“I think it is vital to see diverse women represented in various leadership roles where they have been underrepresented. When younger women coming up in the tech industry can see someone who might look like them, maybe come from where they come from, or have a similar lived experience it says, if I can see her, I can be her.”
Last but not least in our Women in Leadership series in honor of Women’s History month, is our Chief Marketing Office April Crichlow.
April has 20+ years of global marketing experience in the high-tech industry with leadership experience across brand, demand generation, and customer adoption. Previously the Global Head of Marketing for SAP SuccessFactors, April was responsible for end-to-end marketing for SuccessFactors around the world.
April also served as a Diversity and Inclusion Lead at SAP and led global thought leadership and strategic partnerships inspiring an inclusive culture, women’s equality, supplier diversity, and sustainable supply chains. She has been honored by various organizations including CRN’s “Women of the Channel” and as a “Top 100 Ethnic Minority Executive” by EmPower.
Here’s what she had to say:
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It is a time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments and advancements women have made. It’s also a call to action that we all must continue to strive for equality and equity in all places and spaces where women are involved. I am especially inspired seeing men and women come together for this cause.
Why is it so important for more women in the tech industry to take on leadership roles in a historically male-dominated industry?
It is extremely powerful to have women in positions of leadership. I have personally been able to grow in my near 25 years of high tech because of female leaders, mentors, and sponsors who believed in me and nurtured me along the way. I think it is also vital to see diverse women represented in various leadership roles where they have been underrepresented. When younger women coming up in the tech industry can see someone who might look like them, maybe come from where they come from, or have a similar lived experience it says, if I can see her, I can be her.
What advice would you give to young women who dream of being business leaders in the future?
Believe in yourself every single time, every single day. When I was younger, I sometimes doubted my abilities and tended not to be bold and “go for it”. If I could turn back time, I would tell my younger self to have confidence in your ideas and speak up about them! It is ok if you aren’t fully ready or if things aren’t perfect. They never will be! And, when you believe in yourself you also pave the way for other women to believe in themselves too. Lastly, pay it forward to another woman in your life every chance you get.
We hope you enjoyed the series and continue to celebrate women in your businesses all year round.