Q. What excites you most about judging this year’s Women Leaders in Electronics Awards?

What excites me most is seeing real leadership in action. Women are shaping direction, not just delivering against it. The electronics sector sits at the heart of innovation, and I’m particularly interested in leaders who combine technical excellence with the ability to influence systems, bring people with them, and translate complex ideas into meaningful outcomes. Judging offers a powerful insight into how that leadership is evolving by generating dynamic teams.

Q. Which trends or innovations will shape the electronics industry in the coming year, and what is the next “big thing” for women leaders?

The most significant shift isn’t just technological, it’s about integration and impact. Advances in AI, data-driven systems, digital health and sustainable emerging technologies will continue, but success will depend on leaders who can bridge technology and real-world adoption. For women leaders, the next “big thing” is influence: stepping into roles that shape strategy, ethics and long-term impact, not just basic delivery.

Q. What practical advice would you share to help entrants stand out in the awards?

The strongest entries focus on impact, not titles. Be clear about the problem you were solving, the complexity involved and what changed because of your leadership. Specific examples: decisions made, challenges navigated and outcomes achieved especially with team involvement. These are far more powerful than long lists of achievements. Identifying, understanding and then resolving any challenges is an important part of leadership. Authentic, reflective entries that show how leadership was exercised stand out every time.