At Pretty Technical, we’re committed to recognising talent and fostering diversity in tech. After a fantastic year of growth, with more talented women joining our team, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the experiences of the remarkable women who drive our success each day. We spoke with them to learn more about their journeys in the tech industry – their insights on navigating challenges, celebrating achievements, and inspiring future generations of women in tech. Here’s what they had to share.
What initially attracted you to a career in tech, and what led you to join Pretty Technical as CEO?
Emma Blaylock – CEO: I’m going to show my age here but basically from the moment we got our first home computer as a kid – a BBC microcomputer – I was hooked! I started developing simple games which led me to an undergraduate degree in computer science and the rest is history! On my course there were 1 in 10 women and although I hope that is now a bit better – there is still a lot we can do to attract women into the industry.
I moved over from software development to the business side about 20 years ago after completing my MBA at Northwestern university. My experience at that stage was predominantly in large tech businesses – Sony, Amazon – but in roles where I worked with startups. I got the entrepreneurial bug and moved into startup businesses in various commercial roles before eventually working with Andy, one of the founders of Pretty Technical. They were looking for a CEO to run the business and I jumped at the chance. The rest is history and I have loved every second of it!
Are there any challenges you’ve faced in the industry and how have you navigated them?
Shantal Kakstetter – Head of Product Management: Navigating the tech industry has been both rewarding and challenging. At one point, I worked under a female manager who didn’t see a need to spotlight women’s issues in tech, believing her success was purely a result of hard work. This perspective, while valid for her, didn’t fully consider the diverse challenges many women face. Additionally, balancing my career with the responsibilities of being a new mum has required careful strategy.
To tackle these I’ve encouraged open, constructive dialogues around the varied experiences women have in the industry. I advocate for inclusive initiatives and celebrate team successes to ensure women’s contributions are recognised. Beyond the office, I’ve engaged with the community by visiting schools to encourage young girls to explore careers in tech, sharing the exciting opportunities the field holds.
Crucially, I’ve maximised the time I spend with my daughter by utilising a flexible working arrangement, which allows me to balance career demands with family life effectively. Building strong support networks and prioritising a healthy work-life balance have been essential in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and contributing to a more inclusive tech environment.
What aspects of Pretty Technical’s culture support or empower you in your role as a women in tech?
Yira Acedo – Director of People: The fact that in Pretty Technical we care for people makes me feel I’m in the right place. My main goal is to bring onboard team members who share our values, ensuring everyone maintains a healthy work-life balance. I feel we have a collaborative and supportive team environment, and I strive to make everyone feel valued and happy. This approach helps us retain talented individuals who are the right fit for the job and the company, without compromising on quality or performance. When employees are happy and love where they work, even in a remote setting, the quality of our work naturally improves. Part of my role is to ensure we have the right people doing their best work, aligned with our values and goals.
What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the tech field?
Uroosa Uroosa – Backend Developer: Success in tech begins with a growth-oriented mindset, embracing change and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Developing both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and collaboration makes you a well-rounded professional. A solid foundation in your field is essential, enabling you to confidently tackle more advanced concepts as the industry evolves. Participating in open-source projects also boosts your skills, expands your network, and showcases your abilities to potential employers. Together, these strategies build resilience, encourage continuous learning, and strengthen women’s presence in tech.
How has your experience as a woman in tech evolved over time?
Ella King – Head of Regulatory Compliance: I entered the gaming industry shortly after graduating from university, starting out with a move to Gibraltar and a role in Customer Service. Over time, I honed my skills, eventually specialising in Compliance. As a woman in gaming, I’ve faced numerous challenges, but the support of other women has been invaluable in navigating this traditionally male-dominated field. Recently, I’ve noticed a positive shift in focus, particularly through events like the DevelopHER Awards, which celebrate women excelling in their roles. It’s encouraging to see the industry recognising women’s contributions and creating opportunities that weren’t always available in the past.
Hannah Benneworth – Business Design Consultant (Rokker): I believe I have been lucky within my career not to have ever really felt that I’ve been at a disadvantage because of my gender. As my career has progressed and my experience within the industry has grown and developed, I have become more confident, which has certainly had a positive impact on my progression. This has been supported by a stronger push for diversity and inclusion within the industry, guiding a gradual culture shift, allowing us to create environments where diverse perspectives are valued. The increased visibility of women in tech has had a huge positive impact within the industry and for me, the most important thing continues to be ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to follow whichever career path they choose.
If you’d like to work with the wonderful women at Pretty Technical, why not take a look at our Careers page and send an email to [email protected]. If you’d like to find out more about Pretty Technical products and services please use our Contact Form.
