When you think of a “Woman in Tech,” what comes to mind? For Emma Norris, Head of Business Transformation at RSA, this label hasn’t always felt like a natural fit. Despite over 20 years working in Change and Transformation—often deeply rooted in IT environments—Emma describes herself as a “technophobe” outside of work.
“If it doesn’t work, I just log off and back on again,” Emma jokes. “My family and friends find it hilarious that I work in IT given my aversion to anything technical outside of work.” Her journey highlights an essential truth: being a Woman in Tech is about much more than coding or deep technical expertise. It’s about the skills, mindset, and determination to drive meaningful transformation and innovation.
Challenging the Definition of 'Woman in Tech'
Emma’s career path spans diverse roles across CIO, COO, and Finance functions, all of which intersect with technology. Yet she’s often asked herself, “Am I really a Woman in Tech?” Her conclusion: absolutely.
Not every woman in the industry is a technical expert, and that’s okay. Transformation leaders like Emma bring critical skills to the table—determining priorities, embedding tech changes, and aligning them with business ambitions.
“There are plenty of brilliant technical women in CIO,” Emma explains. “But not all Women in Tech are technical. We bring essential skills that help organisations succeed.”
Addressing Barriers and Progress in Inclusion
Emma acknowledges that CIO functions and IT-based environments have historically been male-dominated. She’s seen this first-hand at industry conferences and within financial services, where middle-aged white men often dominate the room.
“IT and Financial Services conferences in recent years have shown me the extent of the diversity and inclusion challenge,” she says. “The attendees are often extremely skewed towards the middle-aged, white male demographic. It’s clear there’s still work to be done.”
Thankfully, things are changing. At RSA, Emma has noticed growing representation of women in leadership roles. Initiatives like the Balance ERG and Women in Tech networks play a significant role in driving this progress, offering both practical support and advocacy for systemic change.
“Representation is improving, and I suspect this shift is empowering those earlier in their careers to aspire to more than previous generations,” Emma shares. “It’s all positive.”
The Power of Non-Technical Skills in Tech
Emma’s story sheds light on the often-underappreciated value of non-technical skills in tech. She highlights several key competencies that have fuelled her success:
- Bravery: Asking “stupid” questions often leads to unlocking critical insights.
- Translating Tech to Non-Tech: “A shiny new system is great,” Emma notes, “but if no one understands it or adopts it, the benefits won’t be realised. Translating tech into non-tech speak is critical in storytelling and aligning with business outcomes that matter.”
- Curiosity and Challenge: Continuously asking “Why?” and “What does this mean for the business or customers?” fosters innovation and deeper understanding.
- Accountability: Taking ownership to resolve challenges helps drive business outcomes.
- Networking: Building relationships with subject matter experts (SMEs), male allies, and trusted mentors provides both support and opportunities.
Emma emphasises the importance of seeing the bigger picture: “Stepping back and looking at the broader context can provide valuable perspectives. It’s not just about the details but how everything connects.”
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Emma touches on the concept of imposter syndrome, a term she admits she’s not entirely comfortable with.
“I don’t particularly like the term,” she says. “It alludes to an illness, something that should be ‘fixed.’” However, she recognises the symptoms and how they can foster humility and growth. By acknowledging gaps in knowledge and leaning on trusted experts, Emma has found confidence in her ability to drive change.
“It takes courage to ask the ‘stupid question,’ but those questions often unlock the most important insights,” she adds. “You don’t have to know everything—that’s why we have networks and trusted experts to fill the gaps.”
Celebrating Women in Tech
Emma’s closing advice is simple yet profound: “Get out of your comfort zone, learn something new every day, accept you don’t need to know everything, and lean on your support networks.”
Her reflections remind us that there’s no single rule for a definition of a woman in tech. Whether technical or not, women like Emma play an integral role in transforming businesses and shaping the future of the industry.
As she puts it, “CIO is undoubtedly an exciting and fast-paced place to work. Let’s embrace being Women in Tech, celebrate it, and encourage there being more of us!”
