​We sat down with Nina Kanti, a product manager at R3, for a special interview to commemorate International Women’s Day.

WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE TECH LANDSCAPE?

My pathway into technology starts off as you might expect in secondary school. I’m sure most people can relate when I say I had this wonderful inspirational teacher, my physics teacher, who encouraged me to get into engineering. I then decided to take a year out to travel and come back to university to do psychology. Somehow that year abroad made me re-consider and there I was the first day in university doing engineering. The rest is history but if you want to know more I’d recommend the October issue of ‘Women in DevOps’ newsletter. 

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WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS?

I’d consider myself a novice when it comes to my career I’ve lots left to accomplish I hope! My career highlights so far would probably be transitioning from a developer to working in a product role, I now get to set the future direction on our products for developers like myself. As always getting I’ve to include getting to build a new mode of transport, the hyperloop, where we got to showcase and race our pod at SpaceX in LA.  I’m hesitant to sound like a typical millennial but I find it fulfilling to know that working hard can help you achieve success. I’m always grateful and proud to be surrounded by my amazing friends even with lockdowns we lift each other up if one of us is feeling down.

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WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

If I had to pick a role model, not easy to answer, I would say right now Melinda Gates, it’s fantastic to see her providing access to tech to women of all backgrounds and making it fun. 

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I’ll keep this light-hearted – stressing out will only make you breakout, just enjoy the journey. Also, I would strongly encourage going at our own pace your career isn’t a race - you're always only competing against y=ourself to do better and never forget that!