Authenticity, Alliances and the Power of Inclusive Influence
Gada Lopez, Head of Alliances for the Middle East at NTT DATA, shares how balancing leadership with personal commitments shaped her approach to influence, why sponsorship matters more than ever, and how adaptability, digital fluency, and authenticity will define the next generation of women in technology.
What defining moments or challenges most shaped your professional journey?
One of the most defining aspects of my journey has been learning to balance while navigating multiple roles as a leader, a working mother, and a partner. Frequent travel taught me to empower teams rather than control outcomes. Embracing empathy, collaboration, and authenticity as strengths shaped my leadership identity.
What barriers do women still face in leadership today that aren’t talked about enough?
One overlooked barrier is the load women carry balancing professional performance with societal and family expectations. Even in progressive workplaces, assumptions about availability or mobility can influence leadership perceptions.
How have you built credibility and influence in environments where women are underrepresented?
I’ve built credibility through respect, performance, and consistency. I contribute confidently, knowing diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes. Over time, integrity, delivery, and authenticity have reinforced my influence more than titles ever could.
What skills or mindsets will be most critical for the next generation of women leaders?
Adaptability and digital fluency will be essential as AI reshapes industries. Self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, resilience, and inclusive leadership will differentiate strong leaders. Most importantly, authenticity will be a competitive advantage in a transparent, trust driven world.
What role have mentorship and sponsorship played in your career, and how do you support others today?
Mentorship expanded my perspective, but sponsorship created real opportunities. Leaders who advocated for me made the biggest impact. Today, I mentor and sponsor others by building confidence and creating access to visible opportunities.
What advice would you give young women considering careers in IT, security, or leadership roles?
My advice to young women: Your voice is needed. Diverse perspectives at decision-making tables are required to build secure and ethical digital futures. Focus on building strong foundations and seek environments where diverse viewpoints are genuinely valued and performance is recognized as equitable. True impact is defined by strength, inclusivity, and integrity of the teams you help build.
Last but not the least, please understand work-life integration is about alignment, not perfect balance. Set clear priorities, delegate when needed, and establish healthy boundaries. Sustainable success comes from focus, strong support systems, and defining achievement on your own terms, and not by trying to do everything at once.
