If there’s one thing my career has taught me, it’s that growth happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone.
The biggest milestones in my journey came from taking on opportunities that challenged me. Moving from data cabling into cybersecurity was one of those. It was a completely new world and it felt daunting at first, but it taught me the value of continuous learning.
Later, taking responsibility for Southern Africa and Nigeria pushed me further. Working across different markets and cultures taught me resilience and adaptability, and showed me that leadership starts with listening.
Some of the best opportunities in my career came from saying yes before I felt completely ready
Joining a multinational organisation expanded my perspective again. Collaborating with colleagues and mentors around the world showed me that while every market is unique, many business challenges are the same. Those experiences shaped my leadership style and gave me a global outlook I carry into my role today as Lenovo business unit manager at Pinnacle ICT.
Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the women who have broken barriers and created opportunities for those who followed. It is also a reminder that we all have a part to play in building an industry where women can thrive.
Advice to young women
My advice to young women considering a career in ICT is simple. Believe in yourself, stay curious and never stop learning.
Some of the best opportunities in my career came from saying yes before I felt completely ready. Technology keeps evolving, and there is space for every perspective and every leadership style.
Artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting developments in our industry. It is changing the workplace by improving productivity and automating routine tasks, which frees people to focus on higher-value work.
Hybrid work continues to reshape how organisations operate, and sustainability is becoming a more important consideration in technology decisions. Businesses want solutions that improve performance and support their long-term environmental goals.
These shifts are changing the way we work, and it is exciting to be part of that.
One of the reasons I am proud to work with Lenovo is its ability to keep innovating while staying focused on what customers need.
Whether through AI-powered PCs, intelligent infrastructure or hybrid workplace solutions, Lenovo builds technology that helps businesses solve real problems. Its commitment to quality and customer experience is what sets the brand apart in a fast-changing market.
The legacy I want to leave
When I think about the legacy I would like to leave, I do not think about titles or achievements. I think about people.
I hope to be remembered as someone who led with integrity, encouraged others to grow and created opportunities for those around me. If I can encourage even a few women to pursue careers in technology and step into leadership with confidence, I will count that as one of my greatest achievements.
One belief has guided me throughout my career and still shapes how I lead.
Positivity breeds positivity.
When we lead with purpose and optimism, we create environments where people and businesses both succeed.
- The author, Inge Middlemas, is Lenovo business unit manager at Pinnacle ICT
- Read more articles by Pinnacle ICT on TechCentral
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