For one Zara Bhavnani, the allure of technology led to a fulfilling role as in-house counsel at Cloudera, where navigating legal complexities intersects with the thrill of technological advancements. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey, the challenges faced, and her perspective on women in technology.
Tell us about what got you interested in technology and why you chose the space and field of technology.
I was drawn to the technology industry due to its dynamic and ever-evolving nature. In recent years, especially, technology has increasingly emerged as a catalyst for the growth and transformation of virtually every company. I wanted to be part of such a fast-paced industry, which led me to join Cloudera as an in-house counsel. People and culture are an important consideration for me when choosing a workplace.
I previously worked for my Head of Legal, Alexandra Gartrell which made the decision to take the role at Cloudera compelling and I developed a strong connection with my colleagues in the EMEA legal team. The ability to collaborate with them makes the role very enriching and I am grateful to be part of a team that shares knowledge and experiences with one another.
As technology continues to evolve, it inevitably brings about legal complexities. However, navigating this dynamic landscape has provided an excellent opportunity for personal learning and growth. During my tenure at Cloudera, I’ve witnessed continuous enhancements to maintain its leading position in the market. As we step into the era of Artificial Intelligence, being a Woman in Tech becomes even more exhilarating, witnessing the profound advancements that technology brings to enrich and elevate our daily lives.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Embracing authenticity and honing in on my strengths has proven to be priceless in my personal journey. Cultivating a robust network has been a deliberate effort, and I feel fortunate to have discovered a mentor who provides invaluable encouragement and support in navigating my career path. The mentorship dynamic offers a unique chance for learning, leaning on a guiding presence, and seeking advice to overcome challenges and obstacles.
What is your take on women in technology, and how is the landscape changing? What can be done to ensure there are more women in tech roles?
As exciting as the tech space is, I think it lacks a stronger female presence. We must encourage and promote the technology industry as a woman-friendly landscape for different interests and skills. We must focus on education to ensure that younger women are exposed to what is available within the field, which we are not limiting roles to certain demographics, and we cast our net wider.
The landscape is definitely changing, and I am proud to work for an organisation with three inspiring women sitting on the global leadership team. This is a great example to inspire others. By continuing to push for a more diverse presence at all levels of an organisation, we can expect to attract talent.
What is the biggest obstacle that women in technology face?
I feel that women and technology would be more likely to explore the industry having a female leadership presence, showing others that people who are like themselves can look up to female role models. However, we are now in a time when technology is everywhere and even the youngest teenagers are connected to the latest technological advances. I believe this will encourage the younger generation to be more involved in this industry as it becomes less alienating.
What advice would you give women?
One piece of advice I’d like to offer is to ensure that you build your network and foster relationships with people who can guide you through challenges in your career. Make sure that you are open to continuous learning as an individual in the field, both, personally and professionally. Channeling your inquisitiveness and curiosity is one of the best ways to learn from others. Finally, always take a chance on yourself, and don’t limit yourself from the endless possibilities that await.
