Her Story
About Khalida
Throughout my two-decade career in IT consulting, I have learned that this field is about much more than just technology - it is fundamentally about people management. I have had the privilege of working on large-scale ERP implementations and IT projects across multiple geographies including the US, Canada, Middle East (UAE and Qatar), and Africa. In these multicultural, multi-geography teams, I have managed diverse stakeholders at every level, from business end users to executive management, both within my own company and on the client side. Each stakeholder looks at the project differently, and learning how to manage expectations, keep everyone informed, and determine what information needs to go to whom has been one of the most valuable skills I have developed. My consulting work has been glamorous in many ways - I have traveled extensively and worked with cutting-edge technology - but the real challenge and reward has always been in understanding people, navigating different cultural contexts, and learning to conduct myself professionally in difficult situations. These experiences have shaped how I negotiate, present my points, and lead teams, and I believe knowing yourself and how to manage yourself in challenging circumstances is an art that takes you a long way in this industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Khalida
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In IT consulting, especially when working across different cultures and geographies, you need to understand early on that this is more about people management than just technology or project management. You will meet so many different stakeholders at different levels, and learning how to manage expectations and deal with people is crucial. As a woman in this field, you will often find yourself in situations where people doubt you or give you patronizing responses, even when you are in a senior position. I have been the only woman on teams of 15 male consultants and have faced situations where clients requested a male presenter instead of me for steering committee meetings - it was humiliating, but I learned not to take these things personally. Women need to learn how to say a firm no and develop the skill of knowing how to conduct themselves in very difficult situations. Having subject matter expertise is important, but more importantly, learn early on how to manage yourself when dealing with people. Incidents like these actually shape how you negotiate and put forward your points in a more professional and sorted way. Knowing yourself and how to respond professionally in challenging circumstances is an art to learn, and it will really take you a long way in this industry.
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