Anna Assassa

Name: Anna Assassa

Role: CEO of Warwickshire-based Microsoft Gold partner and cloud services provider Tisski

Context: Assassa founded Tisskin in 2011. The ERP and CRM specialist recently won a £7.6m MoD deal.

Career highlight so far:

I would have to say the way we have supported our customers to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. Our values mean everything to me and I wouldn't consider us successful if we compromised those values. You have to live by them, even when times are difficult - especially when times are difficult.

I think I speak for every member of the Tisski team when I say we are so proud to have been able to contribute, at speed, in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.

Do you think the IT industry's gender diversity deficit - and diversity deficit more widely - warrants highlighting?

The IT industry, and business more broadly, has done a great deal to highlight the issue of diversity deficit. However, identifying an issue is just the first step in solving the problem and I am pleased to see organisations across the UK and globally taking action.

As business leaders, we have a huge role to play in educating the leaders of tomorrow by creating an environment whereby anyone can thrive without fear of discrimination.

We have made positive steps with coding events in schools, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) being championed as a route to an exciting and fulfilling career and more diverse role models emerging who provide inspiration and proof that achieving your dreams can become a reality.

What are the key business benefits of having a diverse workforce?

We operate in a highly competitive, fast-paced market and one in which it is important to stand out from the crowd - not only to attract new customers, but to attract and retain the best talent.

Our people make us who we are.

We are truly passionate about empowering our people and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to be the best they can be.

A diverse workforce allows us to engage with a diverse range of people. In turn, our customers benefit from greater innovation and smarter thinking. They benefit from working with a team that is collaborative by its very nature, and when it comes to delivering, one that really ‘gives a damn'.

Our customers rely on us to remove barriers for them, and that starts by making sure our people do not have barriers placed in front of them.

What's your top tip for tech providers that are serious about tackling their gender or diversity deficit?

Maya Angelou put it perfectly when she said: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Any organisation that is serious about tackling their gender or diversity deficit must create an authentic, inclusive, cultural environment and a level playing field for everyone.

Tackling a deficit is not a tick-box exercise, and not something that is ever finished.

Maya Angelou put it perfectly when she said: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

What is your advice to women and girls thinking about a career in the channel?

Get hands-on, take every opportunity to learn and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith.

Sometimes, an opportunity may present itself that you don't think you're ready for. Challenge yourself. It's OK to make mistakes and not know the answer to every question; that's how we learn.