Annie Gardner

I would say supportive leadership throughout the course of my life attributes to my success. I've had several specific leaders who have really invested in me and helped me to grow. When I first started in quality assurance, I had a relationship with a more senior developer who had a lot of experience, and she specifically helped me to own my own voice and to not be afraid to ask questions. That mentorship and investment from leaders has been crucial to my success. I could name leaders throughout my entire career who have invested in me similarly, listening to their guidance and adjusting my approach over time has helped me to reach my current role.

Early in my career I found it hard to speak up with confidence because I felt intimidated. I had a peer at the time who's supportive words and encouragement helped me overcome this. I feel strongly if I had not overcome this I would not have been able to progress the way that I have in my career.

I think as a female we tend to shy away from countering common believes or general consensus, so my advise would be to speak intelligently, and confidently when appropriate. There is no need to speak for the sake of speaking but you also do not need to agree with the group if you feel there are viable reasons the approach or solution is not the right one. You will earn the respect of your peers by speaking sincerely and directly in pursuit of the overall product quality.

I think right now, everyone is really just trying to figure out what the future of AI will bring, and how that's going to impact their roles. I do not think it will completely wipe out IT as a career path but I do think it might adjust some of the roles and the needs of those roles. Historically if you look at major technology leaps it definitely has impacted the job market landscape but I don't think it will be a negative impact, I see it more like an adjustment period.

I have found that I value honesty most in both my work and personal life. I have found candor to be the quality that helps me the most to identify strong partners (either work peers, friends and even with my spouse). I truly believe that by both being honest and creating a space where they can also be honest in a helpful and constructive manner is extremely important for the best relationship. With appropriate use of constructive honesty, you can help to guide and build a safe and trusting work and home life that reduces frustration on multiple parts.