1. How did your career start? Was it planned or did you get into it by chance?

I never planned to get into technology. Cultural influence made us believe medicine was the most reputed industry for women at that time. It just happened by chance. Having male cousins going into IT, gave me a door opener for higher studies which wasn’t a family norm at that point. All the cousins choose technology so I had to too, which was quite exasperating since my inner self still wasn’t convinced. But I took the opportunity since I wanted to study, wanted to be a part of something new and exciting, to get into the commercial world.

2. Have you faced any challenges in your career due to your gender?

A LOT, my peers used to make it a joke as they thought it's not a feminine industry and they related my passion to the rebel as none of the females in my family went for higher education at that time. I was the 1/5th of the majority representing women in technology in the university but it all boiled down when I was listed as a top graduate achieving the highest marks in my subject on the university board. This is where I first attained my inner satisfaction. Regardless of what I studied, I had my full focus, energy, passion and it showed in my results. It brought a lot of confidence to my parents about their right decision of sending me to the university. Starting my professional career where within a short span of time I went into the management role for a UK based software house, followed by my career advancement in UAE, my family started putting me as a role model for our new generation irrespective of the gender as they could see gender is not a barrier for anyone to succeed and achieve.

3. Do you think enough steps are being taken by companies to encourage women to enter C-level positions?

I can proudly say yes since I am an example, being the Managing Director for HITEK, a Farnek group company. But I must say it wasn’t easy, which could be the case for a man as well. If you’re dedicated, you’re at the right place and with the positive minded people then there is nothing to stop you from progressing. But it's up to you. If you find yourself in a wrong place, you must make a move. I could see in today’s world gender equality is taken very seriously that you’re not taken by your gender but your skills and dedication. Back in the UK, being an IT Administrator, I was promoted to an IT Manager over a man, only due to my commitment levels. I also took over IT in Farnek due to lowest commitment levels from the previous male manager and this is where my most exciting professional journey started, where I have seen all the highs and lows but what made it possible was an enormous support from the male CEO. Looking back and still can see today all those roadblocks and hurdles are not only due to gender but also human nature. But with all these challenges what I see is my focus and consistency. I have cried many times, I have gotten shattered, I have gotten broke, but somehow it was always a man like my father, my husband, my CEO or my son who comes and lifts me up where I fall. I could never study higher unless my father Rana Aijaz became an advocate for me; I could never progress in my career if my husband Hisham didn’t support me; I could never practically achieve and be what I am today if my CEO Markus Oberlin did not coach me and gave me those opportunities and now what I see is my son Muhammad who re-assures me everyday.

4. Is work-life balance real or fiction?

I strongly believe it's real, based on how you deal with it. I believe in planning but I also fail many times in achieving those plans therefore I rebound. I ensure I give my family those memories whether it’s holidays or playing Fortnite with my son, but in return I make sure they accompany me to Global Village. One has to really work hard on a daily basis in your personal life as well. For example, I help my son recite and memorise the Quran, assist him in his daily studies and specially swimming together, it created an amazing bond between us as a family. My weekend is always as per my husband's plans which I ensure are fully organized. I don’t forget to take care of myself so I get my spa done with home service and ensure to meet my friends at least once a month. These steps do not leave me feeling any guilt.

5. What advice do you have for young women who would like to enter the industry?

Being in IT, when I started my career as a fresh graduate, my first job was to label a big pile of CDs, which was initially very frustrating and making me thought is this what I graduated for – to do a clerk job, but as I was finishing the task I thanked my manager as it gave me a great sense of patience, consistency and commitment which is required in any role. Plugging network cables under the desk, spending endless hours in freezing data centers with sleepless night and weekend jobs for system migrations in technology taught me there is nothing that a woman cannot do. Actually they do it with full responsibility, loyalty and commitment by default. Today I have women helping me in IT support, development and project management and myself in C-level. So all we need is a strong vision and the commitment to work towards it with consistency. Never give up!