Three women are breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated tech industry

The technology industry is experiencing an explosion of innovation. He is recognized for his creativity and innovative approach to solving long-standing problems. But paradoxically, even here in 2024, we are still struggling with diversity and inclusion, especially when it comes to leadership.

In fact, there are fewer women in technology leadership roles today than ever before. In 1984, 35% of technology leaders were women. In 2023, that number dropped to her 28%.

These three women are a powerful force in breaking the glass ceiling with their fierce determination to achieve the gender equality that is deserved in the traditionally male-dominated technology industry. Karen Baker, Boathouse President. and Petula Lucey, Senior Vice President of Marketing, HqO Global.

Catherine Kostereva, CEO of Creatio

Founders in the software industry are overwhelmingly male. But Creatio CEO Catherine Kostereva developed her no-code workflow and CRM automation platform herself for the first seven years of the company's history, until she raised $70 million.

And she didn't stop there. Creatio has experienced record growth over the past two years. Today, the company has 700 employees in 7 offices, local presence in 14 countries, and long-term relationships with thousands of customers and partners around the world.

“I deeply believe that the only way to excel in your career is to fully align your career with your life purpose,” Kostereva told me in an exclusive interview. “Life is too short to waste on a career that doesn't resonate with your passion.”

Kostereva feels happy to have found such alignment at Creatio. “We are dedicated to enabling knowledge workers without technical skills to automate their workflows using no-code technology,” she says. “The concept of achieving freedom and self-sufficiency without relying on specialized technical skills or assistance from others resonates strongly with me. Creatio is spreading this freedom to people and organizations around the world. It’s very rewarding to see.”

In Kostelyova's view, challenges are opportunities. She believes that great career opportunities exist for women in the technology industry who are eager and ready to pursue their personal vision.

“Fortunately, more women are joining the tech industry every year. Being early adopters of innovations like no-code and generative AI can be a big help,” she advises. “What matters is focus, resilience and grit. If you are truly passionate about your career, no prejudice can hold you back.”

Karen Baker, Boathouse President

The technology industry faces a severe gender disparity, with women struggling to earn the same titles and recognition as men. This disparity is even more pronounced for women of color in the tech industry, said Karen Baker, president of Boathouse. “Equal representation, opportunity and inclusion are essential.”

Boathouse is an independent, full-service integrated marketing and communications agency driven by data, driven by analytics, and powered by artificial intelligence.

Every seven years, Baker asks herself an important question. Given the new skills she has developed, is her career still in line with her life purpose? As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she is aware of the glass ceiling and is determined to raise it. I feel that is my purpose as a female leader.

“I cherish Zig Ziglar's quote, 'Success happens when opportunity meets preparation,' and it guides me as a female leader,” Baker says. “For the past 10 years, I have focused on acquiring clients who want to tackle complex problems to make an impact. It keeps me focused and fulfilled in my work.”

Baker feels that overcoming gender and racial bias requires a two-pronged approach: systemic change and embracing a growth mindset. “The technology industry needs to actively promote women to leadership positions, including executive and executive roles,” she says. “Companies need to break out of the status quo. They need to adopt a 'no-box' approach to foster more inclusivity. ”

At the same time, women must continue to support each other, advises Baker. We must also challenge narratives that prevent our contributions to technology from being fully recognized. “To achieve true equality in the industry, it is important to disrupt this narrative,” she says.

Petula Lucey, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing

As the world's leading real estate experience platform, HqO is transforming the way people experience physical space. The technology company's platform and digital services enable real estate employees to have a more satisfying and effective experience when working from the office. HqO has powered 400 million square feet in more than 700 facilities in 32 countries, maximizing and driving tenant and employee acquisition, retention and engagement.

Petula Lucey is HqO's Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. Her guiding purpose is to leave a lasting positive impact on everything she touches. “This drive to influence and inspire those around me comes from a deep, intrinsic passion,” she told me in an exclusive interview. “I take great pride in channeling this passion into promoting positive change. As a mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, citizen, and technology executive, I consider it my superpower. I think I want to do.”

Women in male-dominated fields often face perception barriers, Lucy says, even when there is no difference in ability. “In reality, most women are not lacking in talent, potential, or ability; rather, they are simply fighting to break the myth of technology as a man's world,” she explains. She has worked hard to eliminate unconscious gender bias.

“I believe in ownership, coaching and recognition,” says Lucy. “I believe that when these pillars of behavior and action are practiced with rigor and consistency, women not only grow, but also become architects of the future we build together, both inside and outside the office.” I saw firsthand how you can create a space where you can do everything you want.”