E32 - Cristina Duta at AECOM

On today’s episode of the Women in Tech spin-off series, we’re joined by our host Eve Mckenna and a special guest, Cristina Duta Director of Intelligent Automation at AECOM. During this episode, Cristina talks to us about her transition from Software Development to Cybersecurity and then into Automation and the transferable skills she gained along the way. Cristina also shares some of the challenges she faces working with Intelligent Automation and gives a little insight into what it is and why she loves it so much.

Cristina's career began in the world of software development. This foundation gave her deeper knowledge of the world of digital systems. She was keen and very technical, pushing herself in the world of coding, debugging, and all things software-related.

As the world of technology grew, she found herself drawn to cybersecurity. The transition felt natural, given the relationship between software development and cybersecurity. She found herself developing applications. She discovered here that the stakes were high in the world of cybersecurity, and she was passionate about it.

Discovering Intelligent Automation

Cristina's journey took a turn when the world of automation knocked on her door. At the time, she had little knowledge about automation but recognised its growing significance in the tech industry. She took a leap of faith that was seven years ago, and since then, she has been building her expertise in this field.

Intelligent automation, in its various forms, often goes unnoticed by the average person, but it's a huge aspect of our everyday lives. Take, for example, the collection and analysis of data to ensure that we do not waste resources like water. One of the central purposes of Cristina's work and why she does it is a simple yet interesting question, "How can I make people's lives better?" This is at the heart of her approach to automation.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

As a head role in the tech space, she faces the challenge of staying ahead of the curve. The tech industry is marked by constant change, and leading in such an environment requires constant adaptation and learning.

Women in Leadership

For women in the tech industry, the journey is a mix of achievements and challenges. Cristina talks about the importance of resilience, critical thinking, effective communication, and mentorship. As women in tech, it's crucial to have resilience, a trait that can help navigate the often-challenging areas of the industry. “Don’t let the failures define you, let them refine you”. Resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and persist in the face of adversity. The quote, "Don’t let the failures define you, let them refine you," encapsulates the idea that setbacks can serve as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Tune in on the 21/11/2023 to hear the full episode!