Sirin Akrouk, Regional Marketing – Middle East, Pure Storage
What leadership skills are critical for women in male-dominated tech environments?
While tech is still a male-dominated industry, there are more and more women working in this field today. Increasingly, women are cultivating a unique set of leadership skills to thrive and make an impact. Some of these key skills are confidence, resilience, and assertive communication. These attributes help women ensure they are taken seriously in challenging situations, their voices are heard and their ideas respected. Additionally, perseverance is crucial as it empowers women to push through barriers, face setbacks head-on, and maintain momentum in a competitive space. Women in leadership roles must also develop their “oracle”—a deep well of insight and intuition that guides decision-making and strategy. High emotional intelligence is equally essential, as it enables women to navigate complex relationships with stakeholders and team members, foster collaboration, and lead with empathy. This combination of skills equips women not only to succeed but to inspire and lead effectively in an industry that is constantly evolving.
How do you advocate for diversity in team composition or project outcomes?
To create real change, it’s important to build an inclusive environment where different perspectives are not only welcomed but truly valued. This starts with making deliberate decisions when putting together teams, ensuring that people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences are represented. But it doesn’t end there. Building a truly inclusive culture means creating an atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to speak up, collaborate openly, and offer their unique ideas. The result? More innovative solutions and diverse perspectives that drive better outcomes. By prioritizing diversity, leaders create organizations where everyone has a chance to succeed, and breakthrough ideas can flourish.
How do you handle being the only woman in a meeting/ team ?
Being the only woman in a meeting or on a team is a common experience for many women in male-dominated industries. Instead of viewing it as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity—an opportunity to speak up, share my insights, and lead with my expertise. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of owning my voice. I make sure my perspective is heard by speaking confidently, actively participating in discussions, and standing firm in my knowledge. Building strong relationships with allies and consistently advocating for diverse perspectives not only enriches the conversation but fosters a more inclusive decision-making process. Embracing authenticity and championing advocacy are key to not only making an impact but also creating a path for more women to rise and thrive in the workforce.
What systemic changes would most benefit women in tech?
First and foremost, equal growth opportunities must be prioritized, ensuring that women have the same access to advancement, mentorship, and professional development as their male counterparts. This should be complemented by flexible work policies that allow women to balance the demands of their careers with personal responsibilities, reducing the pressure to choose between success at work and life at home. Additionally, bias-free hiring and promotion practices are crucial to eliminate barriers that disproportionately affect women, ensuring that talent is recognized and rewarded based on merit rather than gender. Finally, fostering a strong network, both internally within the organization and externally through industry connections, is vital for women to navigate career opportunities, gain visibility, and find support in an often male-dominated field. These systemic changes not only empower women but also drive long-term innovation, inclusivity, and success in the tech industry.
What advice would you give women negotiating work-life balance in high-pressure roles?
Negotiating work-life balance in high-pressure roles can feel daunting, but the key is learning to set and enforce boundaries. It’s important to remember that boundaries are not only okay but also necessary for long-term success and well-being. While you may face resistance, especially in demanding environments, perseverance and consistency will help others respect your boundaries over time. Equally important is aligning your work with your personal goals—without this alignment, achieving balance becomes nearly impossible. Keep in mind that balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it evolves as your life, responsibilities, and priorities shift. What works for you at one stage may not work at another, and that’s okay. The most powerful approach is to find the balance that works for you, your family, and your employer, then negotiate based on that understanding. Don’t be afraid to prioritize your needs while navigating these conversations, because balance is essential not only for your well-being but for sustained professional success.
How can technology itself drive gender equality?
One of the things that drew me to the technology industry was how it could solve so many issues and help people. It can be truely transformative. An area the whole industry needs to be careful of is around ensuring unfair bias creeps into AI and automation software. It can be a way to drive more equality, but it also needs to ensure fairness.
Pure Storage is deeply invested in fostering diversity. Through Women at Pure initiatives, we champion mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement to support women in technology. By combining cutting-edge technology with a strong culture of inclusion, we believe we can help bridge the gender gap and create a future where all voices in tech are heard, valued, and empowered.
