Empowering women in evolving tech industry
SANDRA Fraga started her tech career in sales. This equipped her with an appreciation and understanding of what customers need and want.
Her role as chief sales and marketing officer at SYSPRO has her responsible for all sales revenue and marketing for the global provider of enterprise resource planning software to the manufacturing and distribution industries.
Fraga is passionate about building customer and partner communities, where the relationship is valued over the transaction. Much as she advocates for the advantages of emerging technology, she also values human creativity and spirit in the age of innovation, particularly the integral role women can play. She is a mentor to women in the workplace, sharing her knowledge and experiences to help them reach success in their careers.
Why is it important for you to empower other women in this industry?
I believe women can add value to the technology industry through our ability to be critical thinkers and innovators, with the ability to demonstrate empathy and deliver pragmatic solutions. The reality, however, is that the industry still has a clear gender gap. According to a report by PwC, women hold 19% of tech-related jobs at the top 10 global tech companies, relative to men, who hold 81%. There is an opportunity for women to therefore make their mark in the industry.
To address the gender gap, women need to hold the necessary skills and be supported through ongoing coaching and mentoring programmes.
Tell us more about your experience in your industry.
I have extensive experience in building successful sales and marketing strategies and teams. Before joining SYSPRO, I spent nine years at Dell and was responsible for growing channel, acquiring and managing distribution partners, selling to global accounts and then the last three years leading marketing across emerging markets. I then moved to Microsoft South Africa, where I was the product category lead responsible for growing the Windows & Office business within the Consumer Channel Group.
I’ve been at SYSPRO for five years where I’ve held the role as chief marketing officer. I’ve recently taken on an extended responsibility as chief sales and marketing officer, responsible for sales and marketing globally.
Throughout my career, I’ve held the belief that gender does not play a role in professional growth, but rather the right capabilities, experience and skillset. Personally, I’ve not been at a disadvantage for being a woman. I’ve succeeded because of what I bring to the table, my education, tenacity and drive to succeed.
My advice is that women should not see themselves as disempowered because they are female. People around you will respect you for that – regardless of gender.
Where do you see South Africa's technology sector in the next five years?
I believe Industry 4.0 and digital transformation will accelerate faster than ever before, spurred on by the pandemic. A good example can be seen in the manufacturing and distribution industries we at SYSPRO serve.
Over the past year, manufacturers and distributors have needed to contend with multiple supply chain disruptions, huge operational inefficiencies and a lack of integration between disparate systems.
These industries are looking to get maximum value out of IT systems and business solutions. This means pursuing full-featured solutions that address their needs, improve efficiencies and positions them to compete better in the market.
Many organizations have realised that a fundamental shift needs to take place by revising operational strategies and embracing digital technologies.