B
y her own estimation Tania says she feels like
she’s been in the IT industry forever. ‘Forever’ however, turns out to be seven and a
half years, although you may be mistaken for
thinking she has actually been in the industry
forever, given how knowledgeable she is about
her IBM Software product portfolio.
Coming from an operational background in a completely
different industry, Tania freely admits that distribution as well
as software were brand new to her.
“I wanted to be a princess, then a vet, then an artist, but
now I am in IT. I had the opportunity to join First Distribution’s IBM Software team in an operational role back in the
day - turns out that software was my calling, and not being
a princess after all!” she laughs.
Tania likes that the company has a female head, and feels
that (FD managing director) Debbie Abrahall is a leader to
look up and aspire to. “First Distribution allows for personal
development and growth in many different areas, not to
mention empowering women in business. Although, if I
could, I might introduce a ‘Bring your Pet to Work’ day!”
She’s of the opinion that attitudes towards women in the
IT industry have definitely changed, and that by-and-large
women have been accepted. She believes that women
have a place in every industry and feels that they bring a
nurturing aspect to their roles – something which she believes a leadership role in any industry needs.
“I have been fortunate that I have never been discriminated
against as a woman” she mentions.
What advice would she give to other women looking to
enter the IT/distribution industry?
“Just do it!” she enthuses. “It’s an ever-changing and exciting industry, and it will only get bigger and better. There are
many different job opportunities within IT - you have sales,
technical and marketing to name just a few. So doing what
you love within such a great industry would be a winning
combination. After all ‘IT is the new black!’”
Tania’s role model is Audrey Hepburn, and takes from her
the fact that one can ‘do it all!’
“One of her quotes says it all to me - ‘Nothing is impossible,
the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”
Outside of First Distribution, Tania enjoys drawing and any
activities where she can use her creative side, and is very
involved in animal volunteer work as well.
She maintains that she enjoys working with IBM, as the
business is ever-changing.
“There are acquisitions of different software companies
which add to the dynamics of the IBM business” she says.
“One is always learning about new software and IBM always acquires interesting companies.
My objective for my business is to develop the current
business partner base and enable them in some of the
acquisition solutions, whilst keeping them updated with the
current IBM structure and solution changes. I enjoy seeing
my business partners thrive in their business, as it gives me
a sense of achievement.”
I want all woman to remember
that they are beautiful and strong, and
that they can make a succe