As a Regional Delivery Lead at NCS in Australia, Rose Ryall has been able to show servant leadership – and enable her team to shine. She shares her story as a female leader in tech, and the choices that have led her on a fulfilling career path.
 

What or who inspired you to pursue a career in tech?

My dad inspired me. He was a civil engineer by day and an inventor by night. I grew up as the youngest in a family of 9 and it was a busy household, but my dad placed a huge focus on education and he strived for equal opportunities for his daughters. He was ahead of his time in supporting girls in STEM. He would focus on helping my sisters and I excel in maths, science and tech.  I spent weekends playing with circuit boards, soldering irons, robotic experiments and early PCs. While my dad wasn’t an artist in the traditional sense, his ability to create things with tech fascinated me. I became passionate about building things and problem-solving,  leading me to explore user experience design, programming, and multimedia. Eventually, I found my calling in project management.
 

What challenges have you faced and overcome?

My calling to project management didn't come straight away. I knew I belonged in IT, but I was drawn to so many areas. I loved working in UX, BA and dev roles.  The challenged I faced was working out what craft I really wanted to hone, and through time and experience, that proved to be Project Management. The other challenge was then being taken seriously as a young woman in IT Project Management, leading teams of much older and experienced tech professionals. I think this challenge was overcome by showing respect, and proving myself through actions not words.
 

What has been your most exciting career project?  

One of my proudest achievements has been leading the design and development of a bespoke healthcare quality management product, which has seen continued success in the Australian market for over 15 years. There's nothing like creating a completely new solution or product and seeing it grow! 

Another career highlight was leading the user experience design and front-end engineering for the NSW Roads and Maritime Services online customer portal. It was an exciting project due to the scale of the target audience and the opportunity to work with new tools and techniques.
 

What motivates you at work?

My biggest motivation is my team. I’m fortunate to work alongside a talented group of project managers, each highly skilled in our discipline. Collaborating to achieve outstanding results for our customers and NCS is incredibly rewarding. I strive to be someone they can rely on – a servant leader offering support in their daily work and fostering their professional growth.
 

What is your advice for women wanting to pursue a career in tech?

We need more women in tech to help ensure our solutions reflect and consider the diverse communities they serve. While honing your professional skills is essential in IT, it’s just as important to find a team where you are valued and your voice is heard. Advocate for yourself and don't be shy. You will need a thick skin and for some of us it takes time to build that up.  Finding an inclusive, supportive network can make all the difference.