I talk with Economy.bg about the success of women in IT. You can find the original interview here (in Bulgarian).
Women in IT: Kalina Dimova, CDO, INDUSTRIA
Original interview from 19 July 2022
In the Women in IT column, we talk about women who have chosen the IT career – how they got there, what challenges they faced and what motivates them. The goal is to show that the IT field is a place for professional realisation for women as well.
Meet Kalina Dimova, CDO, INDUSTRIA.
Tell us about your education.
I graduated from the National Art Academy, Sofia, in the Department of Sculpture, and before that, the National Art High School, Sofia, with the same profile. I have always been involved in art, and my years of study have given me invaluable knowledge about design, aesthetics, typography, composition, and psychology, which I use daily as a UX professional. I am constantly learning and developing my skills. I believe that a person’s development depends entirely on his curiosity about the world.
How did you get into the IT field? Is there a person who influenced your choice?
My path developed both by accident and quite naturally. I grew up in my parents’ advertising studio at a time when the Internet was still developing. It was exciting to apply what I learned through the possibilities of new technologies and through the digital world.
What was your first job?
I started working at 15 as a barista in one of the first coffee chains in Bulgaria. The freedom and independence that my job gave me were invaluable. Communicating with clients and colleagues taught me patience and empathy. To this day, I love making a good cappuccino. After that, I worked only in the design field – I was a retoucher, graphic designer, illustrator, decorator, web designer, and teacher.
How did you get started in IT? In what position? What do you remember from that period?
I started by accident – looking for extra work while studying at the university. I had a decent graphic portfolio for the time and started as a web designer from an internet job ad. I had no idea what I was doing and depended mainly on enthusiasm, intuition, guidance from my colleagues, and many sleepless nights.
What is your current role? How would you explain in a few sentences to someone outside of your field what your job is?
I am currently working as Chief Design Officer at INDUSTRIA Technology. I lead a department that primarily deals with the design of complex enterprise software solutions for the financial industry. This includes not only the interface design but also a serious involvement in the business analysis, and the design of the service itself.
What is most motivating and interesting about your work?
For me, two aspects are leading – purely the professional challenges and helping people grow. On the one hand, I am motivated by finding new and bold solutions. On the other hand, the growth of the team and my colleagues – to see how we perfect our craft every day.
Who are your role models?
I can’t point to a specific person or model that I follow unconditionally. I try to gain information and new knowledge from everyone I interact with. People are an endless source of inspiration as long as one listens carefully and does not jump to conclusions.
What is the biggest challenge of being a woman in an IT company?
I believe the time when gender mattered has passed. However, it is crucial how women’s and men’s development is considered in a company. It is common for men to be guided in the company’s economic and strategic initiatives, while women still struggle with a lack of self-confidence and the desire to prove themselves to colleagues. Interesting and controversial are the topics concerning the duration of maternity leave.
One of the clichés is that the IT industry is for men. How do you feel among your colleagues?
I am grateful that I am welcomed and respected by my colleagues. INDUSTRIA is a company with close-knit teams and a horizontal structure, allowing us to talk openly about successes, mistakes, and challenges ahead. The only way to break the cliché is through empathy, honesty and curiosity.
What are the biggest clichés you’ve heard about women in the IT industry?
Women are often seen as overly emotional beings. This undermines our ability to take responsibility and make decisions. Some of the bravest decisions I’ve ever witnessed were made by a woman.
What are your interests, how do you relax, and what do you like to do in your free time?
I like to recharge while cooking, browsing albums, and playing the piano. I enjoy my vinyl records collection in the company of loved ones and with a glass of white wine.
What would you advise young women who are now deciding on their careers? Why should they choose the IT industry?
Possibilities in the field are limitless. Almost any interest can successfully find its place in the IT industry. Whether it is art, science, mathematics, writing, or something else – all of them have the potential to succeed through information technology. Passion and the desire for improvement remain the guiding principles for me.
