Tell us about your career journey in tech / SAP to date?

I started in SAP 20 years ago, I started as a Super User working for Shell in the Netherlands and got interested in the consulting after working with consultants on our Project in Shell. Started working with Deloitte for an number of years in the Sales and the Procurement modules in SAP working on projects around Europe. Then worked for Siemens for an internal consulting department of Siemens for a few years and extended my module experience to PP and WM working on a number of implementations and the process optimization projects in Siemens for NW Europe. After moving back to Australia I have worked in a couple of consulting firms, until recently I have completed my 20 year consulting career and have recently taken a role in a company that is implementing S/4 HANA and it is a refreshing experience to see things from the perspective of the “business”.

What are the main obstacles you face in your current role and how do you overcome them?

Stepping away from consulting and moving into a “business” role has been challenging as the pace, responsibilities is significantly different. I used to have many hats to wear in the consulting side, client delivery projects, managing pre-sales work, managing off-shore teams and the sales targets. When stepping into the “business” role I don’t have those challenges and can focus on the business delivery in my role in the project which have been a change of mindset and ways of working are different.

Which SAP modules have been most useful in your business and why?

I enjoy working in the SAP arena as I have gained a lot of the experience working in consulting and with many different businesses and the industries. It allows me to be very diverse in my skills from Process Mapping (old to new processes), leadership (teams and project management), Solution Architecture of the systems. The foundation of the SAP is the same on projects but there are always a difference which always provides new challenges. The technology has also evolved so much in the space of my career that it keeps you interested in wanting to learn and grow as SAP evolves.

How can we be more inclusive in the recruitment process to promote wider diversity?

I think rather than looking at someone’s gender on a CV it should simply are they the right fit based on experiences, skills and the cultural fit.

What advice would you give you to a woman working in the SAP ecosystem and looking to advance her career?

Don’t be afraid to be who you are, demonstrate that you are a leader. Be inspired to speak out and regardless of this being a male dominated industry. Find leadership mentors that will help inspire you to the risks and find the opportunities for the right roles.

What female inspiration have you had in your career?

Throughout my career I have worked with a number of strong women that have been in leadership roles wanting to inspire other women to work in the industry and watching them juggle career and home life. I have always looked up to these kinds of women!