Not just for Women’s Day
“The headhunter asked if I would not like to be a flight attendant”, says director of banking technology sector marketing – (LatAm Intersect PR client) Temenos
There is a global organic movement that encourages the participation of women in the technology market. However, even in the face of several advances, the representation is still small close to the capacity and possibilities of contribution of women in this sector. And, when women enter this market, they often face salary differences, challenges in interpersonal and hierarchical relationships, among other issues.
But there are women on this front who inspire other women, showing that it is possible to work in the technology sector and occupy decision-making positions with mastery. And that’s what we’re going to talk about this week in honor of International Women’s Day.
To begin with, let’s take a look at Maria Pulice, marketing director at Temenos LatAm e Caribe, a company specializing in digital banking services. Pulice has been working in the technology and finance sector for 20 years and started her career in a very hostile environment for women: a stockbroker on Wall Street.
However, she listened to her father’s advice and did not give up: “Maria, marry for love and not for money”. According to Pulice, he knew that she could earn her own money and succeed on her own.
Learn a little more about this marketing director’s career and get inspired.
LIPR: What is the biggest challenge you faced as a woman in your career?
Maria: I once met a headhunter in New York and told him that I was looking for work in the banking or finance industry. In turn he asked me, “Wouldn’t you be interested in being a flight attendant?” It didn’t matter to him that I had a degree in International Business or what MY dream job was. He had already defined in his mind what he thought was right for me. He didn’t listen to me. Needless to say, I decided not to work with that headhunter again.
LIPR: What changes have you seen happening that benefit women?
Maria: I have seen more companies and organizations start mentoring and training programs aimed at women, especially in technology and finance. I am also seeing, for example, digital banks exclusive to women, which offer special loans and banking products for women entrepreneurs. I still feel that there is a long way to go for women, but I remain optimistic.
LIPR: What message do you leave for other women?
Maria: A story that I would like to share with women is advice that my father really instilled in me. He encouraged me to have my own career, job, profession or hobby, so that I could have my financial freedom. He always wanted me to have a backup plan and be prepared for any obstacle that life could throw in my way. That is, I did not necessarily need to rely on a boyfriend, partner or husband to fulfill my dreams and aspirations.
