Janna Tenenbaum-Katan, Strategic Product Leader at SteerAI shares her views on IWD 2025, her journey in tech, role model and advice for inspiring women
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Janna Tenenbaum-Katan: One of the key messages from the IDW 2025 theme that resonates with me is: “Understand what works and do more of it, faster.” There are many strategies to support women in their career growth and drive workplace diversity and inclusion. While these approaches vary across industries and cultures, I’ve found that leading by example is the most effective. When senior women leaders are present in the workplace, they demonstrate what’s possible and inspire others to pursue growth.
Women bring unique skills to the table, and time and again, data has shown that gender equality contributes to higher revenue growth and greater customer satisfaction compared to competitors and national benchmarks. As a woman leader in my team and industry, I take pride in my role and use my journey to uplift other women, whether through mentorship or active support in my workplace.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Janna Tenenbaum-Katan: As a child, I was always drawn to STEM, fascinated by its real-world impact. This passion led me to pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering and later transition into product management in high-tech companies with a meaningful mission. I started in HealthTech early in my career and now lead Product management in SteerAI. Innovation, complex problems and working on technology that takes humanity forward is a truly exciting combination. I get to learn new things every day – and that’s truly inspiring!
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)
Janna Tenenbaum-Katan: My role models are women leaders who have managed me throughout my career. Their intelligence, vision, and empathy have deeply influenced me, and I often find myself thinking, ‘What would she have done?’ as I navigate my own leadership journey. Learning from them has been invaluable, and has shown me the power of women supporting and inspiring each other to grow.
Rapid Fire (Let’s get to know you more)
- Dinner with a famous personality, who would it be? Shrek! He might be grumpy, but also courageous, fierce, and funny. I might need to make sure and set standards, to avoid eating in a swamp!
- One skill you wish you could learn instantly? Languages. Definitely languages.
- Android or Apple? 😃APPLE! Just the thought of switching to Android but adjusting to the new UX, gives me the goosebumps!
- WhatsApp or Telegram? WhatsApp, definitely! It’s market share is higher so it’s just more prevalent. Plus, the recently added voice message transcription feature is awesome.
- Phone call or text message/email? Voice message, if tone matters.
- Beaches or Mountains? Why not both??
- Coffee or Tea? Sparkling water?
- Early Bird or Night owl? Early bird, but in moderation, lol!
- Books or Movies? Both are great, but I’m not a fan of reading a book and sitting through the movie version.
- Winter or Summer? Winter 😍 I absolutely love the snow (though I’m definitely in the wrong climate right now!)
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? Online for efficiency 😊
What advice would you give to women starting off their careers, aspiring to enter the tech/business field?
Janna Tenenbaum-Katan: Find an inspiring role model and map out your path to get there. The journey will evolve, and your goals may shift, but the inspiration and motivation will stay with you.
Pro tip: Make this woman your mentor!
