Rising Above Bias: Pelin Konakci

Born in Kirklareli, a small city in the European part of Turkey, Pelin Konakci’s life story is shaped by a rich cultural history and strong family bonds. Her maternal grandparents were immigrants from Yugoslavia and Greece, part of the population exchange between Muslim communities in Greece and other Balkan countries. Surrounded by an extended family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Pelin grew up in an environment filled with love, connection, and unshakable support.

A New Chapter in Antalya

At the age of 7, Pelin’s family moved to Antalya in southern Turkey, due to her father’s job. This marked the beginning of her childhood in a vibrant and sunny city that would shape her growth and education. Early access to English education at a private primary school, followed by enrollment at a selective public middle and high school where English was the primary medium of instruction, provided Pelin with a competitive edge. Her school was known for admitting only high-achieving students, and it was here that Pelin’s passion for learning truly flourished. By the time she graduated high school, she had earned the distinction of being ranked third in her class.

Love for Learning

Driven by a deep interest in mathematics, science, and languages, Pelin pursued a degree in engineering. Her dedication and hard work earned her a place in the Computer Engineering Department at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, one of Turkey’s most prestigious institutions. Set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus, Boğaziçi was a place where Pelin’s critical thinking skills were honed, preparing her to become an independent and visionary thinker with global potential.

However, her path was not without obstacles. Arriving at university with limited exposure to personal computers, Pelin faced a steep learning curve. Yet, through perseverance, she not only adjusted to life in the bustling city but also excelled academically, finishing her first year as the top student in her department. This determination marked the beginning of her unstoppable journey.

The Dot-Com Boom

As the dot-com boom reshaped the tech landscape, Pelin seized the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field. She secured internships every summer at major technology companies, including Microsoft, Superonline, and Aselsan. These internships provided invaluable exposure to various tech domains and solidified Pelin’s passion for the industry.

From Software Developer to Sales Engineer

After graduation, Pelin began her professional career at Garanti Teknoloji, the IT arm of Garanti Bank. Working as a software developer in the digital channels department, Pelin played a key role in pioneering internet banking and call center applications in the early days of digital banking. This experience laid the foundation for her technical expertise and understanding of banking operations.

Her next career leap came when she joined Sun Microsystems as a Junior Sales Engineer. This move allowed her to join a global team of young professionals from across EMEA, and Pelin’s training took her from Switzerland to Scotland, and even to Sun’s headquarters in California. These international experiences expanded her technical and leadership skills, with a memorable highlight being the opportunity to meet Sun Microsystems’ co-founder, Scott McNealy.

Climbing the Ladder

Pelin’s journey took another significant turn when she transitioned into the specialized role of Solution Architect for Identity and Access Management (IAM) after Sun’s acquisition of relevant software. Her deep technical knowledge and leadership abilities were recognized as she took on increasingly larger projects, working with major telcos and banks in the region.

A defining moment of Pelin’s career came in 2007 when she was tasked with resolving a critical issue on a large-scale project in Saudi Arabia. Although she faced bureaucratic challenges, such as not being able to travel alone to Saudi Arabia due to visa restrictions, Pelin’s tenacity and her company’s support allowed her to successfully manage the project with the help of her husband.

Education and Career

In 2008, Pelin decided to pursue an Executive MBA at Koç University to enhance her business acumen and prepare for leadership roles. Balancing work, education, and family life was a challenge, but Pelin’s resilience and determination helped her succeed. The MBA program, which combined theoretical knowledge with practical application, provided her with invaluable insights and a network of peers that would prove essential throughout her career.

A Pivotal Career Move

In 2009, following Oracle’s acquisition of Sun Microsystems, Pelin saw an opportunity to pivot into consulting sales, merging her technical background with her newly acquired business expertise. This transition marked a turning point in her career, allowing her to explore the commercial side of the tech industry while still leveraging her technical knowledge.

A New Chapter

In 2013, Pelin took on the role of Security Sales Leader for Turkey at IBM. At this time, IBM was establishing its Security Business Unit, and Pelin’s leadership contributed significantly to the company’s market penetration in Turkey, positioning IBM as a key security vendor. Her leadership continued to grow as she transitioned into a regional leadership role in 2018, overseeing the Digital Trust portfolio across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This move to Dubai introduced Pelin to the fast-growing, dynamic opportunities in the MEA region, and she embraced the challenges of working in a diverse environment.

New Role at Anomali

After spending 11 rewarding years at IBM, Pelin embarked on a new adventure as the Regional Channel Director for Anomali, a leading cybersecurity company known for its AI-driven security platforms. In this new role, Pelin is focused on building strategic partnerships and alliances to expand Anomali’s presence across the META region. She is determined to scale the company’s impact and address the ever-evolving challenges in cybersecurity.

Overcoming Setbacks

Pelin’s career has not been without setbacks. On several occasions, she was passed over for promotions, but rather than being discouraged, she used these moments as opportunities to learn and grow. Seeking feedback and developing the qualities that companies value in leadership allowed her to overcome these hurdles, ultimately positioning her for greater career growth.

Advice for Young Women Leaders

Reflecting on her journey, Pelin offers powerful advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles in tech. “Women in tech often face unconscious bias,” she acknowledges. “There may be times when you feel underestimated or discouraged, but keep believing in yourself. Push boundaries and lead with courage and heart. Surround yourself with a support system and seek mentors who will guide you along your path.”

Pelin’s message is clear: “It’s through struggle that growth happens. Embrace these challenges as opportunities to shine brighter. The power of community and the strength that comes from lifting each other up is at the core of great leadership.”

Looking Ahead

From her humble beginnings in Kirklareli to her role as Regional Channel Director at Anomali, Pelin Konakci’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With an unwavering growth mindset, she continues to push boundaries and pave the way for future generations of women leaders in technology.