Louma Georgos Mhanna, Channel Sales MEA, Milestone Systems, explains the factors that constantly motivate her to reach new highs in the field of technology.
Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.
My philosophy is, to learn to love what you do and always aim to learn new things. You can learn something new from everyone you meet if you keep an open mind.
What prompted you to consider a career in technology?
It’s the booming industry of the century and the fast pace of innovation in this field doesn’t give you room to get bored since there are so many new things to learn and to challenge you every day.
What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?
The best thing about it is that it’s challenging the status quo that it’s a male-dominated industry. Being a woman in the tech world and a happy Milestone employee means I have the chance to contribute to encouraging the rest of the women to join this industry without stressing out about the male-female ratio.
Do you feel you have had to work harder than male colleagues to advance your career?
With Milestone Systems, part of the culture is empowering people and giving everyone, disregarding their gender, equal chances to advance in their career. I believe in any industry, women and men need to prove themselves and work hard to advance in their careers.
What motivates you every day?
Besides the great coffee, we have at the office? I’m a people person. What keeps me going is working with a great team that is driven and so knowledgeable. Also building strong relationships with the channel as this is our job at its core as salespeople.
In a nutshell, Milestone’s “people-first culture” is my main motivation. On a personal level, my daily workout and my travel plans exploring new cities are my main dose of motivation.
What is the best professional advice you have ever received?
Being in sales most of my career, the best professional advice I received is something I mindfully try to apply daily with my colleagues, my superiors, and my customers. “Don’t make assumptions, always ask the right questions and listen, actively.”
What’s next for you in terms of your career in the tech industry?
Being an inside channel account manager at the moment, my aspiration for the next step is to handle critical accounts that have a bigger influence on our growth and direction in the industry.
What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the tech industry?
We’ll experience more technological progress in the coming decade than we did in the preceding 100 years put together as per Mckinsey. this can be both unsettling and exciting at the same time.
As the world is shifting towards digitalization, IoT, AI application, cloud computing, and automation, I personally hope humans will only use these technologies for good causes – such as sustainability, renewable energy, green transport, and so on. Using these technologies responsibly and ethically will save our earth and will save the next generations.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of digital technology?
If you genuinely are interested in technology, if you have enough curiosity to learn more and you believe that this is the type of job that will give you a sense of fulfillment then don’t think twice, just go for it!
Can you offer a few tips on achieving work-life balance in today’s scenario?
When you’re working, give it a 100%. Make sure you are doing your work in an environment where you are most productive. Personally, I find the hybrid model of work very efficient for me, where a good balance between the home office and office environment pushes me to be more productive.
And when you’re on your weekend or on your vacation, also give it a 100% focus on yourself and your family. You both deserve it. It will only give you a push for a fresh energetic start for the working week.
Lastly, I would add that a healthy lifestyle will help keep a perfect work-life balance. If you prioritize your health, work out in your free time, get enough sleep and a nice meal with a friend or family, you’ll always be in a good shape and have enough energy to perform at your best at work.
