Celebrating Women in Tech
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, it's important to highlight the contributions of women in the industry. We spoke with Tiffany Walker, the head of product design at Gen, who shared her journey and perspective on how women can thrive in this ever-evolving environment.
The Journey to Product Design
Tiffany began her career in design when the internet was at its beginning. With no App Store or iPhones, she initially focused on production design for print. However, her passion for digital experiences began when she transitioned to a digital platform. This marked the beginning of her love for software development and design. In her current role at Gen, she leads the product design department.
“Our goal is to create experiences that help our customers feel secure and protected from cyber threats,” she said.
Challenges Faced as a Woman in Tech
Throughout her career, Tiffany encountered challenges typical for women in the industry, a historically male-dominated field. She noted that unconscious biases often led to unfair feedback throughout her career. For instance, she recalled times when her directness was perceived as aggression, while her male counterparts would likely be praised for being assertive. To overcome these biases, she adjusted her communication style without compromising her ideas.
“I learned to express my thoughts in a way that encourages collaboration and understanding,” she said.
Through framing her questions with intent, she ensured her voice was heard while navigating this historically male-dominated environment.
Advice for Young Women
For young women considering a career in tech or cybersecurity, Tiffany offers advice.
“Stay open-minded and ready to evolve. The tech landscape is always changing, and what you do today may look different in ten years,” she said.
The Role of Mentorship
Mentorship has played a significant role in Tiffany's career development. A former mentor, a senior executive, helped her navigate challenges and build confidence in her abilities.
“She taught me to recognize that feedback based on gender norms should not define my capabilities,” she shared.
This support has been invaluable in shaping her professional growth.
Skills for Success
To thrive in the industry, Tiffany believes three key skills are essential:
- Expertise in Your Craft: Whether you're a software engineer, product designer or project manager, being knowledgeable and skilled in your area of work is non-negotiable.
- Being Ability to Deliver: In tech, speed is critical. It's often more important to get something out quickly than to wait for perfection. Adapting to the fast pace of the industry is crucial for success.
- Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of colleagues fosters collaboration. Recognizing and caring about what others prioritize strengthens team dynamics.
The Future of Women in Tech
Looking ahead, Tiffany is excited about the growing presence of women in the landscape.
“As more women enter the field, we bring diverse perspectives that enrich our projects and solutions,” she said.
As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s recognize the contributions of women in tech and cybersecurity. Their insights, experiences and perspectives are vital to shaping a safer digital world for everyone.
At Gen, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all employees, especially women, to lead and innovate in the face of new challenges.
