In the wake of Women’s Day on the 8th, Ryan Noik speaks to Lizelle Strydom, Managing Director, CareerBox Africa about technology, essential skills in the industry for today and in the future, handling setbacks and AI.

1. What started you on your tech path – was it self-designed or by happy accident or coincidence?

I was the first member of my family to complete high school, yet I found that I was pregnant just before my exams. Due to my economic and family circumstances, I completed my secondary school but did not have the opportunity to attend tertiary education.

My breakthrough arrived in 2004, with the emergence of English-speaking outsourcing call centres in Durban, South Africa, and the rise of impact sourcing across the African continent. I seized the opportunity and embarked on my professional journey as a junior call centre agent at CCI South Africa. It marked my first taste of financial independence and the ability to contribute to my family's well-being. The proudest moment was when I was able to contribute to my sister's higher education, becoming the catalyst for the first-degree holder in our family.

2. Can you elaborate on challenges you faced in your role, and how you overcame them?

Growing up in KwaZulu-Natal, an eastern province in South Africa, I, like many young girls, had big dreams. However, my ambitions were met with formidable challenges due to my gender and economic circumstances. My desire to become a lawyer and make a difference in people's lives was hindered by the staggering tuition fees, a predicament that resonates with numerous African youths. My mother was a single mother of three kids, our life was defined by modest means, where the basics were cherished luxuries. Despite these challenges, my determination remained unwavering.

My journey at CCI began as a call centre agent, but I hungered for more. With the support of the company, I acquired specialized qualifications and set my sights on joining their tech recruitment division. Within a few years, through hard work and tenacity, I ascended from a call centre agent to becoming the first black, female African director at the CCI South Africa. This marked the initial chapter of my journey, one that would eventually lead me to play a pivotal role in the establishment of CareerBox.

3. Who are your role models or mentors in the tech world?

I am inspired by the careers of remarkable African women tech leaders – just look at Rapelang Rabana, Mary Mwangi, and Damilola Odufuwa as some of the amazing women leaders in tech. As Africans, we still suffer stereotypes on our capacity and potential as individuals, and the perception of our continent’s economy. Much less, the belief in our ability to perform at the top of the digital industry. But African women today, are proving, despite the stereotypes in the office, that we are expanding representation in our industry and have become exceptional in climbing the career ladder.

4. What skills do you think are essential for success in tech?

Above all else, I would say that tenacity is the most important skill. If I look at my own journey, due to circumstances largely beyond my own control, I didn’t start out with the educational background I had hoped for. However, by being unwilling to settle for less, and embracing an openness to learn, grow and adapt to new environments, I eventually moved up through the ranks to where I find myself today. My advice would be to strive for continuous learning, adopt a growth mindset, and never accept anything less than 100% – from yourself, and from the people around you.

5. What impact do you hope to make in the tech industry?

I have dedicated my career to empowering and nurturing other young women across the African continent to realize their potential in thriving global industries. Today, I am honoured to be the Managing Director of CareerBox, diligently building a pipeline of young African women poised to excel in dynamic roles within the tech industry.

6. How do you handle failure or setbacks?

Again, I refer to the importance of adopting a growth mindset. If you do that, then you will realise that every setback or failure, disappointing as it might be at the time, is an opportunity to learn and grow. You must allow yourself to make mistakes in order to develop as an individual, both personally and in your career.

7. What advice would you give to young girls and women who see the potential of the industry for them, especially in lieu of the rise of AI?

For young women, who are disproportionately disadvantaged as job seekers, impact sourcing is a beacon of hope. The BPO sector is an industry where individuals with varied educational backgrounds and qualifications all have an opportunity to enter the workforce. Women who have not been able to complete their education, for whatever reason, find it easy to get employed in an industry where the right attitude, good communication skills and an aptitude for working with people are highly valued. The BPO industry is also geared towards on-the-job training and allows for mobility within the industry, so there is a wide range of options for women to consider beyond being an agent in a contact centre.

As an enabling technology, AI offers incredible benefits for the entire BPO sector – clients, customers and the people who work within it – but it isn’t a replacement for the value of high-quality human interaction.

8. How do you see the future of women in tech evolving over the next decade?

African women in the tech sector still face substantial challenges. Infrastructure deficits and limited access to quality STEM education persist in certain regions of Africa. Those working in international companies often contend with gender stereotypes that persist worldwide.

Nevertheless, in the past five years, the pace of change has accelerated significantly, with African cities such as Nairobi, Accra, and Kigali establishing themselves as robust tech hubs. Mentorship, networking, and startup funding opportunities are really starting to blossom in Africa.

9. Why in your opinion are women uniquely suited to leadership roles in the tech industry?

There is currently a gender representation gap in STEM, particularly in Africa, and it benefits us all to bridge that gap. Women bring a unique perspective to leadership roles in the tech industry, which can be incredibly valuable. Their diverse experiences and viewpoints often lead to innovative solutions and creative problem-solving. If I can generalise somewhat, women tend to excel in communication and collaboration, fostering inclusive and supportive work environments. These qualities are essential in the tech industry, where teamwork and innovation are key to success. I believe strongly that having women in leadership positions is critical to inspire and mentor the next generation of female tech professionals, helping to bridge the gender gap in the industry.

10. How do you see the future of women in tech evolving over the next decade, and what do you hope businesses and organisations take to heart the most when it comes to inculcating female talent?

I am an eternal optimist when it comes to seeing women in tech! If I could encourage organisations, it would be by saying that there are powerful reasons to help women access the workplace and enter permanent employment. The World Bank has found that, as young women develop digital skills, they may enjoy greater choice in their personal and professional lives, and access better paid, better quality jobs.

It makes great business sense too – UN Women has found that companies greatly benefit from increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women, which is shown to increase organisational effectiveness and growth. I hope that we can see increased representation at all levels, which will in turn encourage talented young women to enter this dynamic industry.