Lena Halbourian, Senior Regional Marketing Lead – Emerging Markets, CEE, CIS, and META at Commvault on leadership, inclusion, and driving innovation in enterprise technology.
As part of Techitup Middle East’s International Women’s Day 2026 Leadership Series, we spotlight women leaders shaping the future of technology across the region. In this feature, Lena Halbourian shares her professional journey, leadership insights, and advice for women in tech.
We are entering a defining AI-driven era. How is AI changing leadership expectations for women in tech?
Lena Halbourian: In today’s AI-driven era, leadership expectations for women in tech are expanding beyond technical expertise to include AI fluency, strategic vision, and ethical oversight. Organizations are looking for leaders who can balance data-driven decision-making with human-centred judgment. This shift creates a powerful opportunity for women to shape not just innovation, but how responsibly and inclusively AI is deployed.
What is one structural barrier that still needs to change for women to scale into more C-level and board positions in tech?
Lena Halbourian: A key structural barrier is limited access to senior roles that lead to C-level and board positions, especially revenue-owning roles. Women are often left out of these key stepping-stone opportunities. Until companies fix this pipeline, top leadership representation won’t significantly change.
Was there a defining moment in your career that changed your trajectory?
Lena Halbourian: Yes, there was definitely a defining moment in my career that changed my trajectory. I studied Advertising at university, and that was the path I had intentionally chosen for myself. However, life had different plans. When I moved to Dubai, I found myself stepping into the IT industry and began my career in Marketing.
That transition became a major turning point for me. Working in IT opened up new perspectives, expanded my skill set, and ultimately reshaped my career aspirations in ways I hadn’t initially imagined.
What leadership trait has helped you the most in navigating the tech industry?
Lena Halbourian: Adaptability, curiosity, empathy, and resilience have been the leadership traits that shaped my journey in tech. In an industry defined by constant change, staying open to learning, understanding diverse perspectives, and pivoting with clarity has been essential. Those qualities together have helped me navigate uncertainty while building strong teams and driving meaningful impact.
Lastly, what practical advice would you give young women entering the AI and digital economy today?
Lena Halbourian: Be yourself, your unique perspective is your strength. Always ask for a place at the table, in a male-dominated industry, you have to advocate for your voice and your ambitions. Stay resilient and self-confident, because persistence and belief in yourself will carry you far in the AI and digital economy.
This interview is part of the Techitup Middle East IWD 2026 Leadership Series, for women leaders who continue to accelerate innovation, champion diversity, and redefine the technology ecosystem across the Middle East and beyond.
