As technology evolves and new opportunities emerge, the value of diverse career paths and backgrounds becomes increasingly evident, underscoring that there is no single path to a successful career in tech.
In celebration of this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” we spoke with three women from across our organisation who are building impactful careers in technology. Based in our Madrid and Dublin offices, they share how they entered the industry, the skills that have helped them succeed, and the advice they would give to those just starting their own tech journey.
Meet The Women in Tech
- Georgina Pacey – Director of Delivery, based in our Madrid office
- Pilar Sanchez – Senior Operations Project Manager, based in our Madrid office
- Catherine Smith – Senior Manager, Enterprise Solutions, based in our Dublin office
What inspired you to pursue a tech career?
Georgina:
I started as a translator, but it didn’t feel like the right fit, and I knew I wanted to change careers and learn something new. I was torn between Psychology and IT, as they were both subjects I enjoyed and was good at in school. I chose tech (and let’s be honest, psychology is involved in everything we do anyway). For someone as indecisive as me, tech felt like an industry with endless paths and opportunities to grow in different directions. I took a few development courses, quit my job, and started an unpaid internship as a front-end developer, a decision that felt right at the time. I really enjoyed development and was eventually asked to step into a Tech Lead role. That’s when I discovered how much I loved being a people leader. Having a technical background helped me collaborate better, build trust, and support my colleagues more effectively. Every role I’ve had, front-end developer, Tech Lead, Project Manager, and People Leader, has taught me something valuable that I still carry with me today.
Pilar:
I’ve always been fascinated by innovation and how technology shapes the world. Even while battling impostor syndrome and balancing work and studies for many years, I pushed myself to enter the tech world and eventually achieved my dream of joining leading companies and contributing to global projects. One of the proudest moments in my career was serving on the Board Committee of a start-up and launching it in Dublin while learning at high speed and helping Irish retailers connect with their customers. The path wasn’t always easy, but I kept following my north star. Through hard work, determination, and resilience in adapting to life’s changes, I eventually found my way to ESW, opening new doors for growth.
Catherine:
I have a background in Management and Employee Relations, and chose tech because it’s where people, process, and delivery meet at scale. That foundation naturally led me into project management, bridging technical teams and stakeholders to deliver complex outcomes.
What do you think are the most important skills for your role to possess?
Georgina:
My current role is very focused on leadership, so soft skills are essential. Empathy, active listening, empowering others, and effective time management are at the core of what I do. Creating an environment where people feel heard, supported, and trusted makes a real difference, not just to individual growth, but to team performance as a whole.
Pilar:
Beyond technical knowledge, soft skills truly shape success: self-discipline to keep learning (especially now with AI), strong stakeholder management, teamwork, and effective time management. Staying curious, setting realistic expectations, and being humble enough to learn from others are essential. These are the skills that keep you growing and grounded.
Catherine:
The most important skills in my role are strong networking, disciplined follow-through so nothing falls through the cracks, and building trust across teams.
Following this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” what advice would you give to people who are just starting in the tech industry, and how can they best prepare themselves for a successful career?
Georgina:
Starting a tech career today can feel overwhelming. AI is evolving fast, there are countless roles to choose from, and it’s easy to feel pressure to pick the “right” path straight away. My advice is to permit yourself to explore. Give your time, curiosity, and energy to learning, asking questions, and trying things out, even if you’re not sure where they’ll lead. You don’t need to have everything figured out early on. Focus on what you enjoy, what motivates you, and where you feel engaged; that’s often a better guide than chasing trends. The tech industry will keep changing, but if you enjoy what you do and stay curious, the skills and opportunities you gain will grow with you. Also, finding good mentors helps a lot!
Pilar:
“Give to Gain” resonates deeply with me, as I’ve led multiple International Women’s Day initiatives and participated in charity activities and community projects. Giving creates impact for everyone involved, including yourself. My advice: help others whenever you can, share what you learn, and stay open to collaboration. The more you contribute to the success of those around you, the more you grow personally and professionally.
Catherine:
My advice to anyone starting in tech is to focus less on individual advancement and more on what you can give to your team, your mentors, and your organisation. Seek out mentoring early, learn from those around you, and invest in the success of the team you’re part of, because your own growth accelerates when the people and projects around you succeed. The strongest careers in tech are built on trust, contribution, and a genuine commitment to collective outcomes, not just personal wins.
