Leah Centa, VP Marketing, APJ, ME&A, IFS shares here views on how we can accelerate action by turning policies and initiatives into actions, in an exclusive chat with Techitup ME
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Leah Centa: This theme feels especially relevant, while we’ve made significant strides in recognizing diversity challenges and addressing them, there’s still work to do. Policies and initiatives are crucial in driving change, but real progress happens in our daily actions. The goal should be to reach a point where equality is so ingrained that it’s no longer a discussion. In the workplace, true diversity and inclusion must come from the top and be woven into company culture, not just implemented through HR policies and quotas. Leadership should reflect the diversity they aim to foster and actively promote an unbiased culture.
And on International Women’s Day, let’s also hold ourselves accountable. Change starts with us. One of my favorite phrases is, “Empowered women empower women.” When women uplift each other, they build stronger networks, create opportunities, and drive workplace equality through mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Leah Centa: I started my technology journey in 2012 with SAP in the middle east, I actually started work under a formidable female leader who gave me the opportunity to excel and grow, throwing me in at the deep end and providing me with opportunities early in my career. I will be honest, I sought out SAP as they were on a growth trajectory in the region at the time and I wanted to be part of that journey, not necessarily due to the industry… however how glad I am that I did! As a marketer, I have a deep passion for storytelling, and my love for technology began early in my career while working on customer advocacy programs. I was captivated by the way technology enabled us to share powerful stories of triumph, challenges, and the remarkable journeys our customers experienced.
Who would you consider your role model, someone who constantly inspires you? (Does not really have to be from the professional world only, can be someone at home too )
Leah Centa: I have two amazing sisters who constantly inspire me. While it may seem like an obvious one, I’m always in awe of how they manage to balance raising happy, healthy, and connected children while also striving and growing in their careers, always with a positive mindset. Their ability to juggle it all is truly inspiring. I believe that being part of this close-knit group of women has pushed and inspired each of us, encouraging each other to succeed.
Rapid Fire (Let’s get to know you more)
- Dinner with a famous personality, who would it be? Mo Gawdat! Former CBO at Google X, his story and journey are remarkable, and I love his approach to happiness being based on logic and problem solving.
- One skill you wish you could learn instantly? Easily absolute top would be to be multilingual
- Android or Apple? 😃 Apple, only recently became the converted
- WhatsApp or Telegram? WhatsApp
- Phone call or text message/email? Phone call
- Beaches or Mountains? Beaches
- Coffee or Tea? COFFEE 😊 unless there is a crisis then a tea is always needed!
- Early Bird or Night owl? Early Bird as my son is up at the crack of dawn so I have no choice, though pre being a mum it would always be an early morning run!
- Books or Movies? Movies, though I never sit down to watch them, I always ‘potter’ throughout!
- Winter or Summer? Summer (besides Christmas in winter!)
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? Online shopping
What advice would you give to women starting off their careers, aspiring to enter the tech field?
Leah Centa: Go for it! The industry needs more women if it’s going to continue thriving and evolving. Women bring a unique set of skills and perspectives that are essential for fostering innovation and growth. The opportunities for advancement and success in this field are limitless
