The challenge of getting airtime in meetings

A recurring challenge earlier in my career was securing space to contribute in fast‑paced (mostly male) meetings. Rather than remain sidelined, I experimented with several strategies to shift the dynamic. The most effective was learning to read conversational cues — particularly the rhythm and breathing patterns of dominant speakers — and using those natural pauses to step in with confidence. If they restarted, I would apologise courteously, and almost without fail they would say, “No, no, you go, I’d finished.” It taught me an important lesson in leadership: assertiveness, delivered with respect, creates openings not only for ourselves but for others who also need their voices heard. And I see this as me training dominant speakers to listen better to others.

Q. What excites me about this year’s awards?

I’m genuinely energised about this year’s awards. I’m hoping to see bold, emerging voices who reflect the future of our sector — people whose creativity and tenacity are pushing boundaries, often without public recognition. Women (and men) in electronics do extraordinary work behind the scenes, building devices and systems that quietly power our world. I’d love to see more of these innovators step forward and champion the brilliance happening in laboratories, workshops, and design studios across the UK. For me, these awards are an opportunity to spotlight the next generation of sector ambassadors.

Q. Why these awards - and women‑focused awards – matter?

I’ll admit I wasn’t always a supporter of women‑only awards. But over time I’ve seen their impact from multiple angles. Yes, they showcase exceptional talent to other women - but they also send a powerful signal to male leaders about the calibre, contribution, and potential of women in the sector. Just as importantly, these awards help strengthen the connective tissue of our industry. We need deeper, more resilient networks so that women across electronics can support, champion, and learn from one another. Recognition is important, but community is transformational.