Tara Combs

I attribute my success to a combination of education, adaptability, and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple and clear way. My dual major in Computer Information Systems and Marketing Management played a significant role in shaping my career, as it allowed me to bridge the gap between technical concepts and business understanding at a time when many technical professionals struggled to communicate in accessible terms. I’ve always followed the KISS principle keep it simple because being able to explain technology in a way that both technical and non-technical audiences can understand has been essential to my effectiveness and credibility. In addition, the variety of roles I’ve held throughout my career, from managing networks for law firms to working as a government contractor, has given me a broad and practical perspective that strengthened my capabilities as a software architect and solution leader.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received came from a conversation I had in an airport in Washington, D.C. with a military captain who was transitioning out of the Army. He shared that he was deciding between a higher-paying job that didn’t excite him and another opportunity that paid less but genuinely interested him, and he asked what I would do. I told him I would choose the role I love, because when you are engaged in meaningful work, growth and financial opportunity tend to follow naturally as a result of strong performance and commitment. Over time, I’ve found that to be true in my own career. When I’ve focused on roles that aligned with my interests and strengths, I’ve been more motivated, more effective, and ultimately more successful. While every job comes with challenges, I believe it is far better to build a career around work that is fulfilling and energizing rather than simply chasing compensation alone.

I would advise young women entering technical sales and the broader technology industry to focus on being authentic and confident in who they are. In my role as a solutions architect, I demonstrate how software works and address architecture and technical questions, but I have learned that people ultimately buy from people, not from companies. Building trust and credibility comes from being genuine, clear, and comfortable in your own communication style rather than trying to emulate someone else. Technical expertise is important, but so is the ability to connect with others and translate complex concepts into meaningful conversations. My advice is to trust your knowledge, stay true to yourself, and let your authenticity be your greatest strength in every interaction.

Well, I would say the biggest challenge is it still being a very male-dominated field. And being treated sometimes like I'm stupid, because I'm female, or being talked over, or being, you know, mansplained, telling me something I already know well. They still talk to you in that manner. It wouldn't matter, because they're not gonna change their way. It is just the way it is, and I've been in this industry long enough to, you know, know that and survive it. But that doesn't make it any easier to deal with sometimes. I would say, the great thing is, is there's been more female solutions engineers coming up. And I spend a lot of my time mentoring them, and trying to help them along in their career.

Honesty is the core value that guides both my professional and personal life. I am committed to being transparent with customers and will never claim that a product can do something it cannot; instead, I focus on clearly explaining how solutions work and whether they truly meet a client’s needs. If a solution is not the right fit, I believe it is my responsibility to be upfront rather than attempt to persuade otherwise. I take my professional reputation seriously, as it has been built over many years through trust, consistency, and integrity. In my personal life as well, I strive to act in a way that allows me to feel at peace with my decisions and interactions, knowing I have treated others with respect and honesty.