International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of women’s transformative influence across all sectors, particularly in the dynamic and ever-evolving tech industry. Famous women like Safra Catz (CEO of Oracle) and Reshma Saujani (Founder of Girls Who Code) have shaped the tech world with their visions. Safra is leading a major technology company, demonstrating that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Reshma focuses on closing the gender gap in tech and empowering young girls to learn coding.

Today, we delve into the experiences and insights of our Head of People, Christin, and our Head of Marketing, Serena, two impactful female leaders at Abusix, who share their unique perspectives on navigating leadership, fostering inclusivity, and shaping the future of technology. Their candid reflections provide valuable lessons for aspiring female leaders, highlighting the importance of resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to driving positive change.

At Abusix, we’re on a mission to provide a fresh perspective on email protection, network security, and reporting network abuse. Together, we’re working to make the internet safer for everyone, offering innovative solutions that protect your organization while contributing to a more secure digital world.

Half of our leadership team is female, which we are proud of. Let’s hear some insights from them:

Christin:

1. From your own experience, what are the pros and cons of being a woman in a leadership position in the tech world? I think most challenges I had were not because I’m a woman but because I haven’t studied computer science. With all the background knowledge I collected throughout the years about tech and software engineering specifically, I’m able to convince candidates in first-round interviews and later within the company with my broad knowledge. I enjoy the very special type of people in tech as I have the impression they are very open to my view and experience.
2. What makes your current leadership role at Abusix special? I work with a CEO who hires people who are better than himself in their roles and hands things over to them to succeed. I truly work with him and not for him. Therefore, I’m able to shape the culture of the company, taking into account that a business is about making money and balancing that out with the needs of the people who are the cornerstone of the success of the company. Officially, I’m Head of People but as we are a small team, there’s so much more on my plate. I really enjoy this as it’s the guarantee that it never gets boring and I’m able to grow myself. My team member Nici is always willing to jump in whenever my workload is too much for me to handle. I’m glad she sees that as a strength rather than a weakness.
3. What do you suggest to future female leaders in the tech world? Don’t be scared of tech people. The majority of them is actually very funny and communicative. If your heart beats for tech, go for it and make it the place to be for yourself. Get yourself a role model you can look up to and a mentor who can guide you. Maybe this is the same person. The tech world is fast. Therefore keeping up with the speed of technology change, is essential.

Serena:

1. From your own experience, what are the pros and cons of being a woman in a leadership position in the tech world?

   The security industry isn’t known for its male/female balance, so I’ve often found myself as one of the few women in the room, learning to be extra assertive just to be heard. While tech leadership comes with challenges, it also brings the opportunity to drive inclusivity and innovation. Finding a community of women in leadership has been significant to my growth—having peers who understand the nuances of navigating this space provides both inspiration and support.

2. What makes your current leadership role at Abusix special?

   At Abusix, the leadership team ensures that every voice matters, creating a culture where impact, not just presence, defines leadership. I appreciate the autonomy and trust that allow me to shape our marketing strategy and position Abusix in a way that resonates with the industry. Being in a smaller company means wearing multiple hats, but that also means constantly learning, evolving, and pushing boundaries. Working alongside another women leader, Christin, at Abusix has also been incredibly empowering—our shared experiences create a strong support system, and collaborating with them has sharpened my perspective on leadership, decision-making, and fostering an inclusive culture.

3. What are you most looking forward to in the future of the tech world, and how do you see the role of female leaders evolving?

   I’m excited to see more female leaders stepping into roles where they can drive real change, not just for other women, but for the entire tech industry. One of the things I look forward to is lifting other women up, identifying gaps, and working with both male and female colleagues to bridge them. Diversity in leadership leads to stronger, more innovative teams, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive benefits the industry as a whole. As more women take on leadership roles, I see our influence expanding—not just in terms of representation, but in shaping the culture, mentorship opportunities, and the way we solve problems in tech.

   

Christin’s and Serena’s insights offer two views on leadership in the tech world, that emphasize both personal growth and collective advancement. Their experiences highlight the importance of challenging traditional norms, fostering inclusive cultures, and actively mentoring the next generation of female leaders.

If you are looking for support, check out communities like WiCyS, Girls Who Code, or Female Tech Leaders, who support you in finding everything you need to pursue a career in the tech world. Some insights about our female engineers might be helpful as well. Check out this blog article: Highlighting Women’s Impact in Software Engineering.

From Christin’s emphasis on continuous learning and building expertise to Serena’s vision of driving change and expanding influence, their perspectives paint a picture of a future where women not only participate but lead the charge in shaping the tech landscape. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate their contributions and commit to creating a tech industry where diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but realities.