Celebrating Women’s History Month: 5 Minutes with a Tech Exec | Natalie Kaminski, Founder & CEO
In honor of Women's History Month, we're proud to present our blog series, "5 Minutes with a Tech Exec." We've engaged in insightful conversations with tech executives and chief technology officers to give you the unique opportunity to gain wisdom and career advice from experienced technologists.
Uncover personal and professional journeys, from career inspiration to overcoming challenges on the path to executive leadership. These articles, adapted from personal interviews, offer insights into mentorship, leadership styles, and the future of women in tech. Join us as we amplify the voices of women in tech, celebrating their achievements and inspiring inclusion.
Natalie Kaminski, the founder and CEO of JetRockets, is a driving force in the tech industry, specializing in custom software development. Her journey in tech started in 1998 after high school, when she embarked on a role as a junior programmer. Despite realizing early on that programming wasn't her forte, Natalie's passion for technology and its potential to enhance lives ignited a pursuit to understand the intricacies of software development.
Over the span of a decade, Natalie immersed herself in various roles within the industry. From QA engineer to business analyst, webmaster to database architect, and project manager, she gained invaluable insights and honed her expertise. Reflecting on her journey, Natalie shared, "During the following six months, I learned two interesting facts about myself. I was not cut out to be a programmer, but I really, really got excited about the technology and its promise to make lives better and easier."
Amidst her journey, Natalie was fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable women who served as colleagues, team members, and managers, offering guidance and support along the way. Recalling a pivotal moment in her career, Natalie recounted she had a manager who would remind her to be confident and trust her voice. Reflecting on her experiences, Natalie acknowledged the prevalent impostor syndrome that often plagues individuals, especially in leadership positions. She shared, "As time goes on and as I go up and I become more prominent within my industry, I still feel that impostor syndrome often creeps up. And I remind myself of that advice.”
Looking towards the future of technology, Natalie envisions remarkable advancements, particularly in AI tools, paving the way for individuals from non-technical backgrounds to thrive in the industry. However, she emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusivity and support for women in tech. Natalie advocates for accessible educational and working opportunities and encourages individuals to actively seek out and support female-led ventures.
In Natalie's view, tangible actions, such as utilizing services developed by women and partnering with female-led companies, hold the key to fostering a more inclusive tech landscape. "The best way to support female founders, female entrepreneurs is perhaps by using their services," Natalie affirms. "These actions will speak much louder than words and will give us all an opportunity to invest in women and make our industry more inclusive."
As Natalie continues to lead JetRockets with passion and purpose, her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of perseverance, mentorship, and advocacy in shaping the future of tech leadership.
Pro-Tips for Diverse Technologists Inspired by Natalie
- Explore Unconventional Roles: There is no one-size-fits-all path to leadership in the tech industry. Don't be afraid to explore new roles that leverage your diverse experience or skills. This will help you stay committed to continuous growth and learning.
- Confront Impostor Syndrome: Confront impostor syndrome head-on by cultivating confidence. Remind yourself of your capabilities and accomplishments, and seek support from mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement.
- Advocate for Inclusivity: Be an ally for inclusivity and diversity within the tech industry by actively supporting and uplifting marginalized voices. Seek out opportunities to mentor and empower others.
💝 Invest in Women in Tech and Support Women Who Code: You can empower the vital work we do to help diverse women excel and thrive in their tech careers. Give to help us raise $30,000 during Women's History Month and inspire inclusion in tech. Donate now.