As an analytical person, Walaa Nader has always been fascinated by technology. She believes it to be an essential part of our lives, both personally and professionally, and it makes communication, collaboration, and productivity easier.
The endless possibilities of technology have driven me to explore more about this domain. When I first entered the technology industry, I faced a significant learning curve since I came from a business background. However, with resilience, persistence, curiosity, and a hunger for learning, I overcame these challenges and achieved great success in this industry.
Tell us about what got you interested in technology, why did you choose the space and field of technology?
As an analytical person, I’ve always been fascinated by technology. It’s an essential part of our lives, both personally and professionally, and it makes communication, collaboration, and productivity easier. The endless possibilities of technology have driven me to explore more about this domain.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
When I first entered the technology industry, I faced a significant learning curve since I came from a business background. However, with resilience, persistence, curiosity, and a hunger for learning, I overcame these challenges and achieved great success in this industry.
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?
Women in the IT industry in the Middle East today are making significant strides, breaking barriers, and contributing to technological innovation. However, challenges persist, including gender bias, cultural norms, and limited access to opportunities. Despite these obstacles, the growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion is gradually opening doors for women to excel in IT roles. Nexthink is a great example of this – providing women equal opportunities. Continued advocacy, mentorship, and support networks are crucial in overcoming these challenges and empowering more women to thrive in the IT sector in the Middle East.
What is the biggest obstacle that women in technology face?
However, the biggest challenge I see from my point of view is that sometimes the perspective of being a woman is misperceived, leading to misconceptions that a woman won’t be able to handle a full-time job or frequent travel due to other responsibilities. This perspective is especially prevalent in the Middle East, where people wrongly assume that women should take more responsibility for their personal lives than men. To combat these misperceptions, we need to ensure equal opportunities and responsibilities.
What advice would you give women?
My advice would be to dream big and aim high, as the more you dream, the more you’ll set objectives and milestones to achieve your dreams. Don’t let anything stop you from putting a plan in place to execute your objectives and plans. Also, never think that you cannot be in the highest position of an organisation because you are a woman. Have an idol that you believe you want to be in her shoes one day and use all your talents, skills, knowledge, and hard work to achieve the goal, role, or title you are looking for.
