This year’s International Women’s Day is centred around the theme of ‘Give To Gain’, celebrating the power of support and generosity. What does this mean to you?

The theme of ‘Give To Gain’ resonates deeply with me. At Samsung, I’ve experienced the transformative power of support by investing in each other.

We create a two-way culture of trust and growth that benefits everyone, for now and for the future. We actively encourage our colleagues to ‘pay it forward’— a principle that aligns perfectly with this year’s theme.

An example of this is our CSR team’s partnership with Benevity, where every SEUK employee is entitled to three paid volunteering days, allowing us to give back to our communities while fostering a sense of shared purpose.

Through all of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we aim to create opportunities to support each other, to acknowledge what is going well and to collaborate on moving the dial in areas where we need to improve.

Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply being there for one another, we believe that giving generously creates a ripple effect of positive change.

Looking back, has there been a defining moment that changed how you saw your own potential or what you were capable of?

I have two defining moments that reshaped my understanding of my potential. The first was when I stepped away from a 20-year career as a professional dancer, unsure of what my future held. With little confidence in my next steps, I took a leap of faith and started my own business, supporting other mums with young children by providing them with Virtual Assistant work, to fit around family life.

At the time, this concept was still very new, but it allowed me to channel my skills and creativity into something meaningful. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability.

The second defining moment came when I joined Samsung. Initially, my confidence was not at a high level, but everything changed when a manager told me how much she believed in me. Her trust in my abilities gave me the courage to take on new challenges and expand my role within the company.

Additionally, a mentor helped me recognise my talents and appreciate my own potential. This journey taught me that true drive comes from within, feeling comfortable in your own skill and to have belief in your skills and qualities rather than what you think might impress others.

Is there an idea or value that has guided you throughout your career, and why has this been so important to you?

The value of trust has been central to my career. I trust people until they give me a reason not to. In addition to trust, navigation has been a core skill that has helped me progress. I’ve learned to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and take accountability for my growth.

This mindset has allowed me to adapt to different roles and responsibilities throughout my career, from starting as an EA and Admin team manager to growing into roles in Internal Comms, Events, Inclusion, and Health & Wellbeing.

I also believe in ‘equity for all’ and that ‘meritocracy’ must come first. These principles have been essential in creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Can you share an experience where you had to push past a challenge or bias in your career, and what it taught you about leadership?

One of the most challenging experiences in my career occurred when a previous manager, from many moons back, created a negative and highly intense working environment, which was impacting my team.

When I addressed my concerns, I was told to “be more like a man,” a comment that initially shook me. However, I quickly responded by sharing my views on what it means to be a good leader, emphasising that gender is irrelevant to leadership effectiveness. I made it clear that empathy and understanding were not weaknesses but strengths that fostered collaboration and trust within my team.

This experience taught me the importance of not only standing up for myself but also advocating for a positive and inclusive workplace culture. It also highlighted the need in my view for managers to be held accountable for their leadership capabilities.

As a single mum, I’ve faced additional challenges, balancing personal and professional responsibilities. I don’t see work and home life as separate; they are intrinsically linked.

My experience reinforced my belief that true leadership is about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. It also strengthened my commitment to addressing biases and promoting equity in the workplace.

How do you support or mentor others in your team, and can you share an example of something that’s made a real difference for women at Samsung?

I actively mentor team members by encouraging them to be open about their aspirations. Supporting my team is not just a responsibility; it’s a position of honour. I believe that how my team feels at the end of each day is a reflection of the environment I want to help create and importantly, maintain.

One of the most impactful ways I’ve supported women at Samsung is by co-founding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the UK and in our European Office. The Black Lives Matter movement brought a harsh reality to our lives during difficult moments across the world, and also highlighted to me the importance of giving our colleagues a voice across all demographics. This led to the creation of the Women@Samsung ERG, which has grown from strength to strength over the past five years.

Through the group of strong women, we have addressed inequities, evolved our parental leave policies, and introduced a menopause policy. We’ve also partnered with Women@Tech to help raise the impact of equality initiatives within the tech industry, and helped promote the policy of increased flexible working options.

Our deep focus on creating opportunities for women has made a tangible difference in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Who or what inspires you today to continue pushing boundaries, and how does that influence the way you approach your work?

I’m inspired by the amazing women around me; my colleagues (especially the People Team) mentors, mentees, my coach and I have to mention my two wonderful teenage daughters Matilda and Delilah, who demonstrate and teach me more about resilience, creativity, and vulnerability every day. Their views, understanding and dedication – to the importance of driving change – motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in my work and career.

I also draw inspiration from external figures like Brené Brown and Jacinda Ardern. Brené Brown’s work on courage and empathy resonates deeply with me. Her insights have shaped my understanding of leadership as an act of connection and authenticity. Jacinda Ardern, with her compassionate and inclusive approach to leadership, also serves as a powerful example of how to lead with empathy and integrity.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received as a woman working in tech, and why has it stayed with you?

The advice that has stayed with me is to “trust yourself and your abilities.” This piece of wisdom has been crucial in navigating challenges and making decisions with confidence. It reminds me to believe in my potential and not be afraid to take risks or step out of my comfort zone.

In the tech industry, where biases and challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, this advice serves as a constant reminder to stay true to myself and my values.

What personal or professional goals are you most excited to pursue in the future?

I am excited about the future of the journey at Samsung, particularly in addressing discrimination in the workplace. This focus has the potential to take our efforts to new heights, fostering deeper understanding, tolerance, and education across the organisation. I am eager to continue to work with the global D&I team on future objectives, collaborating with my colleagues around the world to support their local endeavours and ensure that our initiatives are inclusive, impactful and aligned.

Looking ahead, I will continue advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion. Whether it’s through mentorship, education, or collaboration, I am committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that everyone at Samsung feels valued and empowered.

What small actions can each of us take daily to create meaningful change?

Small actions like actively listening to others, offering support when needed, and advocating for inclusive practices can create meaningful change. Taking a pause before making decisions, especially regarding team progression or opportunities, ensures fairness and consideration. Everyday gestures of kindness and encouragement can have a lasting impact on individuals and teams.

Finally, please talk about how the Women@Samsung team are looking into the next five years, what do you feel will drive you all to continue to impact change and shape more role models within the next generation of female leadership at Samsung?

The Women@Samsung team is focused on attracting, retaining, and developing the amazing female talent we have at Samsung. Over the next five years, we aim to expand mentorship programs, amplify women’s voices through initiatives like International Women’s Day, and drive policies that support work-life balance. Our commitment to ‘Give To Gain’ will continue to inspire us to support one another and shape more role models for future generations of female leaders at Samsung.

To learn more about Samsung’s global Equality initiatives, please go to: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability/people/diversity-inclusion/

No problem! My father was an airplane engineer and sometimes took me to his workplace where I saw all the stages that went into building an aircraft. This experience kick-started my fascination with industries that are constantly evolving and using technology to push the boundaries for what can be achieved.

What dreams and goals did you have growing up, and how did they influence your career path?

I have always been a sports fanatic – as a typical Canadian, I love skiing and ice hockey, but I also am a keen cyclist and sailed competitively for many years. I believe sports teach you passion, the importance of being a team player, and discipline – all skills that have served me well throughout my life. My love for sports led me to working for Nike previously, and in my current role, it gives me lots of opportunities to test our wellness products and features such as Samsung Health.  My favourite accessory is my Galaxy Watch!

Was there a particular turning point or pivotal experience that sparked your inspiration and set you on your current path?

Throughout my career, I’ve been attracted to brands that give their customers a better experience through innovation. I was part of the team that came up with introducing Wi-Fi connectivity at Starbucks – evolving it from a place where you can get a great cup of coffee to a space where you can connect and be productive. That experience showed me the impact innovation can have in completely transforming a business.

What motivated you to join Samsung, and how did you make the decision to become part of the team?

As someone who wants to be at the forefront of innovation, the opportunity to join Samsung was a complete no-brainer. I believe we are going through one of the most exciting phases of change in our history. The AI revolution is one of the most important technological shifts we’ll experience in our lifetime, and I’ve loved being part of the journey bringing this to customers.

Can you describe your current responsibilities at Samsung?

My role is all about putting the customer at the centre of our offering. When buying from us, our customers don’t see divisions; they see one brand. My role is to bring the strength of our ecosystem together for our customers – consumers and businesses –  so that we can help them get more out of their tech and their relationship with us..

This is done first through 360 brand campaigns and corporate storytelling that bring to life the value of our innovations to consumers. It also means working together with all our divisions and functional teams to keep enhancing all points in the consumer journey pre + post purchase. It lives in physical spaces such as our flagship retail space, Samsung KX, in London which shows the power of our ecosystem in one place, and online through our live commerce, ecommerce and social channels.

How has Samsung supported your personal and professional growth?

I am proud to be the executive sponsor of the UK ERG Women@Samsung – a brilliant collective of women who volunteer their time to make Samsung UK & Ireland a more inclusive workplace. In my first year at Samsung, I found it a warm, welcoming community and a chance to meet the inspiring women in our UK & Ireland team.

What is the most important keyword that keeps you motivated and inspired, and why does it resonate with you?

These are technically three – but I stand by ‘Power the Possible’. This can mean inspiring the best work in myself and team, as well as what we do every day when bringing our products to market. At Samsung, I believe our products help people live better lives – whether that’s running a business or a marathon!

What dreams or goals do you hope to achieve in the future, both personally and professionally?

I believe technology has the potential to achieve good in society and can level the playing field for underrepresented groups, and I  would love to do more in this space. I am a champion of our Solve for Tomorrow programme which supports and funds young people to develop their confidence and skills to use technology to solve societal problems. My ambition is for this programme to reach more young people and have even greater impact.

What advice would you like to share with the world to help them navigate their own inspiration journeys?

My advice is to build your tribe. Never underestimate the power of your network to lean on when you need coaching, inspiration or advice. Look out for networks such as Women@Samsung, or if they don’t exist build your own. There are so many brilliant women who have helped me in my career and I believe in the importance of paying it forward to the next generation.

Female leaders Deborah Honig (Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK), Namrata Murglighar (Global Director Growth Marketing at LinkedIn), Angela Lillis (Senior Analytics Manager at Disney) and Michal Oshman (Bestselling Author and former Head of Culture at TikTok) took to the stage to discuss their career challenges and achievements.

The event at Samsung KX covered a range of topics from career ‘Zigzag’ moments to the importance of networking, providing attendees with tips and tricks on how to expand their skills across their career journey. Its closing Q&A session offered the chance to discuss various challenges that women may experience in the workplace, such as identity & authenticity, navigating career progression through parenthood, and imposter syndrome.

Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK, said: “We believe in gender equality and equal opportunity, and are committed to collaborating across the industry and with our colleagues and partners to drive positive change. Together we can create an environment that supports, champions and empowers the incredible women around us, helping them to really succeed. This year’s International Women’s Day is about how we can invest in women to accelerate progress and we’re extremely proud of our employee resource group, Women@Samsung, for being at the forefront of this conversation. On International Women’s Day and in our day-to-day, let’s all pledge to spend more time helping the women around us realise their personal and professional ambitions.”

Women@Samsung strives to create a more diverse working culture. It aims to attract the best female talent to join Samsung UK, build an inclusive, supportive and engaged community, and support career planning and development for all the women at Samsung.

Happy International Women’s Day to all across the world.

For more information on Samsung’s approaches to welcoming diversity and inclusion visit:  Diversity & Inclusion | Samsung UK.

For more information on Samsung KX visit: Discover New Samsung King’s Cross Space | Samsung UK

The research polled over 2,000 18–25-year-old women in the UK to understand young women’s attitudes towards tech careers, revealing what factors influence career paths, and exploring the influence that role models have.

Ambitious Gen-Z let down by foundational support

There is a wave of ambitious young talent entering the world of work who are passionate about making social change that organisations must accommodate.

Young women are increasingly seeking a job that gives them purpose (46%), enables them to make a positive change in the world (41%), do rewarding work (41%), and that gives them the opportunity to make technology more inclusive to women (40%).

Findings revealed that the vast majority were in favour of a career in tech (67%), with respondents describing the sector as ‘exciting’ (52%), ‘innovative’ (55%) and ‘cool’ (41%), compared to just 5% who said it was ‘boring’. Gen-Z are also fascinated about the prospect of artificial intelligence and machine learning, with 36% finding advancements in tech in this area exciting and forward looking (36%).

However, progress to attract more women into the tech sector is being hampered by a lack of support at a young age. One third of women (34%) say they didn’t learn enough about tech at school, and 22% even reported that they were steered away from subjects relevant to the tech industry at school or college by their teachers.

“Technological innovation is front and centre and instead of being put off, or tuning out of the conversation, Gen-Z are actively engaged in these developments. With growing excitement, the next question is how can employers and educators break down the barriers to entry and facilitate action to close the gap between intention and action? We must be the ones to rally together, to enable the next generation to take practical steps to pursue meaningful careers,” says Annika Bizon, Marketing and Omnichannel Director at Samsung UK.

Role models for young women

Interestingly, when looking at who plays the biggest influence on young women’s lives, the research found that while family (57%) and friends (34%) play the largest role, they were also more likely to view social media influencers as role models (19%), rather than their teachers (18%). Culture was also found to be a source of inspiration for Gen-Z women, as Music (33%), TV and Film (29%) and Books (28%) were identified as somewhere they draw inspiration from.

For a third (33%) of respondents, having more women in the industry would make it a more attractive career choice. A similar number (28%) said that more role models overall would add to the appeal of tech.

“In 2017, a report revealed that 78% of UK students couldn’t name a famous woman working in technology. Today, this figure is worse, with 92% of 18–25-year-old women saying that they cannot name a famous woman in the industry versus 46% that can name a prominent man in tech,” said Tanya Weller, Marketing Director at Samsung UK and Ireland.

“There is clearly appetite from young women to pursue a career in tech, but we all need to step up to help these women realise their ambitions – it’s the combined effort of schools, universities, and workplaces to actively break down barriers, and support and inspire the next generation of talent into a thriving career in tech. We need robust role models that the young women of tomorrow can look up to as a source of inspiration, to stop and think ‘I can do that too’. Or perhaps even, ‘I can do better’” adds Weller.

Female representation in the tech industry

Representation in the industry matters when it comes to recognising leading women in the field.

Respondents of the study incorrectly thought This Morning TV presenter Alison Hammond was a woman in tech, with 12% incorrectly identifying her. This was followed by current First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon (9%), Charli Emma Aitchison – the singer songwriter more commonly known as Charlie XCX (8%), and British tennis player Emma Raducanu (6%) as prominent women in the tech sector. Just 14% correctly identified Ada Lovelace as a woman in tech. This is despite the fact Ada Lovelace is largely known as the first computer programmer and even has an awareness day dedicated to her, “Ada Lovelace Day” which is held every October.

“We all have a place in tech. Working in tech isn’t just about being able to code – it’s about so much more. Tech is home to diverse people with eclectic experiences in design, computer science, linguistics, humanities, history and much more. Paths are being formed, but what’s clear is that we need more visible female role models in the industry that inspire the next generation to take those life-defining first steps”, says Sharmadean Reid, Founder of The Stack World.

Research commissioned by Samsung Electronics UK and conducted via Mortar Research. Sample of 2,020 women aged 18-25, between 24^th and 27^th February 2023.