Our Women Crushing IT blog series aims to showcase the achievements of amazing women who are making waves in the tech industry. From software developers to cybersecurity experts, product managers to data analysts, we shine a spotlight on talented women who are breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes. We believe that representation matters, and that by sharing the stories and insights of these incredible women, we can inspire the next generation of female tech leaders.

Today, SathyaKhala Anantharajan, API Platform Leader at Medibank shares her insights and journey of becoming a female leader in the tech space.

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

I’m Sathya, the Platform Leader of Medibank’s API team. As part of my role, I’m responsible for establishing and maintaining the integration platform where we build Enterprise APIs for our internal and external customers. Our engineering team is committed to ensuring quality across the services we create and maintain, by setting standards and guidelines for building APIs.

Each day I make sure I am using my time wisely by connecting and collaborating with important partners and colleagues, leading and inspiring teams, ensuring that projects are well planned and organised, and building engineering roadmaps and strategies that align with the greater Medibank vision.

What are the benefits of having women in leadership roles?

Companies everywhere are starting to understand the importance of a diverse team. Studies have revealed that teams with equal gender representation are more creative, better at handling changes, build great products, and bring in significantly better engagements. This is true for leadership roles too. The lack of women in positions of power is still a persistent issue. I strongly believe that women have the potential to be transformative game-changers, bringing fresh perspectives and adding invaluable insight to critical decision-making for any organisation.

Having more women in IT not only contributes to a better gender balance in the workplace but can also create a positive atmosphere leading to more innovation and development. These professionals can help teams grow by building strong personal relationships while encouraging unbiased decisions and greater brand visibility.

In your experience, does being a woman in your profession come with extra challenges that you have had to overcome? If so, what are they and how did you overcome them?

In my own career journey, I feel fortunate to have not faced any major obstacles. This is something to be grateful for! I consistently seek constructive feedback and aim to learn from it. Unfortunately, I do sometimes feel my ideas lack the same weight in comparison to those proposed by male colleagues. While I do not want to bring a gender card into this, it’s a matter of how we learn to become better communicators and influencers. This can be done by observing our leaders and peers and taking the necessary steps to improve our persuasive skills.

12 years ago, my career was at its peak when I had to move to Australia. Regrettably, I had to begin anew and restart my career. After settling down, managing a family with two kids brought about its own unique challenges where many things need to get done both professionally and personally in a single day. Navigating careers and motherhood is a constant challenge for many women. It is wonderful to witness many businesses across Australia offering help and guidance in these situations; The support provided gives women the opportunity to further their career paths.

While equality and women empowerment are important topics that deserve attention, I’d like to recognise the many wonderful men in my life that have been a great source of guidance. From my Dad, Husband and friends, to leaders I’ve encountered throughout my professional career—each of them has had a hand in helping me reach where I am today.

Why do you think it is important for more women to join the tech industry?

Valuing diversity in the workplace has many benefits, including the development of new skills and ideas. Women, in particular, can bring a unique perspective resulting in more innovative and effective solutions that benefit the industry as a whole. 

Do you think enough is done to help women get into the tech industry? If not, what would you recommend?

I don’t think so. Despite great strides, there is still much progress needed when it comes to female representation in tech-related roles, especially in Australia. It is time to create an environment that allows women’s skillsets and expertise to shine. Stepping up and creating a level playing field for everyone starts in educational institutions.

Women should be actively encouraged to take up roles in the ICT industry through initiatives like mentor programs, targeted coding workshops, graduate programs, etc. Organisations such as Code Like a Girl and VIC ICT for Women provide women access to the education and networks necessary to succeed in this field. Organisations have a responsibility to empower and support women in technical roles and such programs open up unique opportunities for learning, growth, and exploration to make technology a primary career path.

What advice would you give yourself just starting out?

Push yourself to do more and never let fear hold you back. Stay brave, no matter the situation, and don’t be scared to move out of your comfort zone to explore the greater potential and knowledge awaiting you.

Join our Promoting Women in IT group and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about advancing their careers in the tech field. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for more women to succeed in the tech industry.