'I’ve been lucky to work with a range of people, of all genders, who have supported and championed me which has made those hurdles feel smaller and easier to overcome.'

Alice's confidence and resilience, reinforcing the importance of inclusive environments where everyone’s contributions are valued. Overcoming these hurdles isn’t just about individual effort, it’s about fostering a culture where gender equality is the norm, but not exception.

'I think just being heard and taken seriously is a challenge.'

'Being seen as someone who has been 'lucky' rather than respected for the hard work. I get approached a lot for career advice but there is this assumption that it's easy and people want to follow my 'luck' rather than work ethic.'

Airbox has definitely gone above and beyond to make sure equality is something that is being considered in the work place and I have felt like I am heard here. 

Mentors and forward-thinking leaders played a huge role in her growth, trusting her to launch new departments and explore international opportunities. Alice found the blend of technology and customer success exciting, allowing her to help people while also engaging with innovative tools.

'At my last company, I had the incredible opportunity to work with two co-founders who trusted me to build out a Customer Success department from scratch… Six months later, I was promoted to Director.'

'That trust and belief in my vision gave me the confidence to push further.'

'My grandmother refuged into Pakistan… all she, and family, took with them was a plate, Growing up in a newly created country and becoming a successful landowner/business woman, this is the struggle that's never discussed and proves how much power we have to become our best selves in any circumstance. I'd also have to say my father, who was a very small child when he had to refuge into Pakistan with nothing and grew up to became a successful tech/telecoms contractor globally before settling in London. I have no excuse to be weak in my journey.'

Their journey taught her that nothing is insurmountable if you persist and work hard, lessons she carries into her own career.

'One of the biggest challenges is the expectation that women need to shrink themselves to fit into a version of leadership that was never designed with them in mind. Women are often told to be confident but not too confident, assertive but not too direct, strong but still likeable.
 
It creates a double standard where we have to carefully navigate how we present ourselves to be taken seriously without being seen as “too much” or "not professional". The reality is, leadership and companies should embrace different styles, perspectives, and approaches, rather than expecting women to fit into outdated ideals. The more we challenge those norms and make space for diverse leadership, diverse hiring and diverse perspectives, the stronger businesses and our community will be.'

She frequently encounters the assumption that women in tech 'don’t know what they’re talking about.' Rather than argue, she proves her credibility through meticulous work. Over time, her consistent results break down prejudices and force people to see her expertise.

'Sometimes there is this automatic assumption that us women don’t know what we’re talking about… I’ve had to face many characters within the tech world but my nature is to back myself up with quality work that can’t be argued with.'

'Care less about what others think - not in an ignorant way, but in a way that allows you to be your authentic self. Your personality is an asset, not something to hide. Whether you’re bold, introverted, covered in tattoos, or anything in between, you bring value just as you are. The best careers are built by people who show up fully as themselves - l know I've brought that flare to my role, my colleagues and my company.'

'Sounds ridiculous but I think being a woman in tech comes as a surprise to many. But to be honest, there is tokenisation that is involved and I'd hate to be considered special just because of my gender/race. Hence why I work hard to make sure the proof is in my work and nothing else.'

As a young woman in tech, Alice did feel an extra burden to prove herself, but supportive mentors who trusted her ideas helped ease that path.

'Being a young woman in the tech industry always comes with hurdles, whether it’s needing to prove yourself more or navigating spaces where you’re in the minority. '

At Airbox, Alice has experienced first-hand the impact of an inclusive and supportive workplace - one that champions diversity, fosters growth and empowers women to thrive without sacrificing balance.

'Yes and no… I’ve been in the industry for 15 years… My journey is much better than what women had to go through in the past however we still have a long way to go.'

Although Lina acknowledges improvements over the past 15 years, Lina still faces both gender and racial prejudice in tech. Education that tackles unconscious bias from an early age is key to real change. Until then, many women will continue to feel they must outperform biases rather than be seen as equals from the start.

'I’d love to see more companies prioritising flexibility, parental leave, women's health and wellbeing without it being seen as a 'perk' but rather as a standard that benefits everyone.'

Alice added - 'True support for women means creating environments where we don’t have to choose between career progression and personal life - we should be able to succeed in both.'

'Having been made to feel completely defenceless in situations has been a huge challenge for me. I am someone who fights for myself however some support/change when injustice has been seen would really make a difference. 

The root is from birth. I think education that considers emotional maturity and unconscious bias is key.'