Naomi

How did your career in tech unleash itself?
Purely by accident. I have a BSc in Psychology but after university went into Fashion, PR, and Events. I started working for a Market Research agency about 5 years ago who recruited participants for UX testing and my interest grew from there. I went on to work for their parent company and managed its internal usability program UK wise. I currently work for an online gaming company as the sole UX Researcher on strategic and tactical initiatives alongside The Product and Design teams.

What are your business and lifestyle rituals to stay ahead?
read, a lot. And I talk to people in all areas of the business and just in general. Working on complex products in the gaming industry I often need to test complex products and reading or conversations with others helps trigger an idea of a notion.

What books/podcasts/network/resources do you recommend for someone trying to achieve better results within their career or entrepreneurial journey?
Sisters in Tech is a budding organization that helps to connect black women in tech. Podcast: This week in tech is quite interesting and a good Ted Talk never hurt anybody.

What do you believe are the most effective ways to engage other ethnicities and genders to embrace diversity?
For companies, I believe acknowledging and sometimes celebrating culturally significant and Holydays are a start. Ensuring that everyone in the organization feels heard.

What actions/decisions did you take that had the biggest impact on your career?
I decided to just go for it and by the Grace of God, I went. You have to believe And take a chance on yourself and let God do the rest.

What advice do you want to give to black women entrepreneurs or professionals who to achieve more within the tech sector?
1. What do you think black women in tech should start doing?
Taking up space. Stop cowering and thinking we don’t belong because we do and we’ve worked very hard to accomplish the things we have.

2.What do you think black women in tech should keep doing?
Keep reaching for those seemingly impossible goals. Keep striving for a seat at the table and when we get a seat – bring another into the fold.

3. What do you think black women in tech should stop doing?
Stop apologizing or feeling inferior.

If you could advise your younger self, what would you say?
You’re more powerful than you realize.