Francine

Tell us about your journey into tech?
I left medical studies to enrol in computer science degree after my first IT class. I was fascinated by the futuristic world the teacher was describing and how computers will transform our world and what humanity has ever seen…I was hooked.

After I graduated, I became head of Information System for a multinational and led multiple IT projects including the Y2K and other transformation projects in Investment banking & Insurance industry. After 13 years of the corporate career across IT, finance and change management I started my consultancy nucleus of change.

I could have been discouraged in my desire to do a science degree and embarked in a technical career since I had no role model and not much encouragement or support. But I was determined to succeed and do things in my own terms as much as possible. I have acquired many other skills along the way in my career and decided to move from the hard side of producing information to the softer side with communication and marketing.

How do you feel you have made a difference in what you do?
Due to my experience in corporate and with my own journey as a digital strategist specialised in personal branding and business mentor, I am passionate to empower entrepreneurs and professionals to be digital savvy and grab opportunities in the digital economy. I especially encourage female to find and claim their unique value and stand out with an influential personal brand.

I am the author of the book ‘Personal Branding in the Digital Age: How to Become a Known Expert, Thrive and Make a Difference in a Connected World.’ In the book, I outline a 7-step framework to help entrepreneurs and professionals to build their personal brand to use as a tool for economic benefit and impact others. I have advised and mentored hundreds of business owners and executives, especially female leaders: I am a key founding member of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), a one-of-a-kind training program that builds a pan-African community of aspiring and established women entrepreneurs. I was a business mentor of the Billionaire Ladies’ Club, helping women to grow their businesses. I helped to launch the Professional Women Network in London as a member of the executive committee and heading the High Potentials Committee for 3 years. I am also the Chief Editor of African Diaspora Professional Women in Europe (ADIPWE) with 400+ members on the LinkedIn group.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?
One of my biggest achievements was being part of a team that launched a successful a network of women entrepreneurs and impacted directly 400 women to create more jobs, increase their revenues and impact thousands of others

How do you think people can go about making a difference, in regards to spreading awareness of Black Women in tech?
It’s important that Black Women in tech themselves are empowered/equipped to show up and share their stories and what they are doing to inspire other women and also show other stakeholders that they exist. There is a lot of talent out there, but they need to be visible to be found.

Corporate and other organisations should also give Black women in tech some visibility by showcasing the talent they have in their organisation on their official social media channels, company websites, adverts, films, etc…

Black women in tech need to believe in themselves and boost their self-confidence; the power of network such as TLA Black women is crucial to instil that confidence in them to know they are not alone and can find the support they need to reach their wildest ambition.