Welcome to the second part of our Empowering Women in Tech series, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible women who drive innovation and leadership at Oktana. In this installment, we feature Iris, a software engineer who joined Oktana in 2018. Over the years, Iris has grown into a leadership role and is now in charge of our internal org team, which plays a critical role in ensuring our internal systems run smoothly.
Internally, Iris is known as the go-to person for resolving requests, from fixing issues with our timebook system to managing other internal tools. Her journey reflects not only her technical expertise but also her dedication to supporting her colleagues and ensuring operational efficiency. Let’s dive into Iris’ experience as a leader in tech and her insights on career growth.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey at Oktana and how your role has evolved since 2018?
I began my journey at Oktana as a software developer. I had excellent opportunities to learn popular programming languages, which significantly expanded my technical knowledge. Since 2018, I have immersed myself in the world of Salesforce, initially focusing solely on programming within its technologies. However, I later ventured into the role of administrator, which proved to be quite rewarding as it allowed me to understand the platform more comprehensively. I had very good mentors from whom I learned a great deal, and they gave me the confidence to take on a leadership role.
What makes you feel proud about leading the Internal org team?
First and foremost is the constant challenge of working with numerous teams within Oktana. We collaborate with more than ten internal teams, and I’m very pleased to know that we can deliver solutions that align with their needs. This challenge is accompanied by continuous learning: the diverse solutions we have proposed have led me to extensive research, testing, and the development of declarative solutions, custom solutions, integrations, and large-scale migrations, all of which have been enriching on a professional level.
Another noteworthy aspect is the diversity of the team. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented professionals from different cultures, countries and backgrounds, gaining valuable insights and learning from their experiences. Being able to mentor junior colleagues, assist them on their journey, and provide them with opportunities for new learning and challenges has been incredibly rewarding.
What do you think are the essential qualities that have helped you grow into a leadership role?
In my case, I would undoubtedly highlight communication. Clear, consistent, and open communication allows us to reach mutual agreements and set expectations. I believe that effective communication helps build working relationships that enable a team to be strong and remain motivated. Adaptability is another quality that I believe has been invaluable in this role, especially in our industry where requirements can change rapidly. It’s not just about systems; we often need to respond quickly to changes in our own environment as well. Finally, the ability to make decisions, while we frequently encounter big challenges, being able to plan, prioritize, and evaluate alternatives are elements that have helped me in this process.
How do you approach challenges when resolving internal requests like the timebook system or other internal tools?
I believe one of the interesting aspects of the information technology field is that there are countless solutions, all equally valid. Therefore, addressing a challenge depends on several factors, such as priority, scope, experience in resolving similar cases, available resources, and prior planning, among others. In my experience, I’ve kept these elements in mind alongside constant communication with my team, with whom we engage in brainstorming sessions when challenges arise. I also maintain clear communication with the client to ensure expectations are well-defined.
As a woman in tech, how do you view the importance of representation in the industry?
I consider it essential to have the presence of women in technology to break down the perception that our effectiveness is lower than that of men. Female leaders in tech serve as role models, inspiring young women to pursue careers in information technology fields and helping to dismantle stereotypes. Furthermore, women offer distinctive perspectives and experiences that lead to more innovative solutions and foster creativity in problem-solving.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing careers in technology or looking to advance into leadership positions?
Have confidence in your abilities, as talent transcends gender and race. While technical skills are crucial, don’t overlook the importance of soft skills such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Make the most of your mentors, and since this industry is continually evolving, commit to lifelong learning to further enhance your expertise.
Iris’ story is a testament to the power of growth and leadership in the tech industry. Her dedication to supporting her team and solving critical internal issues showcases the impact women are making within Oktana. If you haven’t already, check out our first interview in the series featuring Romina.
To learn more about our commitment to diversity and our corporate social responsibility efforts, visit our CSR page.
