Meet Rosie Becker – Transformation Director at K3 Business Technologies Group
Rosie Becker joined K3 as Global Transformation Programme Manager. In February, Rosie was promoted to Transformation Director for Service Delivery at K3 BTG. Rosie began her career in neuroscience before moving to work in the technology. K3 caught up with Rosie Becker to find out more about establishing her career in tech and taking on a leadership role.
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Find out more at K3- Transforming retail for good (k3btg.com) and see our open roles here K3 Business Technologies - Current Openings (workable.com)
Rosie, how did your career begin?
I graduated with a degree in neuroscience, with a view to becoming a scientific researcher. However, I found that whilst I enjoyed problem solving, understanding people, and being intellectually stimulated, I did not enjoy the isolation of lab work.
I moved into technology as it allowed me to work closely with people. Tech is more social. Moreover, solving problems, while understanding the psychology of a business, provides the significant challenge and intellectual stimulation I sought originally from a career in science.
To be seen for a leadership role, make yourself visible
What are the myths that abound in conversations about tech careers and women leaders?
There is a myth that women will not be seen as suitable for leadership roles. The reality is that (in many cases), you can become successful based on your merit.
To be seen for a leadership role, make yourself visible: have a needed skillset, strive to work well with other people, and be clear about how you can support your company to succeed. When you consistently do this, you can be courageous in your ambitions.
There is also the myth that sexism is abundant in tech. It may still occur in small pockets, but overall sexism is greatly reduced. In fact, many men themselves are working to support women in their careers in the tech sector. Women possess many baseline skills that are extremely valuable in tech.
...why not give ‘the tough job’ a go?
Taking on a leadership role in tech requires grit, resilience, and confidence. What can you tell us about ambition?
Many people say they are not ambitiously seeking leadership roles as it looks 'tough’, but no one can truly know what a role is like without giving it a go. See it through the prism that being ambitious is exciting and it gives you a challenge to work on. Imagine that feeling you get when you accomplish your goals, that alone makes it all worthwhile. Working in a leadership role will give you something to be proud of: what's more the benefits really add up; so, why not give ‘the tough job’ a go?
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When we accept that everybody (not just us) worries that they are not good enough...we can thrive.
What is one area where we need more clarity?
There remains a conflict between recognising what is ‘Likeability’, what is ‘Assertiveness’, and what is seen as ‘Bossy’. Being assertive in business does not retract from likeability, yet the fear of ‘not being likeable’ may hold women back from standing up and getting involved in what could be perceived as difficult environments.
People talk about imposter syndrome. When we accept that everybody (not just us) worries that they are not good enough, or feels that they need to do more, we can thrive. This instinct to achieve, proves that you have the instincts required to improve and learn.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is ‘Unrestrained Confidence,’ which can equally hold you back. You cannot progress and collaborate well with others if you feel you no longer need to learn, nor if you believe that you will never make mistakes.
There is a misunderstanding that we all work extensive overtime
Does being a woman in a leadership role in tech prevent you from having a work/life balance? Are you able to enjoy your free time?
Misconceptions surround the competing demands on women in a leadership role. There is a misunderstanding that we all work extensive overtime and do not have time for our families, but when you move into leadership it becomes part of the job to delegate, manage demands, and prevent yourself (and others) from overworking.
Enjoying your free time is integral to your own success, and you will work harder and more efficiently in your day if you also make take time to rest, recoup, and revive yourself.
What is your advice for those looking to move into a leadership role?
Have empathy with other people; be adaptable, have great listening skills, and exercise your personal resilience. Being able to say no is valuable too.
Empathy is important as it makes you more relatable to other people. When used well, empathy will provide you with a way to ask for help and receive mutual support when you need it most.
By being open to communication, you will continually strengthen your professional network, as well as elevate your personal strengths.