Celebrating the Women of Panasonic Connect Europe

International Women’s Day provides us all with an opportunity to celebrate the key women in each of our lives, and how they positively impact society, whether it’s in one company, a department, an industry or the wider world. At Panasonic Connect Europe, we’ve spoken to five fantastic females on what it means to be working at the forefront of innovation and technology.

"Continuous innovation and the endless possibilities to learn and grow inspires me. Personally, being at the forefront of technology is all about creating solutions to address significant issues, always pushing boundaries, and making a meaningful impact on the world."

"It has been incredible to see technological changes over the years. These can sometimes happen before you even realise, and yet which do not seem wildly significant at the time, e.g., the journey from 3G, to 4G, and to 5G. Artificial intelligence is an interesting field; it allows for so much creative thinking, both in terms of marketing and how we can support the business model. I love working in an industry which enables these milestones and changes."

"My inspiration for working in a progressive technology company is the opportunity to drive and shape innovation, push boundaries and create solutions that have a meaningful impact."

"The relentless speed at which technology develops inspires me to continuously learn and increase my own knowledge on the subject matter, whatever that may be. "

"The opportunity to be at the cutting edge of innovation inspires me daily. It’s enormously rewarding to contribute to products and solutions that will shape the future."

Entering the technology industry

Sandra

It was a coincidence more than anything. I had worked as an Event Manager for many years, but still yearned to move into a customer-facing role. At the same time, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK was advertising for a Marketing, Communications and Channel Manager for the DACH region. Happily, I got the job and I’m still here 13 years later – albeit in a different role.

Rebecca

During my gap year, I had a short-term contract with another technology company, and the rest is history. I loved the fast-paced environment, which led me to find a short-term role during the summer holidays with Panasonic – and I’m still here!

Ulrika

Similar to Sandra, this was a complete coincidence. After working in banking for some time, I applied for a marketing position in a technology company that appeared very interesting – and I was hooked!

Overcoming challenges when starting out

Sandra

Initially, I didn’t know much about technology. I always felt a little hesitant about asking my colleagues and managers questions about the inner workings of laptops, processors, and memory cards, and so on, but looking back, I realised that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Being inquisitive and reading plenty of materials is the only way to get ahead and upskill yourself.

Rebecca

Within Panasonic, I have been incredibly lucky from the outset to be supported by an amazing group of colleagues, who have helped me along the way. Outside of Panasonic, I have sometimes felt that my age – instead of my gender – has been a challenge. However, this has inspired me to fight for what I believe in, and encourage me to believe that I can support change in a business.

Ulrika

As I wasn’t an especially tech-savvy individual, the learning curve was steep. As Sandra said, asking questions is the best way to learn – and sometimes being brave to go and find the answers on your own. As a woman, it has been a challenge in a male dominated environment to have your voice heard, and be taken seriously. However, this has improved greatly throughout my career.

Cornelia

As a female, I encountered scepticism at the start of my career. But I earned the respect of my peers my trusting my instincts, continuously improving my skills and industry knowledge, and building a strong network of contacts.

Career highlights

Sandra

I was once given the opportunity to take over my manager’s job after she went on maternity leave, albeit at very short notice. The tasks and responsibilities of being in a senior role were very challenging, but it enabled me to grow enormously. When I came back from maternity leave, I was offered a Content Marketing role at Panasonic, in which I successfully implemented a sales and enablement tool for the company – which is still being used to this day.

Rebecca

Previously, award wins or job promotions would be career highlights. Now, I am proud to have rejoined Panasonic following the birth of my first child, with the same drive and ambition I had before maternity leave. I am proud to show my son that I am a woman in business.

Ulrika

Building such a strong network of contacts globally has been my proudest achievement. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know so many people, from different countries and cultures.

Cornelia

In my 23 year career at Panasonic, leading successful product launches and spearheading major products, especially in the automotive industry, are some of my proudest achievements. These were not only an example of my personal growth, but the fruits of a collaborative, dedicated team to achieve results.

Importance of women in leadership positions

Sandra

The unique perspectives and experience that women can bring to the table can lead to more innovative solutions. Furthermore, having women in leadership positions, especially in technology, inspires females to pursue careers in the industry, demonstrates that diversity and inclusion are valued, and closes the gender gap in an historically male-dominated industry.

Rebecca

It’s important to have a mix of all genders in leadership positions. It enables diversity in how people think and solve problems – as well as showing employees that leadership opportunities and career progression is available for all.

Margarita

Women in leadership positions in technology are powerful examples that you can thrive in your career, and in motherhood. If you really want to make both work, you’ll find a way.

Ulrika

It’s important for women to be leaders in a variety of sectors. This can be a catalyst for closing the gender gap, and increasing gender diversity, including salary and how females are viewed during the hiring process.

Cornelia

Females in leadership positions enhances creativity and brings a different perspective to how to solve problems. Fostering a more inclusive workplace can inspire women currently in technology, and those considering it as a career, to reach the top.

Advice from women in technology

Sandra

If you are interested in technology, just go for it. It's not as difficult as you think!

Rebecca

Believe in yourself. Being a woman in technology doesn’t mean you have to shout the loudest or be the most disruptive. That said, don’t be afraid to shine the spotlight on yourself. You can’t help people if no one knows who you are, or what you can do.

Margarita

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta Platforms, once said: “It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It's also a very clear path to happiness – in both business and your private life.”

Cornelia

Be confident in my abilities, embrace challenges, and do not shy away from opportunities.

Panasonic’s support for women in technology

Sandra

Panasonic does a fantastic job of promoting women into management positions, and always emphasises the skills that an individual possesses, instead of their gender.

Ulrika

There are many women in leadership positions at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, which encourages younger generations to believe in their own potential.

Cornelia

Panasonic promoted an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone can thrive and use their unique skillsets. This is achieved through continuous professional development programmes, which includes diversity and inclusion training, and mentorships.

Celebrating the Women of Panasonic Connect Europe

Inspiration for working in a progressive technology company

Entering the technology industry

Overcoming challenges when starting out

Career highlights

Importance of women in leadership positions

Advice from women in technology

Panasonic’s support for women in technology

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