Diversity Always Makes a

"DIVERSITY ALWAYS MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE"

Andrea Carter, the Regional Director for Marketing - NEMEA at Sophos, speaks about her journey into the IT industry as a career choice

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

At Sophos, I am the Regional Marketing Director for UK and Ireland, Nordics, Western Europe, Middle East & Africa. I head the field marketing for these regions. I have spent my entire career of more than 20 years’ working in technology targeted to businesses.

A typical day for me in these new times starts with an early walk with my two dogs (my own version of a commute to work since I no longer drive to the office). Most of my day is spent attending Zoom meetings which include inputs into product launch activities, team meetings to discuss and drive strategy for the regions I work with, one on one meeting with my team and calls with the sales organizations who we partner very closely with, to meet the goals set for the business.

Every day, my attempt is to contribute, in my capacity, to the vision of Sophos which is to save organizations of all sizes and types from cybercrime through innovative products and services.

Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do? How did you decide on it?

I initially wanted to be a Lawyer but then ‘fell into’ technology and realized very quickly that I was passionate about it. My first role was with a Sales Automation Software company where I was lucky enough to get a very broad role which even included technical support.

I enjoyed learning the software system and my love of technology grew from thereon. Fast forward to today and the world of cybersecurity, the pace and constant rate of innovation at Sophos keeps my role interesting and exciting.

What first got you interested in tech?

My first experience of technology was using a ZX Spectrum Sinclair computer. I love learning new things and I am confident to have a go-getter attitude when it comes to technology. My love for technology comes from the fact that in technology, there are endless possibilities and constant evolution.

Do you have a role model?

I am very fortunate to have several role models and have had the pleasure of working for many inspirational women during my career. We are proud at Sophos to have many committed women in our business.

An early role model was my Grandmother who worked in a senior role in the Royal Air Force which was a great achievement back at that time. In terms of business role models, Cheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook has always been someone I have admired. I also enjoyed reading her book ‘Lean In’.

Would our world be different if more women were working in STEM?

I think diversity always makes a positive difference, not only having more women but a wider diverse team working in STEM will make a huge difference to any business. Sophos is a great, fully inclusive business where diversity is celebrated.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

I think I have been very lucky that I have not faced too many obstacles in my career journey, but I feel much of that is due to working for the right businesses like Sophos, where I have thrived under female leadership. One of the challenges was that I suffered with ‘imposter syndrome’ in the past and doubted my own abilities.

I felt that I was constantly trying to prove I was good enough. I even took a practitioner course in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) which had a huge impact on my self-awareness and outlook and it definitely made a big difference.

What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

The best part of being a woman in the tech industry is having the opportunity to work in such a high paced, exciting environment where no day is the same and you can guarantee you will be doing something new continuously.

Do you notice a lack of women in technology? If so, why do you think that’s the case?

Sadly, I do still notice a lack of women in technology. It is still often the case that the ratio of male to female in every meeting and event that I attend is still higher on the male side. I think the current situation is due to a legacy of not having STEM programs in the past targeting girls in schools and the lack of successful female role models in technology has led to less women choosing technology as an industry.

However, I am positive that things are changing as many tech companies have launched campaigns and initiatives in support of women in STEM. I am hopeful that in the future this issue ceases to exist. At Sophos, we are now seeing more women taking up high tech role in cybersecurity which is a good sing in this direction.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

The sky is the limit and believe that you can achieve anything you set out to do. A piece of advice I try to live by is don’t focus on problems but instead on the potential solution.

Most importantly, never feel that being a woman should affect your choices or roles in this industry. Research the top tech employers and seek mentors within the industry who would be more than willing to offer an insight and advice. I wish I had known tech was so great and had may be studied IT so that I could have been in Sophos Labs fighting cybercrime.

What do you do to unwind after work? I like to train in the gym, enjoy cooking and spend time with friends and family.