Jessica is the field marketing associate director for Kyndryl with over ten years of experience in marketing and business development in the tech sector. Embracing gratitude and positivity has been Jessica’s compass through both challenges and triumphs. In the fast-paced tech industry, Jessica stays ahead by embracing change while anchoring herself in human-centric values.
To aspiring women in the tech industry, Jessica offers sage advice: know yourself, cultivate a strong support system, and embrace accountability.
Q. Share with us a pivotal moment or turning point in your career that led you to where you are today. How did this moment inspire or challenge you?”
Jessica – If I have to name only one, returning to Angola was certainly a moment in my life that became instrumental in my career. As a country filled with opportunities back in 2012, I had a chance to join multinational companies that allowed me to center my career in marketing and experiment, as well as execute, multiple international events across different continents and learn the best way to optimize campaigns. Leveraging those experiences in the early years of my career and having the right network and mentors were the pillars that supported until now my work in Dubai.
Q. Throughout your journey, what has been your guiding principle or philosophy that has helped you navigate through challenges and opportunities alike?
Jessica – I learned that life is about perspective and perception, thus I’ve always taken gratefulness and positivity as a guiding principle in my life. Keeping that mindset combined with prioritizing respect in all interactions, supported me through challenges as well as opportunities and humbled me on many occasions.
Q. Can you recount a specific challenge or hurdle you’ve faced in your professional journey, especially as a woman in technology, and how you overcame it?
Jessica – Going back to work straight to support an audit right after maternity leave was certainly a challenging moment in my professional journey. I could only overcome that with a strong support system, an empathetic manager, and by ensuring I was vocal about having a work environment that supported work-life balance. That experience was also critical in understanding my challenges and the importance of prioritizing work-life balance.
Q. The tech industry is rapidly evolving with new trends and technologies. How do you stay ahead of the curve, and how has embracing change impacted your career?
Jessica – The tech industry is rapidly evolving, but the foundation will always remain centered on human interactions. Kyndryl provided me with a fascinating opportunity as a start-up at scale, a unique experience to work on building a brand from conception and establish the world’s largest infrastructure services provider in the region. I’m also personally engaged in Marketing society events in MEA, leveraging social platforms and digital events for broader networking opportunities, as well as customizing phone notifications to keep me updated on relevant topics. I’m also fortunate to have the opportunity to use copilot at work which not only boosts my productivity but allows time for creativity, innovation, and preparation for upcoming trends in the market.
Q. Considering Women’s Day, could you share your thoughts on how enterprises can better integrate inclusivity into their core business strategies? What steps do you believe are essential for fostering an inclusive culture?
Jessica – My perspective is that the best way forward is the application of a three-pronged strategy: Structured mentoring to provide opportunities and inspire those starting careers; fostering equity initiatives to ensure everyone is provided with what they need to succeed and promoting an adequate work-life balance which has proven long term benefits in terms of employee happiness, retention, and engagement.
Q. What message or piece of advice would you like to share with women embarking on their careers in the tech industry, and how can they navigate the challenges they might face while striving for success and fulfillment?
Jessica – Taking the time you need to understand your priorities and who you are should always be your starting point. Making sure you have the right support system to thrive should be the second and always being accountable for your commitments should follow. Lastly, it is ok to make mistakes and have what you consider “embarrassing” moments, but you should not let that define your progression or voice while climbing your business/career ladder.
