Name: Mandy Duncan
Designation: Country Manager
Company: Aruba

What do you do every day?
Professionally, as the Aruba Country Manager South Africa at Aruba, I am responsible for driving the Aruba business via my sales team, channel teams, partners and distribution. 

Personally, I am constantly in trying to improve my interpersonal skills, which enable me to forge and maintain relationships with those in the ICT industry. In my current position, it is vital to be fair, impartial and manage conflict with integrity.  It is also important to continuously look at what’s next for our customers, teams and channel partners to ensure we help evolve their business and become a trusted vendor for their business

How did you get into the tech space?
My career that includes 20 years in the ICT industry is evidence of my passion for technology. My current role has been a progression of hard work, mentoring, and fantastic contacts I have made along the way from working with both vendors and distributors within the ICT industry, helping to guide me in this direction.

Coming into the ICT sector with little to no management and sales experience, I quickly learnt the importance of education and staying up to date with new products, technologies and opportunities within the field. I feel like we never stop learning and it is never too late for somebody who has a passion for technology to make the leap into the world of technology. Today tech is everywhere and the opportunities within the tech space are only getting bigger and better. It has also been key to always raise your hand when opportunities arise even when you have a little bit of self-doubt that you may not have all the attributes they asking for. Take on the role and learn on the job!

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To believe in myself. I think self-doubt is the biggest challenge anyone and especially women in technology fields will face.

Build strong networks within the industry and out.  Have mentors, coaches, friends and people you look up to

Set achievable goals for yourself. Give yourself milestones to reach so that you are setting yourself up for success.

Be present and enjoy the ride.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into tech?
Technology has changed the world it can enhance our lives and our businesses in so many ways. It is a great equaliser and as long as we continue to present it as a viable career option to all we can continue to increase diversity within the industry. I would advise anyone looking at technology to consider their abilities, strengths and weaknesses, conduct their research into new and emerging tech environments. My final advice is to continue upskilling and focusing on giving your best performance at all times, as you never know from where or who your next opportunity may arise from. 

What motivates you to get out of bed every day?
With all the current events and negativity around the world, I try look at the positive side of things and ask myself, what difference can I make today? Having the opportunity and responsibility of managing an amazing company like Aruba keeps me on my toes at all times as we try find new ways of adding value to our customers and clients. 

Ultimately though, mentoring our team, creating strategies for clients, and enjoying time with the people that matter most is what motivates me to get out of bed during the week. However, over the weekend I am as passionate about golf as I am about IT, which makes getting out of bed extremely easy when you know you are on the way to the course!

Who do you want to be when you grow up?
I really want to be the best version of myself and be recognised by my peers, teams, customers, friends and family for being a person with integrity and compassion. I vineyard owner would be next best choice.

How is Aruba reducing the gender gap within the technology industry?
There is no question women are in the minority in the tech industry, from the general workforce up through management and leadership roles. To address gender inequality, businesses need to embed diversity and inclusion into company culture from day one. 

I think it is extremely important that women see other women in senior roles or as leaders because it shows an organisation values diversity and provides an example to hopefully inspire others to continue striving towards their dream job within technology fields.