Virginie Hollebecque, Vice President and EMEA Leader at Ciena, shares her journey in tech, insights on diversity, and tips for staying ahead. Discover how she balances her career with passions such as scuba diving, sailing, and charity work.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you became interested in the tech industry?
At an early age, I had an interest in science and technology and its ability to transform industries and improve our everyday lives. I earned a Master of Science from Polytech Lille and an MBA from ESSEC Business School.
I started my tech career more than 20 years ago with a background in engineering. I joined Ciena in 2007 and have held several positions within the company, including Managing Director for Western Europe and the Middle East, where I was responsible for leading enterprise, public sector, and partner initiatives throughout EMEA. I currently lead the EMEA organization at Ciena.
Diversity and inclusion are important topics in the tech sector. How do you think the industry has evolved in terms of gender diversity, and what more needs to be done?
Diversity and inclusion continue to remain a challenge in the tech industry. However, I believe we have come a long way in embracing the significance of D&I and in recent years, more and more women are taking on leadership positions all around the world. While there is still much work to be done in this area, I believe great progress has been made.
As a next step, we must focus our efforts on creating inclusive cultures, mentorship programs, and regulations that encourage gender equality. The ultimate goal is to establish an environment in which women feel valued and can thrive. Having a diverse workforce brings new ideas, experiences and different ways of thinking, all of which will help organizations to grow and innovate.
Can you share a particularly memorable success story or project that you’re proud of in your tech career?
I am fortunate to have several success stories to choose from, but one example is when I became a founding member of the Women@Ciena initiative, which aims to inspire, nurture and reward women in our industry. It provides a wonderful opportunity to “pay it forward” and help develop our future female talent, both at Ciena and with our customers and partners.
We focus on three key pillars – professional development, community outreach and networking. The Women@Ciena group has organized several networking events and workshops with customers across the globe.
I have also enjoyed mentoring some of our earlier in career staff by giving them opportunities to learn and develop and be challenged.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in technology?
I would tell young women to believe in yourself and your potential to bring change to the world. Don’t let your inner inhibitions prevent you from pursuing your passion in technology. Look for mentors and role models to guide you along the way. Remember that new thought and experience are respected, and your diverse viewpoints will help to make significant progress.
I would also encourage everyone to not be afraid to ask for more time and advice from others. All 5 of my mentors inspired me, and all created important learning opportunities for me. Looking back, I think I could have learned even more from my mentors if I had the courage to ask for more of their time and help.
The tech industry is known for its rapid evolution. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies?
Reading and networking with peers are at the top of my list! I attend industry events, keep an eye on what my network is discussing – and most importantly, discuss the latest developments with my customers. I also rely on my team at Ciena. We have many talented individuals across the globe and I find that collaborating across borders with the extended Ciena team, both horizontally and vertically, provides a wealth of learning opportunities and allows me to keep up-to-date on new technological trends and developments.
Outside of your tech-related work, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you find a balance between your professional and personal life?
In addition to my job at Ciena, I am a dedicated mother of two girls. I also strongly support children’s charities. Scuba diving and sailing are two of my hobbies that help me achieve balance. These activities allow me to disconnect from work, recharge, and return with a new perspective. Finding a balance between my work and personal lives is essential to my general well-being and success in both.
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