Q&A with Sarah Robinson, Engineering Director @ Intel

Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us today! Firstly, please introduce yourself to the Women of Silicon Roundabout community!

I am an Engineering Director in the Sales and Marketing Group at Intel. I am responsible for leading the EMEA platform application engineering team that supports Intel’s customers design in Intel’s products and enables demos and proof of concepts. I have been involved in the technology industry for over 25 years and have led teams and projects within IT, digital marketing, and engineering. I have a passion for helping people reach their highest potential by developing and growing people. I am an active mentor and coach and support diversity and inclusion and STEM activities by working with schools/universities and partnering across the technology industry to help people connect, network, and learn.

What are you looking forward to at Women of Silicon Roundabout?

I am looking forward to seeing and hearing from many different technology leaders across many industries, around what’s on their minds, new opportunities and a great way to network.

What can attendees expect from your session?

I have seen lots of change in my career, from technology through to how companies work, to my relevance in these situations. The session will be looking at how we stay relevant in the new frontier of technology, from understanding the trends to what we need to do as individuals to keep up with these changes. 

As part of this session I will introduce the attendees to some techniques that they can take away to help them move forward in their careers.

When you think about our theme for 2023, The New Frontier, what excites you about the future in tech, business and/or leadership?

In the fast-paced world we live in, this theme really resonated with me. I am a technology leader in a technology company and there are lots of opportunities, changes and challenges that I face every day. These changes can make a significant difference to people’s lives from how we solve the world’s largest challenges (environment, health, security) to how we connect to each other.

What would you say to your younger self about pursuing a career in tech and the future of women in tech?

Push yourself forward and take risks. In the new technology areas nobody is the expert, don’t be afraid to give something a go and learn.

What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing women in technology?

There is a lot of perception that the diversity journey for women in technology is “done”. The challenge is still to embrace diversity in all its flavours and ensure we have inclusion and equity for all. I still see women with great ideas shy away from speaking up, taking a risk because somebody else speaks louder. The challenge still exists to ensure all have a voice that can be heard.

Women of Silicon Roundabout is built on community; what advice would you give to our attendees on building your network and furthering your presence?

Be conscientious in your networking, it’s not just about networking for the sake of it. Is there a new area that you want to learn about, is there somebody that inspires you – these should be part of your network, reach out and be curious.

Join Sarah Robinson for her session, “How To Stay Relevant In The New Frontier Of Technology” at Women of Silicon Roundabout on 22-23 November. Register for your place now here!