'Someone once told me to "stay in my lane," but actually that was bad advice' - Q&A with Sapphire COO Vicki O'Neill-King
Why do you support CRN's Women and Diversity in Channel campaign?
As a growing and thriving digital transformation company we think that it is really important to support our women at Sapphire and all women in technology. We believe CRN do an outstanding job of raising the profile of women as well as opening up the debate about why we are still under-represented in the industry. These awards are a chance for everyone to celebrate the growing number of women doing an excellent job. The challenge of increasing diversity in tech is far from solved, so it is great to raise the issue in such a positive way.
How did you get into the IT industry?
I actually started my first tech role on reception as a young mum - which I hope will inspire women who see me in my job now as Sapphire COO. I hope I am proof that you can achieve anything. I have worked my way up and am now responsible for Professional Services, Support, Internal IT, Cyber, Hosting, Facilities and Office Services. In addition I have been responsible for the merger and integration of 4 acquired companies. It's such a wide and varied remit - it is always exciting.
What do you think is the main reason why Channel IT industry is mainly male, especially in technical roles and senior positions?
We have talked about these issues in our women's mentoring groups and as part of our celebrations for International Women's Day and I think it is the same issue in tech as it is in all industries. Things are getting better but women are still under-represented in senior roles. At school we need to make sure that girls feel it is ok to choose technical and STEM subjects. We cannot ignore that when the home computing revolution started [before my time] boys took to it in much greater number than girls, and those boys have turned into men, and let's also give credit to all of them who in the main created much of the tech industry and channel as we know it today. Men just got to it early, but that was a long time ago, and there is no excuse now why girls shouldn't see tech as a brilliant industry to work in, and while representation of women is increasing, we need more and more female participation in this amazing and dynamic industry.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?
Someone once told me to "stay in my lane" but actually that was bad advice. If I spot something that is impacting the business then I feel that it is my duty to speak up. I will always be vocal but in a supportive way and help provide solutions. To truly succeed you need to see the business as a whole and always be thinking about how you can help everyone to succeed. Maybe that's a good piece of advice for all women in our industry. Do you really want to stay in your lane?
What are your top tips for women starting out in IT and what advice would you give women looking for leadership roles?
Your employer can really help you with your career if you pick well. Our internal mentoring scheme not only helps us to retain women but puts them on the path to leadership if that is what they want to do. The biggest trend that we see is lack of confidence - it is certainly not a lack of skills or talent. It is up to business to be flexible around the life needs of women so that talented women don't get forced off their career path at certain key stages, like having children.
We want our women to be fearless - to speak up and ask for things for themselves and for the company. It is our responsibility to try and create a place where that can happen.