International Women's Day: An interview with three of Tricentis’ top executives

“Women belong in all places where decisions are made.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we sat down with three of Tricentis’ top executives to hear their thoughts on women in tech, career planning, diversity and equity, advice for young professional women, and more. Read on for their insights.

Jen Lucas, Chief People Officer

What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given, and how would you advise young women at the start of their careers?

My parents taught me that my choices impact my destiny more than my gender. They approached problem-solving together, exclusive of gender. Based on their example, I sought out a marriage that was an equal partnership. Without the support of an equal partner, I wouldn’t be where I am.

Younger women should recognize that the power of relationships can be a big advantage. Getting to know the people you’re working with and what is important to them are key components of a healthy work environment and career development. Strike a balance between relationship-building and the focus on just getting “stuff” done. Build connections with your colleagues and stay in touch with them when you no longer work together. I still rely on some of my colleagues from my first few years of working in corporations to be my sounding boards.

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?

This is where idealism meets reality. Life goals are often related to career and family, and we each need to figure out how they intersect. The message that “you can have it all” isn’t always true. You can have it all, but maybe not at the same time. As leaders, we need to meet women where they are, whether that’s with benefits, alternative work schedules, or paid parental leave.

What do you feel our industry has to gain by embracing diversity and equity?

Tech and engineering teams want to problem-solve, and that lends itself to a “may the best idea win” approach. The best idea is gender-agnostic — so have the best ideas! If you get energy from an environment where meritocracy matters, tech is a great place to build a career. Meritocracy means that progress is based on talent, ability, and results. A meritocracy can be very encouraging to women because it’s about achieving goals, not about gender.

How important is it for women to lift each other up, and what does that mean to you?

Women are often other women’s toughest critics. There’s enough pie for everyone at the table! We can be kinder to one another, seeking first to understand before judging, understanding the “why” behind others’ actions, and encouraging each other.

What advice would you give women in a male-dominated industry like tech?

Tech ranks in the top three industries with the fewest women in the workforce, alongside the construction and automotive industries. This is a wake-up call! The participation of young girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields has risen in recent years, and we need to continue to encourage this trend. In addition, women may not realize that you can have a rewarding career in a tech company without an engineering degree. Companies are often open to people being self-taught in technical roles. There are also general business functions in tech companies, like marketing, legal, human resources, and finance. If you like problem-solving, data-driven environments and dynamic change, come to tech!

Marili Cantu Burbes, Chief of Staff

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

Fairly early in my career, I accidentally stumbled across evidence of a pay gap. My male coworkers were making significantly more than I was, even though I had more experience in the industry and was bringing in more revenue. I felt like I needed to take control of the situation. I took it to my boss, and when I didn’t get the answer I wanted, I left the organization. I drew a line in the sand – I thought, “I will not be made to feel that I am ‘less than,’ and this pay disparity is not okay.” I put myself first, and it was the best decision I ever made — I landed in a better place with better money and most importantly, equal pay.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given, and how would you advise young women at the start of their careers?

A female boss I once had told me, “Advocate for yourself because no one is going to do it for you.” Women tend to be more reserved and watchful. But you have to ask for what you need–if you don’t ask for these things they will not magically happen! We have a tendency to not want to rock the boat. Resist that and get comfortable taking up space! Carve it out for yourself and don’t be afraid to make some noise.

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?

It’s our responsibility to seek out diversity and bring good people to the table. Everyone wants a seat, and typically the loudest people get the most room at the table. But we need to do better as leaders to make sure we’re keeping space for everyone, not just the loudest.

Name a notable woman you’d like to have dinner with and why.

My grandmother! She worked until she was 92, running a dry goods store. In a society that pushed women into stereotypically female jobs, she went into business. She still took care of the home, but she wanted her own money. She was very encouraging and made me feel like I could do anything. This was hugely influential and instilled the work ethic that I have today.

How important is it for women to lift each other up, and what does that mean to you?

We have to support each other. This calls for encouragement, recognition, and visibility. For me, I try really hard to thank people and call out good work, promoting it to other executives.

Women can be subdued when they’re interrupted too many times, or their opinions are not counted. We need to address those things in the moment! “Excuse me, you were interrupted and I’d like to hear more” is a learning lesson for the interrupter AND gives a person her voice. It feels good to support other women, and we all need to feel like we have that support.

Amanda Borichevsky, Chief Legal Officer

What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given, and how would you advise young women at the start of their careers?

A managing partner in my first law firm told me not to try to plan my whole career at the outset. Instead, to look at it in two-year windows and constantly ask myself — is what I am doing working for me? Am I moving along a track that interests me? Stay flexible, and be open to opportunities that may not fit with what you thought you were going to do.

Early in my career, a fellow female attorney told me, “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You might get it!” Women in general are not programmed to do that, but the worst anyone can say is “no.” When my daughter faced some health problems, I realized that I couldn’t work full-time and still do everything else I needed and wanted to do for my family. My initial response was to quit, which I did – but it didn’t feel right. So I listened to my instincts and went back the next day and asked for – and got – an alternative working schedule that allowed me to spend the time I needed with my daughter while staying on my career track. Whether it’s a working schedule or any other issue, women shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate in the workplace.

Name a notable woman you’d like to have dinner with and why.

I pick two – the first two women on the US Supreme Court – Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’d love to hear their perspective about the progress made for gender equality during their careers and where they believe the most work is still left to be done.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

We should all be lifting each other up, whether as peers or within mentorships. It’s important for all of us to recognize how we can help each other. Society pits women as competitors, and we have to break that societal mold. We should mentor younger women and seek out advice from women who are further along in their careers.

What advice would you give women in a male-dominated industry like tech?

We are all people, not “women in tech.” Don’t think of yourself as different because you’re a woman, and don’t be intimidated. Don’t try to fit in with expectations, but instead be authentic. Thanks to changes in our educational system girls are more likely to speak up than they used to be, but we need to be more courageous in offering up ideas.