Yolanta Gill, CEO, European Electronique
How would you summarise your role?
European Electronique is a leading UK systems Integrator. We specialise in delivering secure technology platforms, including hybrid IT, cybersecurity and networking infrastructure. As CEO, I can be a strategist, salesperson, talent-spotter and firefighter – sometimes all on the same day! In my experience, this adaptability is what it takes to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving IT industry.
Do you feel the industry’s gender-diversity deficit something that needs to be highlighted and addressed?
I believe tackling the IT gender gap starts long before women enter the workforce. Companies can only hire from the people who apply for jobs, and this is still predominantly men. Therefore, reaching out to schools to get girls excited about IT and promote STEM education among young women is crucial.
Part of this involves showing girls high-achieving role models so they understand that gender is not a barrier to attaining senior positions, especially in technology companies.
Do you think the industry has made any headway on recruiting, retaining and promoting women over the last five years?
Despite efforts to address the gender gap, the ratio of women in technology positions has not improved as much as I had hoped. At European Electronique, we continue to struggle to generate a significant volume of female applicants for the jobs we advertise – and conversations I have had with other female leaders echo this.
“The harsh reality is that while we’re seeing more women getting involved in the IT industry at the grassroots level, when I sit in a room full of CEOs, I’m typically one of very few women.”
Yolanta Gill, European Electronique
The harsh reality is that while we’re seeing more women getting involved in the IT industry at the grassroots level, when I sit in a room full of CEOs, I’m typically one of very few women. This hasn’t changed much since I got involved in the IT industry decades ago! Having said this, I’m heartened by the enthusiasm of our female graduates and apprentices , and I’m confident they’ll grow into the next generation of IT leaders.
Is the industry as welcoming and accessible to women as it could be?
In my view, the most significant barrier facing many women is balancing professional success and family life. Although men have played a greater part in parenting over the past decade or so, caring responsibilities still predominantly fall to women. Ultimately, flexible and hybrid working are crucial here. So is high-quality, affordable childcare – something that remains out of reach for many in this country. Until we see this issue addressed, women will continue to struggle.
What is it like being a female leader in what remains a male-dominated industry?
I get asked this question a lot – and answering it never gets easier. Honestly, I don’t believe gender plays an important part in my role. If anything, raising a family while running a successful business has given me an edge when it comes to problem-solving, multi-tasking, and task prioritisation – or so I like to think.
“We need more female leaders now! It’s up to business leaders to make this happen.” See next page for Crayon’s Hayley Mooney’s views…
