On April 23, 2025, as part of the SheCyber Hub initiative, a meeting was held with Yana Mykhailenko, Chief Technology Officer at Turnitin. The event became a platform for a substantive discussion of the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the technology sector, as well as the role of leadership in the dynamic environment of modern IT.
During the discussion, Yana shared practical experience, personal decisions, and strategic approaches to career development in the technology sector.
Among the key points:
- Fundamental knowledge remains relevant. A university education continues to play an important role in professional activity. At the same time, access to quality learning today is much broader—thanks to online courses, workshops, and professional development programs.
- Flexibility and the ability to learn are decisive success factors. In the context of team optimization and changing market conditions, those who combine competencies, think beyond job boundaries, and adapt quickly have an advantage.
- Artificial intelligence as a tool for efficiency. AI is not a threat to professionals, but it will replace those who do not know how to use it. In her own work, Yana has already automated up to 40% of processes with AI.
- Leadership involves difficult decisions. An example was the decision to close her own business for the sake of long-term prospects. This demonstrates the importance of being honest with yourself when making strategic decisions.
- Professional burnout is a real risk. Technical leadership requires resources. Personal hobbies, sports, and other activities help maintain balance and prevent emotional exhaustion.
- The right to be heard is not a guarantee but the result of effort. This is especially relevant for women in technology. Leadership is not only about status, but also about the ongoing work of asserting one’s influence in the team and in the industry.
- Professional support and mentorship are critically important. In the tech environment, it is especially important to have access to a community that shares experience and to mentors who can accelerate professional development.
- The environment shapes the growth trajectory. Mentorship is a two-way process, and the choice of environment directly affects career development opportunities.
The WLSIF Foundation expresses gratitude to Yana Mykhailenko for her openness, expertise, and willingness to support the younger generation of women professionals in technology. Such meetings contribute to the formation of confident female leadership and provide young specialists with the necessary reference points for professional growth.
Special thanks to UNIT.City and Pavlo Mykhailyuk for supporting the project and for facilitating the development of SheCyber Hub in an environment that brings together innovation, experience, and the future of technology.
