In South Africa, Women’s Month is observed every August as a time to recognise the role of women across business and society. In the security industry, women continue to contribute to advancements in technology fields such as video surveillance, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
At Axis, we recognise that progress in the industry is driven by collaboration, innovation and the people working every day to solve real-world challenges. In interviews with five women from across the team, we asked them about their experiences, how they have grown personally and professionally during their time with Axis, and the messages they have for fellow and aspiring women professionals.
Their insights help paint a picture of the future of women in the field of security technology, which can be captured in five simple words.
Insight 1: Have confidence in the face of adversity
Research shows that the security industry has been held back by a persistent gender imbalance in both leadership and culture. However, that imbalance is slowly being corrected as women enter the industry, challenge norms, and support and inspire those who follow in their footsteps.
“Having worked in the technology and security industry for many years, I know that it can sometimes be challenging for women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated environment. However, during my time at Axis, I have had the privilege of working alongside and learning from incredibly strong and capable women who serve as inspiring role models.
P
etrea Snyman, Key Account Manager
Building confidence is part of addressing this imbalance. It develops over time through experience, sharing ideas and continuing to learn.
My advice would be to keep showing up, contribute your ideas, don’t be afraid to have an opinion and consistently give your best. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you make your mark. A career is built over time through the quality of the work you do, the relationships you build and your willingness to keep learning.
Terri Miller, Regional Marketing Specialist for Africa
Insight 2: Learning leads to opportunity
Part of any successful business is its ability to foster learning, build talent internally and serve as a place of both personal and professional growth.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey at Axis has been seeing how much I’ve grown in confidence, knowledge and independence in my role. It has taught me that growth doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes, you only realise how far you’ve come when you look back and see how much you’ve learned and how much more confident you’ve become.
Jessica Van Niekerk, Inside Sales Account Manager
That growth is possible in a working environment that gives people the support to do their best, while also encouraging them to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
You don’t have to know everything before you step into a new opportunity. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from being willing to learn, ask questions and take on challenges that push you outside your comfort zone.
Cindy Fredericks, Inside Sales Account Manager
Insight 3: Always be yourself
Employees can feel under pressure to conform to a specific company culture or feel that their personalities and principles do not align with the organisation or their peers. Any inclusive environment will welcome those differences and encourage employees to be themselves.
Success does not require you to sacrifice your well-being or change who you are. You can lead with strength and empathy, make a meaningful impact and define success on your own terms.
Lorna Vincenot, Finance Manager
Insight 4: Build strong relationships
Being engaged in your work can benefit both your career and the company you work for. Engaged workforces can increase innovation, productivity and bottom-line performance, leading to organisations meeting and even surpassing their goals. Strong relationships and approachable leaders can help people feel more connected to the organisation.
One moment that stands out was when Axis co-founder Martin Gren took time out of his personal holiday to visit our Johannesburg team and have lunch with us. These experiences have taught me that strong organisations are built not only through innovation and business results, but also through people, relationships and leaders who remain accessible.
Lorna Vincenot, Finance Manager
That means giving employees the chance to interact with and work alongside people at all leadership levels. This can give them a better view of the entire organisation and their role in it.
Working as an Inside Sales Account Manager at Axis has taught me the importance of building strong relationships, having confidence in my voice and staying authentic to who I am. I would encourage other women to find mentors and sponsors, build a strong network and support other women along the way. We don’t have to compete with one another; we can create opportunities for each other.
Cindy Fredericks, Inside Sales Account Manager
Insight 5: Never be afraid to speak up and participate
When employees feel safe and comfortable speaking up, organisations stand to benefit. Employees can help identify inefficiencies and flag potential risks, while also offering new ideas and contributing to company-wide improvements and opportunities. By doing so, they become more invested in the success of the organisation.
Security is still a predominantly male industry, although marketing itself is much more balanced. I’m also still growing and learning in my own career, but one thing I have always believed in is doing work that I can be proud of.
Terri Miller, Regional Marketing Specialist for Africa
Even though employees may still be on a learning curve or be new to the organisation, speaking up can be an important part of their growth and the role they play in building an inclusive workforce.
My advice to women looking to grow their careers is to believe in yourself, even when you don’t feel completely ready. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, ask questions, speak up and take on opportunities that challenge you.
Jessica Van Niekerk, Inside Sales Account Manager
The future in five words: Open. Bold. Knowledgeable. Influential. Limitless.
I see a future where women in technology are confident in their strength, respected for their knowledge and able to enjoy the journey along the way. Success should not only be about what we achieve, but also about creating workplaces where people feel happy, supported and inspired.
Petrea Snyman, Key Account Manager