International Women’s Day 2021: The Women of Team Grabyo

March 18, 2021

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the women of Team Grabyo have given us insight into their own professional experiences and what International Women’s Day means to them.

What does this year’s theme mean to you?

This period is challenging for both men and women! However, the change that’s happening in the world with the new remote tendency and especially with all the front line work in a pandemic crisis, where women are the majority of the health care workers, caretakers, community workers etc. should definitely be an eye opener for the equal participation of women being leaders.

How did you become interested in technology?

Since I was little, I’ve always been interested in my dad’s sound and video equipment, various productions hardware and such which all seemed to me like the perfect toys to play with. Growing up as a pianist and being surrounded by music, I’ve always looked at technology as what goes beyond the natural instruments’ capacity where options and choices are unlimited.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

It’s a fantastic creative and learning experience. Being one of the first 3 women in Grabyo, I was inspired by the skills and knowledge our engineers have to build what we have today.
Being part of the Technical Support team, leading it, coaching the new members and collaborating with everyone, is a challenge that keeps me motivated every day!

Have you faced any obstacles in your career and how did you overcome them?

Yes, unfortunately, especially being a woman in a sales role. You just got to stand up for yourself and educate people around you who perceive women differently.

What advice would you give women looking to get in your field?

Don’t perceive yourself any differently. Be confident to voice your opinions and advocate your ideas. Dare to do what you are interested in.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

I don’t feel like I’m treated differently from my male colleagues at Grabyo.

Have you faced any obstacles in your career and how did you overcome them?

Yes, a number of obstacles in my career. I am lucky that I never felt the situation against me at the time was because I am a woman. However, policies around welfare and many other issues need to change for our future not just at a company level but government level.

How did you become interested in technology?

I have always been fascinated by technology. I am not particularly tech savvy but I enjoy conversations and looking at tech or new gadgets, well up to a certain point…. after a while, I must say I get lost in the conversation especially if I can’t visualise. What’s also fascinating about technology chats is that people are passionate about it which makes it a fun experience.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

Never thought about what it’s like being a woman in Grabyo. I don’t think there is a difference.

What advice would you give women looking to get in your field?

Be confident, trust your knowledge and experience. Working in a male-dominated industry doesn’t mean you should try and adapt and change who you are to fit in.

What did you dream of becoming?

I would like to be in a senior leadership position at some point in my career and use that opportunity to promote, inspire and educate both men and women on gender equality in the workplace. I would also like to leverage this position to address workplace issues such as the gender pay gap, maternity and paternity leave, and equal access to opportunities.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

There is no such thing as being a ‘woman in Grabyo’, I’m just part of the team, and that’s why I love working for Grabyo.

What does this year’s theme mean to you?

Covid 19 is one of the biggest disruptions the world has seen. The impossible is becoming possible so the fight to have equal rights amongst gender, race and nationality is really starting to have an impact on the way we work, think and live. I am here for it!

Have you faced any obstacles in your career and how did you overcome them?

Two things spring to mind, not because of gender but age – I have been fortunate enough to progress well in my career through hard work and determination but at times my age and “baby” face can lead to the wrong assumptions about my capabilities.

I used to be an amateur boxer in my younger days and a male colleague made the comment that “it’s not for women” so I shouldn’t be doing it. I laughed when I later went on to win my first sparring match that week.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

I have been here for three months and to date, it’s been a positive experience. I onboarded remotely which is so unique and challenging within itself but it was done the best way possible. I look forward to returning to a flexible working office and finally connecting with my team in person.

What does this year’s theme mean to you?

The theme serves as an important reminder to celebrate strong women, whilst recognizing the gender injustices that are still present in the workplace and our day-to-day lives.

What advice would you give women looking to get in your field?

I think it’s incredibly important to do what makes you happy. Often when you’re starting out in your career, there can be a lot of uncertainty and a sense of pressure to find something, rather than finding something suitable.

But if you’re lucky enough to have found something you have a genuine interest in then it’s worth the pursuit. And if you don’t try it then you won’t know. A good place to start may be researching the industry and reading up on current trends to help immerse you in that world.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

As a woman, working for Grabyo has enabled me to build up confidence in my capabilities. It’s great to be surrounded by such conscientious and supportive people in the workplace.

Have you faced any obstacles in your career and how did you overcome them?

I have had several obstacles in my career, luckily I have never felt undervalued because I am a woman. If I have to pick a difficult time for me in my career, it was when I moved to the UK because my English was quite poor, it was difficult to be efficient and proactive at work when everything was new to me, especially the language. So I worked hard, studied after work to overcome it (I’m still doing it). I can say that was the best challenge in my career that I would have done it a thousand times over.

What advice would you give women looking to get in your field?

First of all, I would like to recommend an attitude of determination through which to make one’s way in this sector where women are still in short supply.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo

I have never had the opportunity to perceive gender discrimination or prejudices in this sense but certainly, the percentage of women in the company is quite low.

What does this year’s theme mean to you?

In this COVID-19 world, it has been very difficult to manage everything, from managing a small team to managing a country. In these trying times, we have seen how countries with women leaders like New Zealand and Vietnam have done well than UK or US in tackling the pandemic as well as not impacting their economy’s health. Every woman should take great inspiration from them to perform well under pressure and handle such unprecedented situations which no one has faced in our lifetimes.

How did you become interested in technology?

During my school days I was a science student, which instilled in me a natural bend towards analysing and reasoning and that led me into computer science.

What is it like being a woman in Grabyo?

In Grabyo obviously, we as women get equal opportunities, which is very good. But we only have few women in the company, which I think we should try to increase.

We’re Hiring!

Grabyo has worked hard to create a collaborative and inclusive working environment and is an equal opportunities employer. It is currently hiring for a number of positions across the business in various regions – check out its openings here.

For information, please get in touch!