“An employer needs to be ethical to attract talent regardless of the gender,” says Aysha Mir

Aysha Mir, the Channel Sales Manager for MEA at Seagate speaks about the career path she has chosen, her role model, and juggling family and work life

Aysha Mir, the Channel Sales Manager for MEA at Seagate.
Aysha Mir, the Channel Sales Manager for MEA at Seagate.

What made you choose IT / IT channel industry as a career choice?
To be honest, I kind of fell into it after university in the UK. I went to a recruitment fair and had a conversation about a local distributor called Ideal Hardware. I thought I would try it for a year and earn some money, and my plan was to go back to university and do a second degree in medicine.

Now 15 years later, I am happy with my decision to work in the IT field! I enjoy learning about new and upcoming technologies and the way the world is changing all the time because of this.

What opportunities are present for women in the IT channel industry?
The opportunities in the IT channel are the same for all genders. I don’t feel that there are any opportunities that are out of reach just because you are a woman. More and more women are taking executive roles in the IT channel.

What business challenges do you face on a day to day basis?
Today the storage industry is evolving rapidly within the Middle East. The maturation of the sector has seen a greater appetite for innovative products that push the traditional boundaries of storage.

This in turn means that we need to do our very best to support partners through regular activities like product training sessions, incentive programs, marketing campaigns, and the like. The sheer pace of activities is certainly a challenge at times, but that is also one of the aspects that makes the IT channel such an exciting and rewarding field to work in.

Who is your role model? Why?
I have always admired Richard Branson for his hands-on attitude in business. He has also been able to create truly “cool” brands that everyone would like to be part of, which is something amazing for any entrepreneur in such a competitive global marketplace.

What would you term to be one of your biggest achievements in your career?
I have been fortunate enough to work at some great companies, starting my career as a new recruit at Ideal Hardware which was later bought by Bell Microproducts (now Avnet). I also had a stint at Microsoft, and to work for a global company like that, you learn so much.

At Seagate, I have been lucky to work under some great managers who have taught me a great deal; whether it be about building relationships with customers or simply looking at my landscape and working out how we can execute better campaigns with our customers.

I’d say my greatest achievements at Seagate have been recognized by the executive management and winning two Presidents Clubs recognition. It feels so great to have the respect and acknowledgement of those whom you also respect and value as colleagues.

How easy/difficult is it juggling family and work life?
Some days it is tough, no doubt! There are times when I work from early morning to late at night, but I also have a great team around me. Thanks to them and the way in which we are able to collaborate, I would say I have a healthy work/life balance. My husband is also very understanding and gives me his full support.

What is your advice for young female professionals?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly you think they might be. You have to learn every day. Take on criticism and try to better yourself at every opportunity. If you can get a mentor to help guide you along with way, definitely take advantage of that experience.

What more do companies need to do in order to encourage women to take up top jobs?
Being a fair and ethical employer is going to attract talent in general—regardless of gender. However, offering good maternity cover and nurseries for kids is particularly important for women in the workforce so that you can enjoy that good work/life balance!

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