The WomenWise Podcast has officially launched! In our very first episode, Kalina Tomova, our founder of WomenWise, sat down with Joanne Biggadike, a leader in data governance, to explore her unconventional journey into tech, leadership lessons, and the future of the industry for women. 

From History & Sociology to Data Governance 

Joanne’s entry into the tech world wasn’t planned. She started with a history and sociology degree, and it was during her university studies that she first encountered analytics, sparking an early interest in data. But her career path wasn’t linear. After university, she worked in finance, learning technical skills like Excel on the job and building her expertise through hands-on experience. 

Her story challenges the conventional narrative that a STEM degree is the only route into tech. Instead, she highlights the transferable skills gained through diverse experiences—critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—as essential in the field. 

The Role of Mentors, Sponsors & Good Leadership 

While structured mentorship and sponsorship were less common when Joanne entered the industry, she found supportive colleagues and leaders who guided her development. Her reflections on leadership are candid: 

• Good leaders provide opportunities for growth, rather than just assigning tasks to the most reliable person. 

• Leadership isn’t about authority – it’s about supporting and enabling your team to succeed. 

• Representation matters. Many hiring decisions are based on familiarity, which can unintentionally reinforce gender and diversity gaps in the industry. 

Her biggest advice to first-time managers? “You are there to support your team as much as they are there to support you.” 

Breaking Barriers for Women in Tech 

As the conversation shifted towards the future of tech, Joanne shared her hopes for a more balanced industry. While she doesn’t believe in tokenistic representation, she argues that real change will come when diversity is no longer a conscious effort but a natural reality. 

Hiring biases, networks built on familiarity, and the lack of women entering tech roles early on are all challenges that must be addressed. Encouraging more girls to explore STEM careers from an early age is a crucial part of the solution. 

Words to Live By 

In the rapid-fire segment, Joanne shared two of her favourite quotes: 

📌 “Knowledge is power.” Being spoken over or underestimated doesn’t change your expertise. Stay confident in your skills. 

📌 “If you haven’t got anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Feedback and criticism should be constructive, not demeaning. 

When asked what advice she’d give to her younger self, her answer was simple: “Not to worry.” 

Final Takeaway 

Joanne leaves listeners with a powerful message: Success isn’t reserved for a special few. The key is to stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own growth. There’s no single blueprint for success in tech – and women shouldn’t feel pressured to emulate traditionally male leadership traits to thrive. 

The WomenWise Podcast is here to uncovers the changes, pivotal moments, and invaluable lessons from incredible women leading the way in the tech industry. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation.