“Building a Network is Important for Future Job Prospects”

Sue Azari, the Industry Lead for eCommerce at AppsFlyer, says, mentorship can be crucial for career development and personal growth

Can you share your journey into the technology world? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I started working in the fashion industry in a variety of marketing roles where I was an end user of technology platforms within my job. I was really interested in the innovation and pace of change in technology, with a focus on solving problems, so ten years into my marketing career I switched industries and moved into tech and haven’t looked back.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
I initially found challenges with getting used to a different industry, with different processes and ways of working, and measures of success. Moving into a male dominated environment was also a new experience for me, and I missed the lack of female role models that I had been used to in previous businesses outside of technology.

Whilst it’s difficult for me to fix that as an individual, I am fortunate to have a great line manager who supports me and I can communicate any challenges with. I also want to use my position in the industry to help increase diversity and pave the way for other women to come into this space. I have volunteered with organisations such as InnovateHer and The Girls Network to try and educate and inspire young girls to pursue a potential career path in tech.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How did they impact your journey?
Mentorship can be crucial for career development and personal growth. I have had a couple of mentors throughout my career but the biggest influence on my career journey has come from my peers in the industry who I have always been able to lean on for advice and guidance when navigating changes or challenges with my career.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the technology world?
My advice for women pursuing a role in tech would be to look at the career paths of people who inspire you (both men and women). What and where did they study, what qualifications do they have, what was their first job, what types of roles did they have and what types of companies have they worked for? You don’t have to replicate this but it’s good inspiration. Building a network is important for future job prospects, you can do this online through LinkedIn or through in-person events.

I don’t necessarily think that you need a mentor, you can forge your own path, but having good contacts will always help open doors. Be fearless and confident and keep knocking on doors until you find the right opportunity and don’t be afraid to speak up. And always stay curious! Ask lots of questions and stay up-to-date with what is happening in the industry, you would be surprised at how many people don’t do this and it will make you stand out.

Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
I’m really proud to have been a Chairperson and a speaker at the Women of Silicon Roundabout event, the UK’s largest tech event for women. I had the fantastic opportunity to host talks and a fireside chat with impressive women in the industry such as Janine Hirt, CEO at Innovate Finance, and Mariam Ogunbambi, CCO at Starling Bank. It was a brilliant event celebrating women in tech and I was honoured to be a part of it.

How do you manage work-life balance, and what tips do you have for other women striving to achieve this balance?
Having boundaries in place is really important, I can be a bit of a people pleaser and have found it difficult in the past to say no to work requests even when I am at capacity. I have learnt the importance of protecting my time and energy so that I can deliver the best quality of work, and time blocking tasks in my calendar. This includes managing the technology that I use for work and deleting any work communication apps off my phone at the weekend or when I’m on annual leave so that I can fully switch off.