Janette Kim - Head of Operations │ Influential Women

About Janette

Janette Kim has been in the technology industry since 2021. Both of her parents were involved in tech, with her father working at a telecommunications company and her mother running a robotics and coding academy. Her brother and his girlfriend also work in tech, which made entering the field feel like a natural step for her. Kim wanted to be in an industry that is always growing and sought change. She transitioned from a conventional big tech company to a bootstrap startup that is currently in the acquisition process. As a non-technical person in tech from an immigrant family who moved from Canada to the US, Kim has faced imposter syndrome but credits the belief others had in her for helping her recognize her own agency. Her eventual goal is to become the COO of a big tech company. Kim advises women entering the male-dominated startup space to insert themselves, assert their dominance, and know they belong because they have done the work, noting that women can leverage being more marginalized to ask questions and show expertise in growth areas.

Ten minutes with Janette

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would just say the belief that other people had in me. I used to be very insecure about how much I can accomplish or do, especially because I'm a non-technical person in tech, and coming from an immigrant family. But the belief that I can do what I set my mind out to, that I have the power and agency of my own life really changed the game for me. My friends and family again.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

The startup space is extremely male-dominated. Anything is really possible. You just have to insert yourself in the space, assert your dominance, and know that you belong there because you've done the work to be there. Women actually have an advantage when they are more marginalized - you can assert yourself, ask more questions, and show your expertise in certain areas, in growth especially.