My tech story: Aga Peryie, Senior Product Manager, Gearset

How did you become interested in tech, and what has been your career path to date?

I’ve always had a deep love for maths and IT. I still remember the thrill of learning basic coding in school and building my first small piece of software—it felt like magic. After high school, I initially pursued the traditional university route but ended up dropping out and moving to the UK for work.

I missed the process of learning, though, and decided to enroll in an IT apprenticeship. That became my gateway into the tech world. Starting as a support engineer for a telecom company, I gradually worked my way up to Product Management. Today, I’m a Senior Product Manager at a SaaS company specialising in Salesforce DevOps.

A few years ago, I took a brief detour into life sciences and data analytics, thinking I might leave tech behind. But I soon realized how much I missed the pace, excitement, and constant evolution of the tech industry. Tech challenges me and keeps me on my toes, with new things to learn every day. It’s where I feel most at home, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this sector.

What advice would you give a woman starting out in tech?

• Find good mentors. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of mentors who believed in me—especially during moments when I struggled with imposter syndrome (and yes, I still experience it sometimes). They guided me and helped me take the right steps forward in my career.

• Choose the right environment. While there are still some outdated workplaces in the industry, many progressive companies actively support women and foster inclusive cultures. Look for organisations with the right policies and employee groups that empower you to thrive and bring your authentic self to work.

Why do you come to Women of Silicon Roundabout?

I first attended Women in Tech during its online event held during COVID. Later, I joined the in-person conference in London in 2022, and I was hooked. The sense of belonging I experienced was incredible.

Working in tech, I’ve mostly worked with and for men. I’ve attended plenty of tech conferences that felt overwhelmingly male-centric. But Women of Silicon Roundabout was different—it made me feel excited and motivated about my future in the industry. Being surrounded by people who shared similar experiences was empowering. For the first time, I felt like I was part of a larger group, not just one of the few. It was inspiring to see so many women like me, and it gave me a renewed sense of purpose and pride in my career.

Register for your place at Women of Silicon Roundabout on 27 - 28 November now!