In this edition, Liset shares HERpower.
We talked about her journey from psychology studies to tech, and why diversity in the workplace is a strength.
Dive into the conversation and get inspired by the women who inspire us!
Bio
Liset is a product manager at K15t where she brings her knowledge, especially about Jira and Backbone Issue Sync, to good use every day. With her background in psychology, Liset’s contributions to customer success and product design keep her constantly researching how to create the best user experiences.
Outside of work, you can find Liset reading a good book, exploring new places, or enjoying a coffee with friends.
The Conversation
Question: Hi Liset, thank you for joining HERpower. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Liset: Hi, I am Liset, a Product Manager at K15t, an Atlassian Marketplace Partner. We create apps for Confluence and Jira. I’m based in the Netherlands, while the company is based in Stuttgart, Germany.
Question: That sounds quite technical. How did you get into this role? Was it related to your studies?
Liset: I often ask myself that! I studied psychology and did my master’s in human factors and engineering, focusing on how people interact with technology. I picked up some coding there. My first job was a developer traineeship, but it was too technical for me. After moving to Germany, I joined K15t in a support and customer success role. That role mixed tech understanding with user needs, which eventually led me to product management.
Question: What are your main challenges and goals as a Product Manager?
Liset: The main challenge is balancing user needs with technical requirements. My goal is to steer our product in the right direction, attract new customers, retain existing ones, and align the team with our objectives. I also handle support, product design, documentation, and testing of new features.
Question: In product management, you often work in male-dominated teams. What’s your experience in this environment?
Liset: Yes, it’s true. My team is mostly male, but we do have strong female teammates across the company. I don’t mind whether I work with men or women, but a balance is important because diversity brings more perspectives. Our team is quite diverse culturally, which helps balance things out. Still, especially in development roles, it’s mostly men. Being the only woman can be intimidating, especially when you’re young and new. You often feel the need to constantly prove yourself. Knowing that diversity is a strength helps overcome these challenges.
Question: What qualities or strategies do you think can help women, especially those starting their careers, succeed in such environments?
Liset: Companies need policies that genuinely support diversity, not just on paper. It’s important to have open discussions about these issues. Mentorship can be very beneficial, as can having role models in leadership positions. Seeing women in lead roles helps others feel respected and valued.
Question: How do you think inclusive environments are best encouraged in the workplace?
Liset: It’s a mix of management support and team effort. Management should drive initiatives and policies, but teams should also actively discuss and address these topics. Management supports us by backing initiatives like attending Women in Tech Day and organizing events like Girls’ Day, where young girls can experience working in tech.
Question: Have you had any mentorship experiences, either receiving or providing mentorship?
Liset: I had a great mentor at my current company, though not a woman. I’ve connected with several amazing women here. We openly discuss issues, share experiences, and support each other. I don’t currently mentor anyone, but I value these connections.
Question: How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially in the fast-paced tech environment?
Liset: Working from home has really helped. It eliminates commuting time and allows for flexibility in my schedule. Setting clear boundaries for work hours is crucial. I stop checking work-related things after a certain time and resume the next day.
Question: If you could switch jobs for a day, what would you choose and why?
Liset: I would switch with my partner’s role to better understand what he does. He’s also in tech but in a different area. It would be interesting to see his work, and it might help him understand mine better too.
Question: What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career?
Liset: Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Bringing your own ideas to the table makes you stronger and more confident. It’s important to believe in the value of your unique perspective.
Question: Finally, can you share something interesting about your home country?
Liset: I’m from the Netherlands and really love it here. One thing I love is our stroopwafels, especially when they’re fresh and warm from the market. Another great Dutch treat is bitterballen, often enjoyed with a drink. If you visit, I recommend my hometown, Deventer, a charming and lesser-known spot with a lot to offer.
Connect with Liset
If you wish to connect with Liset and learn more, seek advice, or share similar experiences, feel free to reach out to her via LinkedIn.
