Behind the Firewall: Conversations with Women in Technology, sponsored by Authentix, shares the inspiring experiences of women who are breaking barriers and driving progress in the tech industry across the globe.
In this edition, hear from Kristi Browne, Chief Operating Officer of Authentix, a seasoned executive who has used her position to champion women’s advancement in the tech industry. Through her story, we gain insights into the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating inclusive work environments around the globe.
Imagine starting your career as an applications engineer on a fracking site in West Texas, learning the intricacies of fluid tracking and analysis. Fast forward 20 years, and you’re the Chief Operating Officer of the same company, managing global operations and leading cross-functional teams. This journey shows that with dedication, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities, you can achieve remarkable growth and leadership roles.
Kristi Browne’s career path is a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that starting from a technical role and advancing to an executive position is possible. Her story encourages others to embrace challenges, stay curious, and remain committed to their goals. It highlights the importance of perseverance and the impact of gaining diverse experiences along the way.
Authentix Inc. the authority in authentication solutions, is headquarters in Addison, Texas USA, with offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, serving clients worldwide.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in technology?
In high school, I had an incredible math and science teacher who instilled in me the confidence to tackle challenging subjects. As a bit of a non-conformist, I was drawn to paths less traveled, which led me to pursue engineering, a field traditionally dominated by men. I continue to thrive in this industry because I believe in the importance of the work we do. With a combination of technology and optimism, I aim to make a meaningful impact and improve lives.
How has being involved with NextUp supported your career growth and development?
Being involved with NextUp has given me the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and support the career growth and development of our female employees within our company, worldwide.
What role do mentorship and professional networks like NextUp play in helping women navigate male dominated industries?
Mentorship and professional networks like NextUp play a crucial role in helping women navigate male-dominated industries by providing guidance, support, and a sense of community. These networks offer valuable resources, such as career advice, skill development, and opportunities for professional growth. They remind women that they are not alone by connecting them with mentors and peers who share similar experiences and challenges. This strong network of support fosters confidence, resilience, and empowerment, enabling women to thrive and succeed in their careers.
What steps can companies take to create more opportunities for women in leadership positions within the tech industry?
There are so many ways to create opportunities for women in leadership across all industries. Some of the practices that we have found success with at Authentix include…
- Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Establish formal mentorship and sponsorship programs where senior leaders actively mentor women and advocate for their career advancement.
- Diverse Hiring Practices: Implement recruitment strategies that prioritize diversity, such as blind resume reviews and diverse interview panels, to ensure a wider range of candidates are considered
- Inclusive Culture: Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives. This can include training on unconscious bias and creating safe spaces for open dialogue about gender issues.
- Leadership Training: Offer leadership development programs specifically tailored for women. This can include workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities to build leadership skills.
- Flexible Work Policies: Provide flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance, such as remote work options and flexible hours, which can be particularly beneficial for women with caregiving responsibilities.
- Celebrating Achievements: Highlight and celebrate the achievements of women within the organization. This can inspire others and help build a culture of recognition.
- External Partnerships: Collaborate with external organizations such as NextUp, to provide additional resources and support.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in tech, especially those who may be hesitant due to existing gender disparities?
If you’re interested in STEM, go for it! Challenging people exist in every field, so you might as well pursue something you enjoy and where you can make a difference. We need diverse perspectives to tackle complex problems.
What has been the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to listen more than you speak. If you don’t have something valuable to contribute, it’s more powerful to listen. Don’t speak just to be noticed; always aim to add value to the conversation.
What has been your favorite NextUp event you have attended and why?
My favorite NextUp event was the Executive Symposium & Forum in DC earlier this year. It was incredibly energizing to be surrounded by, and engage with, such amazing people.
Thank you for reading Behind the Firewall: Conversations with Women in Technology, sponsored by Authentix! Be sure to keep an eye out for the NextUp Content Hub for more profiles, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
