Maleeha Riaz, Marketing Manager at NMK Electronics, a Midwich Group Company
What leadership skills are essential for women navigating male-dominated tech environments?
Resilience, adaptability, and confidence are key. In a male-dominated industry, women sometimes have to be a little louder—not in volume but in presence, strategy, and making sure their ideas get the spotlight they deserve. Clear communication, sharp thinking, and emotional intelligence go a long way in building credibility. And let’s not forget the power of a solid support network—mentors, allies, and peers who’ve got your back. Plus, it’s just as important to pay it forward and lift others up along the way.
How do you champion diversity when building and leading teams?
Diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a mindset that shapes how teams are built and empowered. For me, it starts with an inclusive hiring approach, where skills and potential matter more than just traditional experience. But hiring diverse talent isn’t enough—it’s about creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunities to grow. That’s why I actively support mentorship and upskilling programs to help people thrive. Clear goals and a unified vision also play a huge role—when everyone is aligned, it allows diverse perspectives to come together in a way that drives better decisions and sparks real innovation.
What systemic changes would create the most significant impact for women in tech?
There’s been progress, but let’s be real stereotypes still exist, and that needs to change. Women in tech are still battling outdated assumptions about their capabilities, leadership potential, and even technical skills. To make a real impact, we need systemic changes like flexible work policies, pay transparency, and targeted mentorship programs that actually help women advance. Companies should actively invest in leadership development tailored for women and ensure female role models in tech get the visibility they deserve. And let’s not treat unconscious bias training like a one-time workshop—it has to be an ongoing effort to shift workplace culture for good.
What advice would you give women striving to balance high-pressure careers with personal life?
Knowing your limits and setting priorities is everything. Balance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about making smart choices. Some days, work takes over, and other days, personal life needs to come first, and that’s okay. Delegation, time management, and self-care aren’t luxuries; they’re non-negotiable. And let’s be real—having a solid support system, both at work and in life, makes all the difference. Most importantly, it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to do everything—just focus on what actually matters and aligns with your goals.
In what ways can technology itself drive greater gender equality?
Technology has the power to level the playing field—if we use it right. AI-powered tools are making it easier to manage, plan, and execute things effectively, from automating workflows to streamlining decision-making, helping women balance high-pressure careers with personal commitments. Remote work tech has opened up more opportunities, and digital learning platforms make upskilling accessible to everyone, no matter where they are. Plus, visibility matters—social media, online communities, and mentorship platforms are giving women a stronger voice and more ways to connect, learn, and lead.
But at the end of the day, it all goes back to mindset. Technology is just a tool—it’s how we choose to use it that determines whether we create real change or just keep reinforcing the same old biases. Inclusivity has to be intentional, and that starts with the way we think, lead, and innovate.
