Diverse workforces yield the best results: An interview with Aviva CISO Sarah Self
Women in Tech Awards finalist Sarah Self explains why she thinks role models can drive a positive change in the tech status quo.
There is widespread acknowledgement that if the tech sector wants to improve the representation of women within its ranks, particularly in leadership, that role models are extremely important. Young girls won't aspire to be what they can't see, and whilst this puts some pressure on the women who have forged a successful career in the industry, many are delighted and eager to act as ambassadors for such a career.
Sarah Self, CISO at Aviva and a finalist in the hotly contested IT Leader of the Year category at the Women in Tech Excellence Awards is one such woman. She explains here why she considers role models to be vital to persuade girls and young women ruling themselves out of tech careers.
Why do you support Computing's Women in Tech Excellence Campaign?
Celebrating and highlighting women's achievements inspires others. If you see someone else doing it then you know you can too, and you can show your daughters, nieces and friends that they can too. That ripple becomes a wave and can be the movement that drives more positive change.
How did you get into IT industry?
My first interest came through the customer lens, I was working with customers and getting frustrated that the technology, people and process weren't all coming together well enough for them. I wanted to make a difference to what was delivered so from there I moved into transformational change roles, and then into running large IT Platforms. After several years I then specialised into security and moved into CISO roles. My passion has remained the same though, I always strive to get the technology, people and process all working beautifully together, as that's how you get the great outcomes.
Why you think is the main reason why the IT Industry is mainly male, especially in technical roles and senior positions?
There are a number of reasons for this which sadly start at a young age. A fascinating study of 7 year olds looked at what careers girls and boys thought they would have, the difference was stark. Girls hadn't been actively or consciously taught that they couldn't or shouldn't do certain roles but already at that age they had been surrounded by messaging that was subconsciously pushing them in certain directions and away from others. We have to change that messaging. Celebrating and telling the stories of successful women is one part of that, but it goes more deeply.
We also shouldn't shy away from recognising, and changing, some of the attitudes and constructs which exist today. The sad truth is there are few women who can say they haven't experienced sexism, been patronised or excluded from the predominantly male industry. This puts women off and stunts their career aspirations. However, we all have the ability to change that by continuing to deliver strongly, supporting each other and speaking out when it happens. The number of allies is growing and the science backs up the fact that a diverse workforce yields the best results so things are moving. Our role as leaders is to accelerate that change.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?
To be brave, say ‘yes' and to not be afraid to ask for what you want. People can say no and that's fine, there may be a very good reason they do, but if you don't ask then how do you expect people to help you get to where you want to be?
What are your three top tips for women looking to start a career in IT?/What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles?
Very similar to the above…. Say ‘yes' and be brave. Also understand your style of leadership and be true to it. You can emulate people you admire and learn greatly from others (in fact these things are a must) but in the end you need to be you. Understanding who ‘you' is in terms of leadership is a key first step. You may find this often comes from having a go and making mistakes. If so that is great and perfectly normal, as the only real mistake is not trying or not asking for help when you need it.
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