Asal Jafarzadeh, the COO and Board Member at EMT Distribution speaks about her passion for technology, the role women play in the regional IT industry and the challenges she faces on a day-to-day basis.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I started my career around 15 years ago with focus on Accounting, Finance, and Financial Planning. In addition, I also focused on organization operations which working with various companies in the region. I hold a BSc in Accounting and I have also been a consultant to many IT Companies in the region.
What made you choose IT / IT channel industry as a career choice?
Working with IT companies for many years and also marrying a man from IT Industry made me focus on the IT industry. Moreover, I love the trend in the regional IT market, the changes that happen from time to time, and new technologies that are launched regularly. In addition, working with the IT channel community is very interesting because you get to know more people, different culture, and different regions.
What sort of opportunities are present for women in the IT channel industry?
Women have lots of opportunities on the market. However, it depends on how they manage their personal life, too. If they can manage both properly there are equally available opportunities for them. EMT currently has quite a number of women executives.
Is it easy or difficult working with male co-workers especially in the day-to-day trading environment?
Not really. I believe living in the 21st century, these issues or challenges cannot be seen like what they were before. Sometimes the challenges can be better handled today.
What challenges do you face on a day to day basis?
The challenges I face on a day-to-day basis is not gender specific. These are more to do with challenges on the regional market, such as credit issues, logistics and so on. But if you are organised in everything you do, these challenges can be overcome in a much easier way through proper planning.
Who is your role model? Why?
In my 10 years of marriage, I have seen how a person can be successful very closely. My spouse Mohammad Mobasseri has been a great role model that I have seen in my life very closely. He is very focused, goal and result oriented and is successful. Moreover he treats human resource as the most valuable asset to him.
What would you term to be one of your biggest achievements in your career?
One of the greatest achievements in my career would be to start working with a small company and having a great role to make sure they achieve higher position on the market.
How easy/difficult is it juggling family and work life?
I should tell you that it is not an easy job. However, it is easily manageable if your partner has proper understanding on what your commitments are – both personally and professionally. In my case as my spouse and myself both are busy significantly, the level of understanding is mutual. In addition, it is best not talk about work at home.
