In Her Words: Manon, Application Manager at Quooker

Who has been your biggest role model throughout your career (or life), and how has their influence shaped your approach to work?

I don’t have just one role model, but several. I get inspired by people who radiate calm and share their honest experiences with me. They make me pause and reflect on what I’m really trying to achieve, and their feedback often turns out to be the most valuable. You can’t look at yourself objectively. You need others for that.

If you could point to one skill that has been the most valuable in your career, what would it be, and how did you develop it?

The ability to step into the spotlight. I believe that things will work out, no matter how unfamiliar the group is that I’m standing in front of. This enables me to explain technical or complex topics to adults and inspire them to play an active role as well. It has been tremendously helpful in my role as a connector in my field.

What do you think is the biggest myth or misconception about working in tech?

That you can’t get started without hard skills. Soft skills are just as important. Who are you as a person? How persistent are you, and how well can you think analytically and critically? Hard skills are easier to learn if you have those traits, and IT is eager to welcome social and open-minded people into teams for exactly this reason.

What’s one unexpected piece of advice you would give to someone who dreams of being in your shoes one day, especially in terms of personal growth and career fulfillment?

I believe that if something doesn’t work out, it simply isn’t the right moment for you yet. Failure is part of that. Every choice you make, and every opportunity you miss, leads you to a new one that might actually fit you better. Flexibility is the reason I am who I am today and why I am where I am. And honestly, that’s also how I suddenly ended up in IT.

For young women looking to make their mark in IT, how important is it to find a supportive community or network, and what should they look for in a mentor or role model?

Don’t hold on too much to the fact that you’re not a man. Instead, bring your social strengths to the table and follow people who are great at connecting different stakeholders and colleagues. They usually have a positive presence in the organization, and you can learn a lot from them.

What role does having or building a strong network play in your career? Has it helped you open doors or navigate challenges? To what extent is it important for young talent to build their networks early on?

By putting a lot of effort into staying visible within my organization, my professional network has grown significantly. You give a face to what others might see as the “unreachable” IT department and show that there are real people behind it. Once people recognize your face and keep seeing it, they are quicker to get on board with you and communication improves when challenges arise. Externals also tend to reach out more to people who are visibly active within an organization, and they’re more likely to think of you when new opportunities come up.

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