The right attitude and mindset can overcome any challenge, says Sandra Hattab

We are delighted to present the latest in a series of ‘9 questions with Women in Tech.’ Today’s spotlight is on Sandra Hattab, Cybersecurity Consultant at Axon Technologies. Have fun reading!

TECHx: What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

Sandra: Growing up, I always had a passion for problem-solving. I would enjoy taking a stab at solving challenging math and physics questions. This ultimately led me to pursue a degree in computer engineering and, consequently, a career in information technology. Special topics on cryptography and network security during my university years ignited my passion for information security, which is now the main area of my career focus.

TECHx: How have you dealt with challenges throughout your career?

Sandra: Any challenge can be conquered when met with the right mindset and attitude. I strongly believe that nothing is impossible if you put in the hard work, consistency, focus, and discipline. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities. 

TECHx: How do gender balance and a diverse workforce contribute to the success of an organization? 

Sandra: Diversity and inclusion in the workplace have proven to create a positive impact. It allows organizations to tap into a wider talent pool, enhance collaboration across teams, and positively impact bottom-line growth. 

Organizations have begun to realize the benefits, and leaders are setting targets for their organizations to achieve an equal gender mix and a diverse and inclusive work environment.

TECHx: Do you have a female role model? If so, who is she and how has she inspired you?

Sandra: Indra Nooyi, former chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo. I had the privilege of meeting Indra in person and was amazed by her down-to-earth attitude, leadership style, and firm handshake! Indra is the champion of the lifelong student principle. You have to acknowledge that learning is a never-ending journey and constantly pursue new learning opportunities.  

TECHx: What is it about your work that excites you?

Sandra: Adding value. I do not think there is a greater reward or satisfaction beyond seeing your contributions and hard work materialize into a greater good, whether it translates into the collective success of your organization, or benefit realization for your clients. 

TECHx: With technology moving so fast, how do you remain updated?

Sandra: This is a great question. Remaining current and relevant in the technology field and continuing to deliver value to customers are challenging aspects of a career in Tech. Reading up on new topics, signing up for a learning course, attending a webinar or workshop, or obtaining a new certification are only a few ways to achieve this. Blocking time on your calendar for training and development is a great way to ensure you are consistently meeting this objective.

TECHx: What’s your favorite motivational quote?

Sandra: I discovered the following quote hanging on a wall at my children’s school, with a portrait of a man running alone uphill, and I could just resonate with it. It goes something like this: “Persevere: on the road to success, you can be sure of one thing… there is never a crowd on the extra mile.”

TECHx: Among all the gadgets you use, which is your favorite?

Sandra: My fitness tracker and Ketone Meter. They help me remain consistent and motivated to pursue healthier lifestyle choices. I just love and appreciate the fact that I can track and analyze my health metrics and their trends. Data is the crown jewel of our time, and the best data is that which relates to your health and the internal workings of your own body.

TECHx: When it comes to progressing in a leadership role, what are the most important traits? Can you give one piece of advice to young females who are considering careers in tech?

Sandra: Progressing in a leadership role demands not just functional excellence, but also exercising empathy and compassion and bringing others along with you.

To the young females aspiring to pursue a career in tech, I encourage you to follow your passions. Ask the tough questions, do not be afraid to disagree because this is where you can actually be creating value. Make mistakes but embrace the failure fast and learn new things every day. Tech is a fast-paced world, so be ready to put in the hard work and the extra effort.