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Catching Up with the Phenomenal Kerry Clark: Founder & CEO at Fusion22 Digital Shares Her Journey, Challenges, and Empowering Advice for Women in Tech
From her inspiring beginnings to founding her own digital firm, Kerry Clark shares who inspired her career, her challenges in a male-dominated industry, and her advice for aspiring women in tech. Learn her key strategies for success, and find out why Catwoman is her superhero alter ego. Dive into her story and be motivated by her resilience, vision, and commitment to making a difference. Read on for a dose of empowerment and practical tips for navigating the tech world!
What advice do you have for young women aspiring to make a difference in the digital & tech space and overcome gender-related barriers in their careers?
Navigating the tech world can be challenging for young women, but a few key strategies can help. Continuously upgrade your skills and stay current with technological trends using free or low-cost resources. Build a strong professional network with allies and mentors for support and guidance, starting by connecting with inspiring individuals on LinkedIn or other social media. Cultivate resilience and assertiveness to challenge the status quo, knowing your worth and owning it. Seek visible projects and leadership roles to showcase your capabilities and inspire other women in tech. Remember, applying is essential—rejection is just part of the process, and the right opportunity will come.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the digital/tech industry?
My journey began as a fresh-faced graduate at Mr Price in the buying department. I took a leap of faith, leaving a stable corporate job to join an e-commerce start-up in Cape Town during the early days of Kalahari and Groupon. Every day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, sparking my passion for the dynamic world of e-commerce and technology. Curiosity drove me to explore the backend of websites, dabbling in coding and everything retail and tech-related. This deepened my love for technology’s potential to transform everyday lives. Armed with corporate experience and big dreams, I eventually founded my own digital firm. Now, I relish the joy of using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives, running my own business and helping others.
Here’s to taking risks, chasing dreams, and making an impact as a woman in tech!
What challenges do you face in the workplace?
Navigating a male-dominated corporate field was challenging for me. I had to adopt traditionally male communication styles to succeed as one of the few women in higher-ranking positions. This skill was crucial to my advancement. While I worked with many supportive men who became great mentors, I also encountered those who undervalued women’s perspectives and doubted our expertise. This led to self-doubt and near burnout as I constantly tried to prove myself. The fast-paced nature of tech adds to the pressure, but focusing on key trends rather than trying to know everything helps maintain expertise. I remind myself that everyone has unique knowledge to offer, and that’s okay.
If you could be a superhero, who would you be?
Catwoman
If I could be any superhero, it’d be Catwoman. She’s the epitome of not giving a “whisker” about the odds stacked against her. Whether she’s swinging through the alleys of Gotham or taking on the big dogs, she does it with a style and flair and to top it off she does it in a tight non-forgiving black jump suit.
Catwoman embodies that bold spirit of tackling challenges head-on, all while rocking a killer outfit.
She’s not just about the stealth and the heists; she’s a symbol of standing up for the underdogs.
How has the way you have grown up influenced the woman you are today?
My upbringing was profoundly influenced by my mother, who instilled in me a strong work ethic, humility, and respect for others. These values have shaped my sense of justice and commitment to treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their status. This foundation has guided my personal interactions and leadership style, emphasizing inclusivity and fairness in business. Both my parents taught me the importance of starting from the bottom and passionately committing to my goals, motivating me to persevere through challenges and strive for excellence without compromising my values.
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” – Richard Branson
Know of a phenomenal women doing amazing work that you would like to shine a spotlight on, this could even be you. If so, please send an email to nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com.
