As industries like tech, finance, engineering, and other STEMM-related fields work to attract more women and marginalised groups, conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are gaining real momentum.
But what’s it actually like to be a woman working in one of these traditionally male-dominated spaces today? And what can the experience teach us about leadership, resilience, and driving change?
Shivangi Singal, Head of Engineering at MYOB, Australia’s first tech start-up, founded over 30 years ago, shares the lessons she’s learned from her career in financial tech, and what it takes to succeed (and thrive) in the industry.
Moving beyond the ‘Tech Bro’ era
Forget the outdated image of all-male coding rooms and ping-pong tables. While those tech-bro stereotypes may have once held some truth, today’s industry has definitely evolved.
Shivangi has witnessed this shift firsthand. From more women in leadership to a growing focus on diversity, she’s seen the culture change and, at MYOB, she’s a significant part of the reason why it continues to:
“It’s true: tech and engineering have historically been male-dominated, and early in my career, twenty years ago, that often meant being the only woman in the room. Over time, though, I’ve seen a real shift. Companies like MYOB actively invest in diversity and inclusion – not just in hiring, but in building workplaces where everyone feels they belong.”
Shivangi says it’s not only that women now have increased visibility at MYOB and tech in general, but more diverse teams have created a trickle-down effect, resulting in more inclusive and welcoming workplace cultures throughout the industry.
As a leader, she’s excited to help shape and continue this legacy:
“My experience today is much more positive – there’s a stronger sense of community, mentorship and genuine allyship. Of course, there’s still work to do, but I’m proud to be part of that change and to help create opportunities for the next generation of diverse leaders.”
MYOB is proud to develop women’s careers at all levels: 45% of the senior leadership team and 46% of all employees are women.
Find out about their impressive career progression programmes and other employee policies and benefits.
The impact of resilience, representation and strong mentors
Being the only woman in the room has often meant that Shivangi had to learn to advocate for herself and build confidence in her abilities. Although it may have been challenging at times, she says striving towards a more diverse workplace is vital to encouraging the next generation into the sector.
“Working in a male-dominated field has taught me resilience, but it’s also shown me the power of representation. When you see diverse leadership, it opens the door for others to imagine themselves there too.”
It’s not only about representation and equal access, though. Shivangi says diverse teams lead to more creativity, innovation, and business success. Sharing different perspectives and ideas also creates opportunities to learn from each other every day.
“Gender equity matters because I’ve seen, firsthand, how much stronger, more innovative and more human teams become when diverse voices are truly included. Every day, I get to learn from different perspectives, champion new ideas, and support others to reach their full potential. That’s what keeps me excited and motivated.”
Good mentors and having people around to champion you in your career are important, whatever career path you take. Shivangi is thankful to those who have made such a positive impact on her professional progression.
As a leader, Shivangi is on a mission to help others pursue their goals, supporting them all the way:
“Throughout my career, having people who believed in me made all the difference – and now, as a leader, I’m passionate about creating those opportunities for others. I want to build diverse, inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong and can have an impact. True progress happens when everyone has a fair chance to lead, grow and thrive.”
The impact of believing in yourself
Shivangi understands why people may still have reservations about pursuing a career in a traditionally male arena, but she encourages everyone to follow their dreams because if she can do it, anyone can!
“My high-school self would be in complete awe of where I am now. She wouldn’t believe that one day she’d be leading engineering teams in a tech company, and helping others grow in their careers! She’d probably think this was a dream too big for her. But I would tell her, ‘You’re capable of more than you can imagine! Every step you take, even the small ones, will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.’”
There is one piece of advice Shivangi has lived by that has helped her succeed in becoming not just a leader of her teams, but a leader in the industry:
“Be your own biggest cheerleader. Take control of your career the same way you take control of your morning coffee – exactly how you like it, no compromises. Don’t wait for permission or validation. Back yourself, make bold moves, and remember: no one should care more about your growth than you do.”
So much has changed for the better since Shivangi started her career, with continued growth in the DEI space every day. As Shivangi looks to the future, there is much to feel optimistic about:
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a company committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Partnering with WORK180 reinforces MYOB’s dedication to gender equity and actively supporting women in the workplace. It’s not just a partnership; it’s a statement that we believe in equal opportunity and are committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.”
