WOMEN CRUSHING IT – SATHYAKHALA ANANTHARAJAN

Our Women Crushing IT blog series aims to showcase the achievements of amazing women who are making waves in the tech industry. From software developers to cybersecurity experts, product managers to data analysts, we shine a spotlight on talented women who are breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes. We believe that representation matters, and that by sharing the stories and insights of these incredible women, we can inspire the next generation of female tech leaders.


Today, SathyaKhala Anantharajan, API Platform Leader at Medibank shares her insights and journey of becoming a female leader in the tech space.

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?


I’m Sathya, the Platform Leader of Medibank’s API team. As part of my role, I’m responsible for establishing and maintaining the integration platform where we build Enterprise APIs for our internal and external customers. Our engineering team is committed to ensuring quality across the services we create and maintain, by setting standards and guidelines for building APIs.


Each day I make sure I am using my time wisely by connecting and collaborating with important partners and colleagues, leading and inspiring teams, ensuring that projects are well planned and organised, and building engineering roadmaps and strategies that align with the greater Medibank vision.


What are the benefits of having women in leadership roles?


Companies everywhere are starting to understand the importance of a diverse team. Studies have revealed that teams with equal gender representation are more creative, better at handling changes, build great products, and bring in significantly better engagements. This is true for leadership roles too. The lack of women in positions of power is still a persistent issue. I strongly believe that women have the potential to be transformative game-changers, bringing fresh perspectives and adding invaluable insight to critical decision-making for any organisation.


Having more women in IT not only contributes to a better gender balance in the workplace but can also create a positive atmosphere leading to more innovation and development. These professionals can help teams grow by building strong personal relationships while encouraging unbiased decisions and greater brand visibility.


In your experience, does being a woman in your profession come with extra challenges that you have had to overcome? If so, what are they and how did you overcome them?


In my own career journey, I feel fortunate to have not faced any major obstacles. This is something to be grateful for! I consistently seek constructive feedback and aim to learn from it. Unfortunately, I do sometimes feel my ideas lack the same weight in comparison to those proposed by male colleagues. While I do not want to bring a gender card into this, it’s a matter of how we learn to become better communicators and influencers. This can be done by observing our leaders and peers and taking the necessary steps to improve our persuasive skills.


12 years ago, my career was at its peak when I had to move to Australia. Regrettably, I had to begin anew and restart my career. After settling down, managing a family with two kids brought about its own unique challenges where many things need to get done both professionally and personally in a single day. Navigating careers and motherhood is a constant challenge for many women. It is wonderful to witness many businesses across Australia offering help and guidance in these situations; The support provided gives women the opportunity to further their career paths.


While equality and women empowerment are important topics that deserve attention, I’d like to recognise the many wonderful men in my life that have been a great source of guidance. From my Dad, Husband and friends, to leaders I’ve encountered throughout my professional career—each of them has had a hand in helping me reach where I am today.


Why do you think it is important for more women to join the tech industry?


Valuing diversity in the workplace has many benefits, including the development of new skills and ideas. Women, in particular, can bring a unique perspective resulting in more innovative and effective solutions that benefit the industry as a whole. 


Do you think enough is done to help women get into the tech industry? If not, what would you recommend?


I don’t think so. Despite great strides, there is still much progress needed when it comes to female representation in tech-related roles, especially in Australia. It is time to create an environment that allows women’s skillsets and expertise to shine. Stepping up and creating a level playing field for everyone starts in educational institutions.


Women should be actively encouraged to take up roles in the ICT industry through initiatives like mentor programs, targeted coding workshops, graduate programs, etc. Organisations such as Code Like a Girl and VIC ICT for Women provide women access to the education and networks necessary to succeed in this field. Organisations have a responsibility to empower and support women in technical roles and such programs open up unique opportunities for learning, growth, and exploration to make technology a primary career path.


What advice would you give yourself just starting out?


Push yourself to do more and never let fear hold you back. Stay brave, no matter the situation, and don’t be scared to move out of your comfort zone to explore the greater potential and knowledge awaiting you.

 

Join our Promoting Women in IT group and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about advancing their careers in the tech field. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for more women to succeed in the tech industry.

GARTNER REVEALS ITS TOP STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR 2023

31 Jan, 2024
Leading research and advisory company, Gartner , recently released its annual report on the Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2023. The report provides valuable insights into the technology landscape that businesses will face in the coming years and offers guidance on how organisations can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technology environment. The report focuses on three main themes for sustainable technology: Optimise, Scale, and Pioneer. OptimiSe This theme focuses on maximising existing technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency and sustainability. Gartner highlights the growing trend of using AI and machine learning to automate processes, increase security, reduce manual workloads, and increase productivity. Applied observability is expected to play a large role in optimising operations to achieve shorter latency for decision-making, enabling competitive advantage for target business or IT processes. Due to businesses being able to manipulate their data artifacts for competitive advantage, this in turn elevates the strategic importance of having access to the right data at the right time for rapid action and data-driven decision-making. Another key technology in this category is Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which can be deployed to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. Additionally, Gartner mentions that digital twins (virtual models of physical assets) will become increasingly important for businesses looking to optimise their operations. Scale Scale refers to technologies that help organisations grow and reach new heights. The report identifies three key aspects of scalability for 2023 – vertically through industry cloud platforms, software delivery through platform engineers and everywhere through wireless value realisation. Edge computing and 5G are two key technologies in this category, as they allow organisations to handle an increasing amount of data and reduce latency. The cloud will also continue to play a major role in scaling businesses, as it enables organisations the necessary computing power and storage to handle growing amounts of data. Pioneer Finally, the pioneer theme focuses on new and emerging technologies that have the potential to disrupt traditional business models from superapps, adaptive AI, and the metaverse. Gartner highlights the rise of blockchain and decentralised systems, which have the potential to transform industries such as finance, supply chain, and real estate. Another important technology in this category is quantum computing, which has the potential to revolutionise fields such as cryptography and optimisation. In conclusion, the Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2023 report provides valuable insights into the technology landscape that businesses and organisations can expect to see in the coming years. By focusing on the three themes of Optimize, Scale, and Pioneer, Gartner provides a roadmap for organisations looking to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. To ensure your business has the necessary staffing solutions to manage these ongoing trends, contact the team at Halcyon Knights. With our expertise, you can be confident that your business is ready for the future of technology.

UNLOCKING PROGRESS AND POTENTIAL: INSIGHTS FROM A CYBERSECURITY RECRUITER’S TRANSITION FROM EUROPE TO AUSTRALIA

31 Jan, 2024
Transitioning from Europe to Australia as a cybersecurity recruiter has provided me with valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in the Australian cybersecurity market. In this blog, I will share my observations and shed light on key differences between the two regions. GDPR vs APPs: Navigating Privacy Regulations The Australian Privacy Principles establishes a framework of principles, to govern the handling of personal information. These principles encompass various aspects, including transparency, direct marketing regulations, and the security of personal data. On the other hand, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) defines comprehensive rules and guidelines regarding the treatment of personal information. In addition to specific provisions, the GDPR outlines a set of overarching principles that must be adhered to throughout all data processing activities. Comparing the European GDPR and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) reveals nuanced differences in the treatment of personal information. While both laws address the protection of individual data, the GDPR’s comprehensive nature and wider scope emphasise its strength. However, Australia still has room to improve awareness and understanding of privacy regulations among its population. Opportunities & Talent Pool: Progress in Australia Australia’s cybersecurity market, though smaller than some European countries, has witnessed remarkable growth. The challenge lies in a scarcity of skilled professionals, compounded by the niche nature of the field. Australia has recognised this and invested in initiatives to develop its workforce. Nevertheless, attracting non-domestic talent remains complex due to factors such as distance, time, cost, and administrative processes. Market Trends: Resilience and Adaptability Australia has made commendable strides in allocating federal budget resources to cybersecurity in recent years, with projects like “REDSPICE” exemplifying the government’s commitment. While European countries also invest substantial funds in cybersecurity, the remarkable dedication shown by the Australian government, considering the market’s size, is noteworthy. Their prioritisation of cybersecurity and efforts to enhance cyber awareness among the population are evident. Cyberattacks: Protecting Critical Infrastructure Both Australia and Europe share a common priority: safeguarding critical infrastructure. However, they differ in terms of the industries targeted by cyberattacks. Recent trends have shed light on the alarming gravity of cyber threats in sectors such as finance, energy, and healthcare. Notably, Australia has directed increased attention toward protecting its banking and telecommunications sectors, adapting to the ever-evolving threat landscape. Progress and Potential Australia is making strides in the cybersecurity market but still has progress to make in matching the depth and awareness observed in Europe. Continued investment in talent development, cybersecurity education, and regulatory frameworks will be crucial for Australia to strengthen its position in the global cybersecurity landscape. In summary, my transition from Europe to Australia as a cybersecurity recruiter has shed light on the unique challenges and promising developments in the Australian market. While Europe has an edge in certain areas, Australia’s commitment to growth and cybersecurity resilience sets the stage for a promising future. Margeaux Robin Cybersecurity Recruitment Lead – QLD

THE INTERSECTION OF AI AND IOT: HOW MACHINE LEARNING IS ENHANCING IOT CAPABILITIES

31 Jan, 2024
The melding of the Internet of Things (IoT) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) isn't just progressing; it's revolutionising how we interact with technology and the world around us. The fusion of these technologies is creating a smarter, more connected globe. With the development of advanced AI models like GPT and other innovative AI programmes, the potential to boost IoT capabilities and revolutionise various sectors is more tangible than ever. This article delves into this synergy, highlighting the transformative impact on our daily lives and the broader societal implications. Understanding AI and Machine Learning AI is the backbone of modern technological advancements, enabling machines to mimic human intelligence across tasks such as language understanding, decision-making, and image recognition. Machine Learning, a crucial subset of AI, empowers systems to learn from data, enhancing their accuracy and efficiency over time without explicit programming. This capacity for continuous improvement is what makes ML invaluable in handling the vast and varied data generated by IoT devices. The Role of GPT and AI Programmes in Enhancing IoT Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models, along with other sophisticated AI programmes, are at the forefront of this revolution, offering capabilities that extend the functionality of IoT devices: Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation: GPT and AI programmes can analyse and interpret the massive datasets from IoT devices, providing insights and making predictions with high accuracy. This capability is crucial for applications ranging from smart homes to industrial automation, where understanding vast amounts of data in real-time can lead to significant efficiency improvements. Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI models equipped with NLP enable IoT devices to understand and respond to human language, facilitating more intuitive interactions between humans and machines. This advancement is pivotal in areas like customer service and personal assistants, where AI-driven IoT devices can offer personalised responses and support. Enhanced Security: AI programmes can identify and respond to security threats in IoT networks, using anomaly detection techniques to protect data and privacy. As IoT devices become more integrated into our lives, securing these devices and the data they handle is paramount. Real-World Applications: AI and IoT in Synergy The combination of AI, with IoT is already making waves across various sectors: Healthcare: AI-driven analysis of data from wearable IoT devices can lead to breakthroughs in personalised medicine, offering predictive insights into health trends and enabling proactive healthcare solutions. Manufacturing: IoT sensors monitor manufacturing processes in real-time, with AI and ML analysing the data to predict maintenance needs, optimise operations, and enhance safety. Smart cities: IoT devices, powered by AI, are used to optimise everything from traffic management to energy consumption, making urban environments more efficient and sustainable.
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