By Kathryn McKenna, Editor Sync NI
Whilst women currently represent just 23 per cent of the tech sector workforce in Northern Ireland, Gillian Adams is both determined and optimistic that this number will continue to rise with proactive steps in place.
Having joined Agio Belfast, now part of Netrio, four years ago - initially as a Platform Architect - Gillian is now the Director of Help Desk and Service Management in a role which includes recruiting new talented staff members. Gillian is passionate about ensuring the “right candidate is hired for the right role,” regardless of gender, and advocates strongly for measures such as equal pay.
“Promoting equal opportunities for promotion and pay ensures that all employees feel valued and recognised for their contributions, which is crucial for retention and career growth,” Gillian tells Sync NI recently when we sit down together in Agio’s Belfast city centre office in Glandore’s state-of-the-art Arthur House.
Expanding on how companies and leaders can take proactive steps to increase the percentage of women in tech whilst ensuring inclusivity for all, Gillian explains that implementing inclusive hiring practices which actively seek out diverse candidates can make a significant difference, this includes using gender-neutral language in job recruitment postings and ensuring diverse interview panels.
Not only are these steps important, it is vital that inclusivity continues after the initial hiring stage, with Gillian highlighting supporting factors such as mentorship programmes in particular. Designed to provide guidance and support to all employees, mentorship schemes have been statistically proven to have a successful impact on women progressing into senior leadership roles and supporting women's career growth and development.
"Inspiring role models play a crucial role in increasing the percentage of women in tech, benefiting both young girls and women already established in their careers. Seeing someone who has overcome similar challenges can be incredibly motivating and reassuring, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work can lead to success,” explains Gillian.
“They demonstrate that success is achievable and provide tangible examples to aspire to. Role models who communicate fearlessly and speak up empower others to do the same, fostering a culture of openness and support. Mentorship and networking helps build a supportive environment encouraging individuals to evolve and adapt, ensuring long-term success and retention in the industry. By fostering these connections, we can build a tech community that values personal growth, collaboration, and diversity.”
Gillian reflects that better awareness of different careers needs to continue to improve in schools. Whilst much progress has been made since, Gillian can still recall her own time at school, when she and one other pupil were actively encouraged to select different subjects when they chose to study Computer Science at A Level in their all-girls school.
Wider awareness around what working in tech looks like on a day-to-day basis could also help combat some of the biggest misconceptions about working in tech. In reality, the tech sector offers a wide range of roles that encompass project management, design, marketing, customer support, and more. “This diversity of opportunities means that tech is not just about coding; it's about creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration,” Gillian asserts.
To effectively spread the message, we need to highlight a wider variety of career paths within the tech industry at grassroots school level. Showcasing stories of individuals from different backgrounds who have found success in tech can help dispel the myth that tech is only for those with technical expertise. These stories can illustrate the different ways people contribute to the industry and inspire others to explore similar paths.
In practical terms, Gillian suggests hosting career fairs, workshops, and webinars can be utilised as powerful tools to help demystify the tech sector and attract a broader audience with such events providing a platform for potential candidates to learn about the dynamic and innovative nature of tech and the many roles available. Additionally, promoting the collaborative and innovative environment of the tech sector in Northern Ireland can inspire more people to consider careers in this field.
Understanding that career pathways do not always follow a straight line is also important, with Gillian referencing her own career pathway which initially saw her graduate from Ulster University with a Master’s degree in Marketing and begin her career as a Marketing Assistant for a company providing broadcasting software. But Gillian’s own lifelong passion for IT was sparked in her formative years by her father. Growing up, she often sat beside him for hours at a time as he coded on the family computer.
Recognising this was where her passion lay, Gillian took a leap of faith and embarked upon a career change, something she says everyone should not be afraid to do.
Ultimately, if STEM subjects interest you, Gillian is keen to encourage all students and those seeking a career change to embrace their passion and pursue it with confidence. “It's crucial to choose subjects and career paths where you believe you will be the best fit, rather than following a path that others expect of you.
“The career choices you make at 16 don’t have to define your entire life. The tech industry is evolving, and there are many supportive communities and networks available to help you succeed. Seek out mentors and role models who can provide guidance and encouragement.
“Be flexible and open to new career options. Be curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to take risks or fail. Your unique perspective and skills are valuable, and you have the potential to make a significant impact in the tech world.”
Gillian adds: “Remember, the industry thrives on diverse talents and perspectives. By staying true to your interests and being open to new opportunities, you can find a fulfilling and successful career in tech.
“Additionally, leverage your personal connections, such as local friends and family networks, to help make introductions and build relationships. The saying "it's not personal, it's just business" doesn't hold true in my experience. To be successful, it should always be personal. Building genuine connections can open doors and provide invaluable support throughout your career.”
Overall, Gillian is passionate about the proactive steps Agio, now part of Netrio, is taking to ensure it is inclusive and offering equal opportunities for all – regardless of gender.
“Our flexible working policies support work-life balance, making tech careers more accessible to all. We also ensure equal opportunities for promotion and equal pay, recognising the contributions of all employees fairly. These efforts collectively help us create a supportive and equitable workplace that encourages more women to pursue and thrive in tech careers, while also supporting the growth and success of all team members,” Gillian comments.
“At Agio we focus on the right person for the right role, and this is reflected in our C-Suite leadership, with the balance being 50/50.”
This commitment to merit and equality is a cornerstone of Agio’s success and helps maintain a diverse and dynamic team. “Our culture is built on principles such as "Be Better Than Yesterday," "Be Bigger Than Your Job," "Communicate Fearlessly," "Speak Up," and "Evolve." These values drive us to continuously improve and support each other in achieving our best,” Gillian concludes.
Stay connected with Agio Belfast, now part of Netrio, with job opportunities, Views, Interviews, Tech Trailblazers and more at: syncni.com/company/Agio.
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
