Alexandra Gartrell, VP and EMEA Legal Lead at Cloudera, 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, Alexandra Gartrell 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?
Alexandra Gartrell: In this AI-driven era, there is a greater emphasis on the importance of leadership that can help to drive outcomes at speed and be able to scale amid constant technological advancements. It is a time when female leaders are expected to advocate for diversity in datasets and ensure fairness in terms of access to opportunities.
Cross-functional collaboration is so important to adequately involve stakeholders from engineering, business and support functions to ensure different perspectives are captured and drive best practices. All leaders are expected to balance technical skills with data ethics in a manner that ensures empathy, ensuring ethical and secure practices, whilst being able to adapt to different circumstances.
It’s an exciting time to lead, being able to utilise the technology without losing the human touch.
What is one structural barrier that still needs to change for women to scale into more C-level and board positions in tech?
Alexandra Gartrell: I believe the main structural barrier is the prerequisite for prior senior experience. Board and C-suite roles are often filled by candidates who already have relevant transactional experience or success in complex, senior roles. This creates a difficult cycle for new candidates to break into.
Furthermore, recruitment frequently occurs within closed networks and is driven by referrals. To overcome this, women must actively seek sponsorship, expand their professional networks, and intentionally build the specific skills required for these executive positions.
Was there a defining moment in your career that changed your trajectory?
Alexandra Gartrell: At the beginning of my career, I was fortunate enough to be sponsored through law school and offered a fantastic job with extensive opportunities to learn and grow in a very short space of time. This was due to the fact that the lawyers I worked with were very talented and generous with their time and knowledge.
As a result, I had the very best training. I have always had a thirst for knowledge and feel truly blessed to have had this opportunity so early on in my career. I have tried to emulate that approach ever since and ensure the next generation of lawyers are afforded similar opportunities.
What leadership trait has helped you the most in navigating the tech industry?
Alexandra Gartrell: The leadership trait that has helped me most in navigating the technology sector is adaptability. Technology evolves so rapidly that leaders just remain a stabilizing influence amongst almost constant change. Adaptability has allowed me to work with change rather than rally against it. At the same time, building strong relationships with colleagues is helpful to ensure you have the right infrastructure around you.
Working together through uncertainty helps to drive the best outcomes. Adaptability is not just about being able to react quickly, but it is also about being able to anticipate trends and adjust as necessary to ensure minimal disruption during times of change.
Finally, being able to build trust with your colleagues and teams is hugely important so that they have the confidence in your leadership, along with modelling curiosity, resilience and openness to new ideas. I create space for innovation in my team and welcome the many ideas they share.
Lastly, what practical advice would you give young women entering the AI and digital economy today?
Alexandra Gartrell: Firstly, it is important to understand the technology, regardless of where you sit in an organisation. While you do not need to know everything, it is important to have an inquiring mind and seek out and enjoy a journey of lifelong learning. Secondly, ensure you seek mentoring and sponsorship.
A mentor is someone who will guide you through your career, a sponsor is someone who will help you carve a path of progression. Thirdly, know yourself and what your strengths are and the areas you want to improve.
Finally, cultivate a sense of community, network not only with peers, but those in roles you admire or aspire to have. Investing in those relationships across multiple functions will serve you well.
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.
