A Bit of Background
I began my career in IT in the early 2000s when women made up just 9% of the tech industry. Growing up, our generation straddled two worlds: life before and after the internet. My Indian upbringing focused on creative arts, but my first exposure to anything science or tech-related came from watching science fiction with my Dad. I was the “why” kid, always questioning how things worked, fixing broken gadgets, and unknowingly honing the problem-solving mindset defining my career.
A friend introduced me to programming on their family BBC Basic, and my Dad later bought us a Commodore 64. My best friend and I spent hours coding in BASIC, waiting for tapes to load, and playing games like FRAK and Space Adventure. At school, technology wasn’t a major focus. There was little opportunity for anyone to enter the tech industry, let alone women.
My Unplanned Journey into Tech
I initially pursued Biomedical Science, fascinated by human physiology and genetics, I actually wanted to be a Forensic scientist. However, poor chemistry skills meant the only thing I would be examining was poor results. In 1997, as the IT boom was underway, a family friend suggested I explore IT. Intrigued, I applied for a Business Information Technology course in Cardiff. I was the only woman on my course.
In 1999, amidst Y2K fears, I was struggling with an existential crisis of my own; I messed about for a year after graduation, to my parents’ annoyance. Then, an opportunity fell into my lap. My mum found a call centre job advert for Cable & Wireless in the Evening Standard. The role was for a helpdesk analyst supporting customers with their internet startup disks and 56K modems to get online. This was my entry into IT. Surprisingly, the team that I was eventually put in had four women, blending technical expertise with excellent customer service, which was rare at the time.
Breaking into the Industry
I never saw my sex as a barrier, and I was a good engineer, not a “good female engineer.” My male colleagues were supportive, and I refused to let anyone perceive me as less capable. Encouraged by my late father, I earned my MCSE in Windows NT and worked my way up. My hands-on experience included:
- Making Cat5/6 cables from scratch and krone framing
- Building PCs, networks, and servers (from ordering to build, including hardware, OS and application installations)
- Racking and setting up comms rooms
- Kitting out satellites on news vans and providing on-call support for journalists in war zones
- Managing a team of analysts
- Defining operational procedures and workflows
These foundational skills still serve me in my information and cybersecurity role today!
The Reality Check: Gender and Career Struggles
It wasn’t until 2003, when I became pregnant with twins, that I first felt the impact of being a woman in tech. My high-risk pregnancy didn’t fit the industry’s rigid schedules. At one point I was waddling in five months pregnant with twins in the middle of the night, with no embedded flexible working laws, I left work for four years to care for my children, who were both later diagnosed with autism.
Returning to work was tough. I re-entered as a Team leader but had to choose between part-time work and full-time employment. I hired an after-school nanny and started to juggle a 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM shift, home responsibilities, and on-call duties.
Facing Adversity and Burnout
In 2012, a new director at the company I was working for was tasked with ‘adding value and driving change.’ At this point I was running a service desk whilst also serving as a service delivery manager. After observing me for a week in my current role, the new director decided to question not only my leadership skills but also my entire character. His brutal feedback shook me. My male colleagues rallied around me, but the damage was done. Determined to prove myself, I took on extra responsibilities, until I burned out. By 2013, I was handling five roles: overworking, drinking excessively to cope, and ultimately suffering a breakdown.
When I returned to work after said breakdown (which I now coin as a breakthrough!) the CEO asked how I was and said, “Remember, Miral, it’s just a job.” Simple but profound words. He was right. I had poured myself into proving my worth, but in the end, the business would always look after itself, and ultimately, I suffered.
When the company was sold, the male managers received payouts, while my fellow female senior manager and I got nothing. It was a stark reminder that, despite our strong performance in our respective roles, we were not valued as highly as our male counterparts. Still, we walked away with a wealth of experience and wisdom. I also learned a crucial lesson in how not to manage people. Although the director’s feedback was often brutal, it ultimately pushed me to develop a level of confidence and resilience I hadn’t possessed before.
I stayed another year for the transition but eventually left in 2014 to prioritise my children. I spent the next few years researching autism, neuroscience, nutrition, regaining my mental health, and stepping away from corporate life.
A Second Chance: Redefining Success
In 2018, a former colleague presented me with an opportunity to take on a consulting role, leading the implementation of ISO 27001 where he was working. Nervous after a career break, I took the plunge. It felt daunting to re-enter the workforce, but I reminded myself of my skills and experience. Once I started, I realised that problem-solving and strategic thinking are timeless skills that don’t fade with time away from work. In fact, supporting my autistic kids gave me even better communication, time management and problem-solving skills.
The opportunity led me to my current role at Innovate Consulting, where I found everything I had been searching for:
- Work-life balance – I now had the flexibility I had long craved, working part-time while still being able to focus on my family as a full-time carer.
- A small, dynamic business – Unlike the rigid corporate structures I had experienced before, this environment allowed me to make an impact without dealing with excessive bureaucracy.
- Diverse challenges – Consulting across different industries meant that no two days were the same, keeping my problem-solving brain engaged and preventing stagnation.
- Autonomy – I was trusted to do my job without micromanagement, proving that years of experience had earned me credibility.
Rebuilding my career after a break was one of the hardest yet most rewarding things I’ve done. I had to overcome imposter syndrome, refresh my technical knowledge, and re-establish my confidence in my abilities. In doing so, I reaffirmed that I was an experienced professional with valuable skills to offer.
Today, my sons are thriving, and I am in a role that respects my expertise while allowing me to maintain a good work/life balance. My experience reinforced the idea that success isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder at all costs; it’s about designing a career that aligns with your values and personal circumstances. I could have sought Directorship; I just didn’t want it. I didn’t want to see my kids only at weekends, and I didn’t want to be a ‘woman on the board.’ I just wanted to solve problems, help people, care for my family and work to live, not live to work. I will always champion women in tech, as I believe it is my personal responsibility to advocate for equality and inclusion in this field. However, I also recognise that success looks different to everyone. It’s perfectly okay to remain in one role and excel at it for a lifetime. Ultimately, everyone should pursue a path that aligns with their own aspirations and needs.
Advice to My Younger Self (and Other Women in Tech)
1) Surround yourself with people smarter than you
This ensures you’re in the right place to learn and grow. Absorb knowledge from those who’ve been in the industry longer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2) Plan your career around your life, not the other way around.
Work-life balance isn’t about being perfect in every area at all times. It’s about prioritising what matters most in different seasons of life. Some periods might demand more focus on career growth, while others require more attention to family or personal well-being. And for those who choose not to marry or have children, their time is just as valuable; it doesn’t mean they should be expected to sacrifice personal time for endless work.
The key is defining success on your own terms, not by societal expectations. Whether it’s setting boundaries at work, embracing flexibility, or shifting priorities when needed, making career choices that align with your life goals leads to a healthier and more satisfying path.
3) Prioritise your mental and physical health.
Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. A job is important, but your well-being is vital. Take breaks, set boundaries, and remember that no job is worth sacrificing your health.
4) Not everyone will like you
Workplace conflicts are inevitable. Learn to handle them professionally without taking things personally.
5) Take criticism constructively.
Not all negative feedback is gender-based. Learn to differentiate between valuable critique and outright bias.
6) You are hired for your brain, not your gender.
Own your expertise and advocate for your worth. The imposter syndrome will try to creep in, push it aside and focus on facts, not fears. Ask for a pay rise if you feel you deserve it. Don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations about salary and progression.
7) Seek promotion for your work, not quotas.
Being promoted because you deserve it is empowering, but being a token hire is not; in fact, I would find it insulting if I were hired for my gender and not my brain. Push for merit-based recognition.
8) Embrace diversity of thought.
Tech thrives on innovation, and innovation comes from different perspectives. Work with and learn from those who think differently than you. It’s not a man/woman thing, it’s a brain thing and duality is the goal.
9) Network relentlessly.
Keep in touch with ex-colleagues, attend industry events, and build relationships. Many job opportunities come from connections, not job boards.
10) Communication is key.
Technical skills will only take you so far. The ability to articulate your ideas, write clearly, and present with confidence is just as important as coding or troubleshooting.
11) Stay safe.
I dislike having to say this; unfortunately, not everyone in the industry has good intentions. Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and report inappropriate behaviour when necessary.
12) Master your weaknesses.
Growth comes from tackling the things you struggle with. If public speaking, coding, or leadership intimidates you, lean into it, practice, and improve.
13) Find a good mentor; be a good mentor!
Finding a mentor can be one of the most valuable things you do for your career. Seek someone whose career path you admire, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Mentorship is not just about receiving help; it’s about creating a mutually beneficial relationship built on trust and learning.
Equally important is becoming a mentor yourself. When you reach a stage in your career where you have knowledge to share, pay it forward. Being a mentor allows you to uplift others, provide valuable insights, and create a more inclusive and supportive industry. Empowering the next generation of women in tech ensures progress continues, making the path easier for those who follow.
Final Thoughts
Women in tech are still underrepresented, but things are improving. According to Women in Tech UK, as of 2023, women make up 28% of the tech workforce. Additionally, 90% of women believe the technology industry would benefit from a gender-equal workforce, yet 76% of women working in technology have experienced gender bias or discrimination in the workplace. While progress is being made, these figures highlight the ongoing challenges that women continue to face in the industry.
Flexible work arrangements are becoming more common, and mentorship programmes are expanding, providing more opportunities for women to grow and thrive in technology.
My journey wasn’t traditional, but it was mine. At a bare minimum, I’ve learned resilience, adaptability, how to deal with different personalities and the importance of self-worth. To any woman entering tech: trust your abilities, advocate for yourself, and never let outdated mindsets define your path.
Resources that may help
Women in Cyber security – https://www.wicys.org/
Women in the Tech UK – https://www.womenintech.co.uk/
Jane Frankland’s book InSecurity – https://jane-frankland.com/
Women in Tech & Cyber Hub – https://www.witch.online/
BCS Women Specialist Group – https://www.bcs.org/membership-and-registrations/member-communities/bcswomen-specialist-group/
