Female Leadership in IT
Unit4 is deeply committed to fostering equality for all, embracing gender diversity, ethical backgrounds, neurodiverse needs, abilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Unit4 prioritizes creating an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive, contribute, and shine.
This month, in alignment with International Women’s Day 2025, we are highlighting the experiences and professional growth of female employees at Unit4.
As part of Unit4’s annual International Women’s Day celebrations, the new CEO, Simon Paris, shared his thoughts on this:
“Gender equality – in fact, equality for all – should no longer be a debate, it should be a given. However, sadly equality and equity are still something people across the world are fighting for. At Unit4, we add our voice to that fight and say diversity brings empathy, experience, creativity, and growth – and we are committed to ensuring that we are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We recognize that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, is more than embracing the concept of gender equality, it’s about taking actions that will move this forward. Ensuring our continued momentum is one of the reasons we’ve set the following gender targets for FY26 – 43% women employee base and 36% women in leadership roles.”
To get a better understanding of the diverse landscape of men and women at Unit4, Sara Portell, Ana Beatriz Lopes and Maria Siwakowska, gave us some insights about their role, professional development and experiences. Before we start with the interview, we would like to briefly introduce everyone.
We’re delighted to have you with us for this interview. Could you start by introducing yourself and your role at Unit4? We’d also love to hear what makes Unit4 your employer of choice.
Ana Beatriz Lopes – Director of Strategic Operations
I am honored to play a pivotal role in shaping the operational strategy of the Product and Technology Office at Unit4. In this capacity, I work closely with senior leadership to ensure that our strategic initiatives align with both short- and long-term business objectives. Additionally, I am privileged to take on the responsibility of Country Lead Unit4 in Portugal, coordinating and driving the execution of local initiatives that support both our global vision and country needs. This dual role allows me to leverage a comprehensive understanding of CPTO (Chief Product & Technology Officer) operations while remaining agile and responsive to the unique dynamics of a diverse team in Portugal, ultimately contributing to the company’s overall success and long-term growth.
The reason I choose Unit4 is simple, at Unit4 we prioritize fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. With competitive benefits, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a strong commitment to work-life balance, we are dedicated to helping our team thrive. Our collaborative culture, focus on innovation, and commitment to employee well-being make us a top choice for those looking to build a fulfilling and rewarding career
Maria Siwakowska - Product Lead at Unit4. ERP & Project Management Expert. Azure Cloud Specialist
With over 10 years’ experience in the tech industry, including eight years focused on business analysis, I’m currently a Product Lead at Unit4, where I specialize in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, project management, and Cloud technologies. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of bridging the gap between business and technical teams, driving innovation, and delivering impactful solutions for clients across industries such as project management, finance, higher education, and maritime transport.
I’ve developed my expertise through progressively senior roles, starting as a Software Quality Assurance Analyst, then advancing to Lead Business Analyst, and ultimately transitioning into Product Management. My technical skills include expertise in Azure Cloud and agile methodologies such as Scrum. I hold certifications including Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, PMC Level I & II, AgiREQ, and ISTQB Foundation Level.
I’m deeply passionate about leveraging technology to drive business value. I take pride in fostering growth and development within my teams, and with a hands-on approach, I strive to inspire both colleagues and clients to embrace new opportunities in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
I chose Unit4 as an employer because of its strong commitment to work-life balance, offering flexible schedules, time off and work arrangements.
Sara Portell – Acting VP of Product and VP of User Experience
I joined Unit4 nearly four years ago to establish and develop the UX (User Experience) function. Over time, we have built a well-integrated team that plays a critical role in shaping our product experiences. More recently, our mandate has expanded to integrate AI and automation across our product suite, reinforcing our innovation efforts and transforming how our customers interact with our solutions.
Six months ago, I embraced the challenge and opportunity to step in as the interim VP (Vice President) of Product. This role has significantly broadened my perspective, allowing me to grow as a leader, navigate complex product strategies, and drive meaningful change.
What makes Unit4 an employer of choice for me is the way it fosters professional growth, encourages taking on new challenges, and provides opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience. My background is in behavioral science, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD at the intersection of psychology and AI. Working at Unit4 allows me to continuously learn and apply new insights from my research to real-world product innovation, making my work both dynamic and impactful.
Thank you all for taking the time to share your insights with us and the community. Let us start to talk about some questions we’ve prepared for this interview regarding women in tech and your experiences at Unit4.
Women often experience different barriers in the labor market than men. In this regard, can you tell us more about your own career path and how you managed your career? How did Unit4 support you in your career progression and what were your experiences during this journey?
[Ana] Throughout my nearly 20-year career in technology, I have had the privilege of growing and advancing, supported by exceptional leaders and teams who have always valued my work and capabilities. I’ve never felt that being a woman was a barrier to my success. At Unit4, this has remained true, where I’ve always felt treated equally. Even in more challenging discussions, especially when I was the only woman in the room, I remained authentic to myself and never had to adopt a different attitude to make my voice heard. A key moment in my journey was, when I joined Unit4 in 2015 as the first woman in the management team in Lisbon. As the first Team Manager, being part of a group of six male managers all with different personalities, I maintained a positive and balanced environment, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
[Maria] I don’t think I’ve ever been treated differently from my male colleagues in a professional context. At Unit4, I believe everyone is offered equal opportunities for growth. The key lies in how willing and persistent you are in taking advantage of those opportunities.
[Sara] Throughout my career, I’ve embraced new challenges and said “yes” to opportunities that allowed me to learn and grow. This mindset has helped me pivot across different roles, opening new career paths and expanding my expertise. I’ve always been eager to learn, and continuous learning has been a key driver in my progression—balancing studies and work at various points has allowed me to acquire new skills and broaden my perspective.
At Unit4, I’ve felt I’ve had fair opportunities to grow and advance. The company’s people-first culture has fostered an environment where I’ve been encouraged to take on new challenges, including stepping into the interim VP of Product role. Additionally, my involvement in the Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) has given me a platform to help shape an inclusive culture, advocate for equity, and contribute to fostering a more diverse workplace.
As a female leader, how do you view Unit4’s culture from a management perspective, and what key lessons have you learned about leadership in a global software company?
[Sara] At Unit4, our people-first culture is something you can see and feel in everyday interactions, leadership practices, and company-wide initiatives. As leaders, we are committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to excel in their careers. This is reflected in how we work together, how we prioritize well-being, and how we actively promote diversity and inclusion.
Unit4 has taken meaningful steps toward gender equity through initiatives that make a real difference, offering flexible schedules, remote work options, parental leave (for both parents), and wellness days that support work-life balance. Beyond policies, we also focus on representation and sponsorship, with executive backing for women’s career growth and partnerships with local women’s networks to foster diversity and attract talent from different backgrounds.
Working in tech as a woman in leadership comes with challenges, this industry is not always inclusive, and progress can feel slow. One key learning for me has been that representation alone is not enough; real change happens when organizations take deliberate actions to support and sponsor women. When companies provide opportunities, invest in career growth, and foster inclusive environments, it leads to broader perspectives, a more diverse workforce, improved well-being, and stronger innovation. I’ve seen this first-hand at Unit4, where inclusion is a fundamental part of how we grow as a company.
[Ana] As a female leader and manager, I live Unit4´s culture as someone that genuinely fosters inclusivity, collaboration, and respect. I’ve found that the company’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunity creates a dynamic environment where all voices are valued, regardless of gender or background. From a leadership standpoint, it’s clear that our focus on empowering teams, promoting open communication, and encouraging innovation aligns with the core values that drive our success.
Having worked in a global software company, I’ve learned several key lessons about leadership. First, adaptability is essential—leading diverse teams across different time zones and cultures requires flexibility and the ability to understand various perspectives. Second, empathy and active listening are crucial; effective leadership isn’t just about directing but also about understanding the needs and aspirations of your team. Finally, strong leadership is about empowering others to take ownership of their work while providing guidance and support when needed. This balance of autonomy and support helps drive both personal and organizational growth.
Can you share any advice, inspirations for women who want to pursue a career in IT? What do you think is key to success in this industry? Any thoughts from your own path?
[Maria] Success in any field starts with the right mindset. You must believe in your ability to achieve your goals. It’s important to move beyond the perception of IT as a male-dominated field. If you think that a career in IT aligns with your skills and interests, don’t allow any biases to stop you from pursuing it.
[Ana] My advice to women pursuing a career in IT is simple but powerful: be authentic, stay curious, and never stop learning. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and the ability to embrace change and continuously grow your skill set is key. Surround yourself with a strong network of mentors and peers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice—there is always room to learn, no matter how much experience you have.
From my own journey, I’ve learned that persistence and resilience are essential. There will be challenges, and sometimes you might feel like you’re the only one in the room who looks or thinks differently, but that diversity of thought is a strength, not a weakness. Stay true to yourself and trust in your capabilities. And remember that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about guiding others, empowering teams, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
In this industry, success comes from a combination of technical skills, problem-solving ability, and interpersonal skills. Don’t just focus on coding or technical expertise—build your communication and collaboration skills too. A holistic approach will set you apart and help you move forward in your career and always trust the process!
[Sara] My biggest advice is to embrace continuous learning. Tech is always evolving, and the best way to grow is to stay curious, ask questions, and be open to learning new things, whether that’s picking up new skills or gaining different perspectives from the people around you. But tech skills alone aren’t enough, empathy, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are just as important. Some of the best work happens when people with different backgrounds and strengths come together to solve problems.
Building a strong network is also key. Find mentors and sponsors who can support you, advocate for you and help you navigate your career. And remember, diverse teams drive the best results. Your voice and contributions matter, and the more women we have in tech, the more innovative and inclusive the industry becomes.
Finally, don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities that challenge you. Volunteer for that presentation, take on a new assignment or step into a project outside your comfort zone. Growth comes from putting yourself out there. This industry has so much to offer, and we need more women shaping its future.