginnings, but the scale-up. For women, we have to truly
earn the leadership positions through sweat and tears (literally). And I also genuinely believe
that's what makes women better leaders and executors - they don't take it lightly. After-all, all
the effort didn't come easy and you don't treat valuable things with mediocrity.