Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Preeti Bhoj for coordinating and contributing thoughtful insights to this article. Based in San Mateo, Calif., the 'Torrance' pod includes Preeti Bhoj, Kirsten Gillam, Olivia Gillam, Lavanya Mani, Linfei Jing, and Nayana Chandran. Sisters Kirsten and Olivia joined Guidewire a few years apart, on graduation from university.
What’s it like to work in an all-female software product development work pod? Members of Guidewire’s Torrance Product Development & Operations pod share honest reflections on their experiences as women in tech. In this conversation, the team members discuss their diverse backgrounds, career paths, and the opportunities that have shaped their professional lives. Along the way, they’ve gained valuable insights, built strong bonds, and navigated the ever-changing technology landscape together.
Read on as the Torrance pod members share their experiences.
Can you share your background and describe why you pursued a career in technology?
Preeti Bhoj: From tinkering with Meccano and Lego sets to engaging in other pattern-finding activities in my childhood, I was introduced to rudimentary algorithms and quickly fostered a basic understanding of mathematics. This early foundation helped pave the way for my success in high school and college. I pursued a degree in engineering and technology, specializing in mechanical engineering.
During my senior year in college, I encountered a significant obstacle during job placement. I was disqualified from applying to most positions due to my gender. After completing my degree, I relocated to the US. With my husband’s encouragement, I transitioned fields and pursued a master's degree in computer engineering. I began taking software engineering classes, discovered a passion for the challenges of programming, and connected with a research professor who provided invaluable mentorship and guidance that ultimately led me to join HP Research labs. Despite numerous challenges and encountering skeptics along the way, I was fortunate to have strong voices of encouragement that empowered me to persist and forge a successful career in the tech industry.
Kirsten Gillam: I've always liked puzzles, tinkering, fixing broken things, and thinking about how other people think. Being able to assist people in problem-solving and finding solutions to simplify their lives brings me immense joy. My journey toward a career in technology was not something I envisioned in my younger years. I started my undergraduate education as a psychology major. In college, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of fields and found myself drawn to computer science after taking intro programming courses. There was a steep learning curve and computer science courses were the most difficult for me. But I was performing well and, with each class, grew more intrigued and kept coming back for more! My skills sharpened, my confidence improved, and I enjoyed the projects I worked on. Eventually, I realized I’d find greater satisfaction and enjoyment in a tech career.
What is your primary responsibility in your job, working with your pod?
Preeti Bhoj: Our work pod, Torrance, is responsible for a vital component within Guidewire Data Platform called the Kafka service. The reliability of this component is extremely important as it directly influences customers’ Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Our team takes this responsibility very seriously.
How does being involved in an all-female pod impact collaboration and communication?
Preeti Bhoj: Having worked at six companies during my career, I truly appreciate Guidewire's collegial culture. The composition of an all-female team with diverse experience levels is a testament to Guidewire’s distinctive culture. Our all-female team came together through a blend of organic growth and intentional efforts guided by Guidewire leadership, including Premjith Rayaroth, Vice President of Engineering, and Sourabh Govil, Senior Director of Engineering, along with the support of Diego Devalle, Chief Product Development Officer. These leaders wanted to unite like-minded women.
This effort intended to foster an empowering environment and enable us to feel supported in our roles, particularly managing Guidewire’s Kafka service, a critical area. This initiative is both gratifying and enriching for us. We ensure that every one of our team members feels valued and empowered to voice their opinions. Collaborative decision-making enables our seamless execution of project planning and delivery. And our varying range of experience creates an environment supporting effective mentorship.
Olivia Gillam: This could be a coincidence based on our personalities, too, but our disagreements feel more like constructive conversations, and our meetings are never loud.
Kirsten Gillam: Starting out in tech, I often grappled with the awareness of being the only woman in the room, and that others' subconscious bias could affect interactions. I had concerns about how my peers perceived my competence, treading carefully in how I offered ideas and vocalized disagreements. I had a fear of making mistakes. But working in Guidewire’s Torrance pod countered those concerns and reduced feelings of ‘imposter syndrome.’ We’re a diverse team of different ages, cultural backgrounds, personalities, and life experiences – and our differences are celebrated. No one feels like an outsider.
For example, I don't waste time worrying about if I fit in or how I'm perceived. I put more energy into collaborating on the task at hand. No one speaks over me or interrupts me in meetings, and I don't need to change how I speak to feel heard. I’m encouraged to share my ideas, even if they aren't perfect. I won't lose respect for small mistakes, and we talk through ideas together. I can bring my whole self to work and still trust that my opinions will be valued.
Lavanya Mani: I've had the opportunity to work in different team settings, from being the only woman on a team to being a part of teams with a balanced gender mix. And now, I’m on an all-woman team. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate enough to receive support from male colleagues, for which I'm truly grateful. However, working in an all-woman team is a unique experience.
It's not just the presence of women that makes it special but also the positive character and healthy attitudes of the individuals, which significantly enhance team dynamics. We collaborate authentically and value each other’s contributions, which creates a harmonious work environment, leading to better project outcomes.
Can you contrast the workforce dynamic from 20 years ago with today?
Preet Bhoji: Entering the workforce more than two decades ago after college, I faced the harsh reality of the gender gap. In the initial stages of my career, I often found myself the sole woman in the majority of meetings. Due to cultural and gender disparities, it was difficult to express myself freely, often being overshadowed by louder (think: volume) voices in the room. I felt out of place and retreated into my shell.
To overcome this, I began to do thorough pre-work, articulating my thoughts in writing, and gradually learned to become assertive in a respectful manner. Over the years, I’ve witnessed a positive shift towards greater inclusivity in the industry. However, I still come across peers who recount similar challenges that I faced early in my career, which is disheartening. I am optimistic that younger women, particularly those in organizations like Guidewire, will share their experiences with the broader industry, fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Can you discuss a recent project and what challenges you faced and how you and your team overcame them?
Preeti Bhoj: When the Torrance pod took over Guidewire’s Kafka service, the team faced challenges. The domain was unfamiliar, and Guidewire was building expertise across the organization. After numerous marathon sessions, we gained valuable insight and had fun along the way. Our team efforts have yielded awesome results. We can now confidently say Kafka service is a critical, stable component of our data platform!
How does being a part of an all-female pod empower you in your role?
Preeti Bhoj: Our team's collaborative problem-solving approach during crunch time has fostered a strong sense of trust among members. We have full confidence in supporting each other in all situations. While it may sound cliché, we firmly believe that prioritizing the team over individual interests has played a significant role in the success of our pod!
Kirsten Gillam: As a student five years ago, I wouldn't have imagined an opportunity to work on a team of all women. During my time at university, the percentage of women in the computer science program dropped from 36% in my freshman year to 23% by my senior year. Even after earning a computer science degree, I heard statistics that up to 50% of women leave their jobs in tech by age 35.
I had just one female professor in all of my classes in college and, in that classroom, my peers would snicker and whisper disparaging remarks about her during lectures. This environment made it challenging to envision my career trajectory and where it might take me in 10 to 20 years. Though I was proud of my degree, believed in my skills, and felt I had potential to excel in this field, I wasn't sure I would be welcomed or feel like I belonged. But my experience at Guidewire has been wonderful, upending my dreary expectations and relieving many fears I had. The culture is encouraging, inclusive, and collegial. I greatly appreciate the mentorship I've received from both men and women I work with at Guidewire. I feel valued, included, and supported by all of my colleagues, but I've been especially inspired by the women I’ve worked with. They are talented, accomplished, respected, and well-established in their careers. Beyond work, they have diverse hobbies and rich personal lives, with many balancing motherhood as well.
Now I can envision my future, largely because I see aspects of myself — and the life I aspire to lead — reflected in those around me. This has been so important for me, and the camaraderie from my team continues to empower me in my role. The hope and confidence I've been instilled with on this team is something I will carry with me in all of my future roles and teams.
Lavanya Mani: This supportive and collaborative atmosphere allows me to not only focus on my work but also to enjoy it, as I can spend time and energy on solutions, rather than resolving conflicts and managing the stress that comes with them. As a team, we prioritize achieving quality project outcomes and help others succeed, which leads to higher job satisfaction. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from experienced team members who are eager to guide and nurture newer colleagues while valuing their fresh perspectives. Additionally, an all-women team often has a better understanding of the various roles women juggle, which helps in managing work-life challenges more effectively.
What advice would you give young women aspiring to a tech career?
Preeti Bhoj: Our team is a blend of experienced industry professionals and newcomers kickstarting their careers. This diverse mix fosters a supportive environment for mentorship, open dialogue, and idea exchange. The fresh perspectives brought by younger team members have greatly enriched our problem-solving approaches. We highly recommend that young women consider companies like Guidewire, known for promoting a culture of collaboration and empowering women to take on complex technical challenges. Despite the demanding nature of the tech industry and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, finding a harmonious work-life balance is key. Don't forget to share a few laughs with your colleagues along the way!
Linfei Jing: Although I don't have extensive work experience yet in the tech industry, I do have some advice for young women aspiring to enter the field. I've seen many female peers, including myself, hesitate to pursue tech careers due to a lack of confidence. They doubt themselves and aren’t encouraged by friends or seniors, believing they must be the "best" to qualify for applying for a job. However, after joining Guidewire, I felt supported and confident. I realized I don’t need to wait until I'm fully capable of completing tasks quickly and independently to take on challenges. The collaborative team environment encourages me to push my limits and believe in my ability to handle tasks and projects. I recommend that young women in tech connect with industry professionals and gain confidence in their pursuit of a tech career.
Kirsten Gillam: For any young individual aspiring to a career in the tech industry, especially those from under-represented backgrounds, my advice is: focus on building a supportive community and seeking out role models early on. By sharing your stories and experiences with others who share your cultural, gender, or economic background, you can find encouragement and support to navigate this path and feel less isolated. If you find a lack of representation among the leaders or peers in your current environment, consider exploring professional groups, different institutions, and online communities. You can even take the initiative to establish study groups or clubs within your school to create safe spaces for students to connect, discuss shared experiences, provide mutual support, and exchange valuable resources.
While the tech industry has historically been dominated by a narrow demographic, the landscape is gradually evolving. Success in tech is not limited to a specific profile. Embracing diversity in backgrounds and experiences within a team can lead to more effective problem-solving and foster a culture of innovation. Remember, representation matters, and you deserve a place in this field too. And during interviews, don't hesitate to ask about the company culture. While interviewing as a student may feel daunting, remember that it's not just about them evaluating you; you are also assessing whether the company aligns with your values and goals. It's a two-way street!
What changes would you suggest to make the tech industry more inclusive and supportive for women?
Preeti Bhoj: We envision a future where an all-women pod is not viewed as unusual but rather as a norm that seamlessly fits in. Embracing diverse team configurations is key to fostering a robust workforce. The balanced 50/50 gender representation at the Olympics — with some medal-winning athletes also being mothers — is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when inclusivity is embraced. We have certainly made great strides in pursuing our passions!
Olivia Gillam: Having more women in the field will naturally make the industry more inclusive and supportive of women. The challenge is getting women into tech and retaining them. The University of California-Berkeley’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) started a program called SWE++, aimed at introducing middle school-aged girls to computing by hosting a free course with weekly Zoom classes during the summer.
Free, accessible STEM-related outreach programs at elementary and middle schools also are a great way to foster interest and create a community in tech for young students who may not otherwise have access to similar opportunities and support. Regarding retention of women in tech, I think mentorship and community at all stages of one’s journey are important, especially for people who may be predisposed to feelings of not belonging. In my first year at university, I had one foot out the door in regard to my computer science major. My first professor is the reason I learned about programs and events, met my best friend, met other professors, became confident in my computing abilities, and joined clubs and programs. That is the reason I chose to stick with my major. Having a role model nearby who cared about creating connections, community, and opportunity was foundational to my positive experience in computer science. The tech industry should prioritize passion for such things when hiring people, especially roles that work with new members of the community.
Lavanya Mani: Supportive policies, such as remote work options and extended sabbatical leave to accommodate personal and family responsibilities, will enable women to continue their careers and contribute effectively to the tech industry.
Looking to join a team that stands together and collaborates like Guidewire’s Torrance pod? Guidewire is hiring software engineers at locations across the globe. Follow us on LinkedIn @Guidewire and check out our Careers page for open roles. Be sure to check out our Culture page to learn more about life #InsideGuidewire.