From finance to technology - A woman’s move in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities

WOMEN are increasingly breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. Suhaila Mat Wajab, Managing Director, Technology Leadership, Accenture Malaysia is one such trailblazer. In this interview, she shares her journey through the technology industry, the challenges she’s overcome, and her aspirations for the future of the industry.

1. Can you share with us what your journey into the tech industry was like? What inspired you to pursue this career path?

• My background was originally in finance as I graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance from University Tenaga Nasional. This helped me build a foundation in strategic management and hone my financial acumen.
• I initially started my career at a telco company before going into my first consulting job at SAP Finance at Felda. It was my passion for problem-solving and ambition to make a greater impact on business performance that gradually led me into the consulting business.
• This was also where I fell in love with tech consulting in finance. This shift not only allowed me to see the huge potential of the tech market, but also eventually led me to taking the opportunity to develop a long-standing career in a firm like Accenture. Ultimately, that paved the way for me to pursue expertise in driving technological innovation and leadership.

2. How did your background in accounting and finance shape your approach to driving technological change?

• My background in accounting and finance provided me with a solid understanding of financial processes and strategic management, enabling me to integrate technology seamlessly into client engagements at Accenture.
• This holistic perspective has also been instrumental in giving me the tools to innovate and deliver tangible results for my clients. I have since been given the opportunity to spearhead transformative initiatives like the Data Transformation Program. Through this program, I lead advanced data analyses to derive actionable insights for my clients through establishing a solid data baseline that ensures data quality and integration. I educate clients on how to leverage these insights for strategic value. Some of these insights are highly valuable to the bottom line. It allows them to make informed decisions on whether to continue spending on repairs versus replacements, and whether to fund internally or borrow from the bank.

3. What are some significant challenges you've faced in your career, and how have these experiences impacted your career and growth?

• One of the challenges I faced in my career was transitioning from accounting to consulting. In accounting, the focus was often on specific tasks and routine processes such as month-end closing and reporting. Consulting, however, demanded a broader skillset focusing on problem-solving and strategic thinking. Adapting to this new way of working and mindset took time and effort.
• However, this experience has also significantly impacted my growth in several ways. With more than 20 years in consulting, I've learned to approach problems from different angles and effectively communicate those solutions to the relevant parties. It can be challenging to navigate client dynamics, as different departments within the same client organization can have vastly different working styles and needs.
• For someone who is often client-facing, it is crucial to develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Building trust and rapport with clients requires the ability to adapt to their communication preferences and working styles. This skill set is something that I needed to hone over time, sometimes through trial and error.
• I have been privileged to be able to work with a few key clients for the long term. And when you have spent a long enough time working together, you become embedded as part of the team – not just an external consultant, but a trusted partner. I learned that we were able to foster a sense of mutual support, allowing both myself and my clients to grow within our respective organizations.
• Another challenge, and a constant source of learning, has been the variety of industries I've worked across in consulting. Moving from Telecommunications to Agriculture and ultimately specializing in Oil and Gas presented unique learning curves. While my background gave me the core fundamentals in finance and accounting, I had to learn industry-specific regulations and business models for each new industry. This meant I was constantly learning and adapting to remain relevant and continue to make an impact for my clients.

4. How has your leadership style evolved over the course of your career and what are the key principles that guide your approach to innovation?

My leadership style has evolved through different stages of my career:

• Early in my career at Accenture, I focused on taking ownership of specific tasks and leading assigned workstreams. This period helped me build confidence and the foundation for leading and mentoring junior team members as I moved to managing clients.
• As I transitioned to a managerial role, my responsibilities expanded to overseeing smaller projects. Client management became a core focus, requiring me to navigate challenges, solve issues, and ensure successful project delivery. With my team looking up to me for decision-making and direction, my leadership style during this phase emphasized teamwork and collaboration, ensuring everyone felt empowered to contribute their best.
• When I moved up to senior managerial roles and as an Associate Director, my leadership focus shifted to driving change and fostering innovation. This involved spearheading transformative projects for clients while simultaneously nurturing the development of future leaders within the organization. At this level, I adopted a more tactical and strategic approach, managing relationships with senior C-suite-level clients and internal leadership while continuing to mentor and guide my team.
• Throughout my career, I have consistently applied these core principles to my approach to innovation:

- Client Focus: Successful innovation starts with a deep understanding of client needs and pain points. My focus is always on developing solutions that address their specific challenges.

- Continuous Improvement: As much as strive to get things done right from the get-go, we need to remain open to feedback and continuous improvement.

- Collaboration is Key: Bringing together diverse skillsets and perspectives is crucial for successful innovation. You will be surprised by the ideas and solutions that come from the power of collaboration and collective minds.

5. What emerging trends or technologies do you find most promising for the future of tech?

• AI and generative AI have become an essential part of technology today. We are all familiar with the likes of ChatGPT and Gemini and how helpful they can be in our everyday lives. But from a business perspective, AI is an extraordinary force in enabling reinvention and accelerating organizations’ progress toward a new performance frontier.
• While some people may have concerns about the impact of AI, embracing a generation of technology that is more human in design can help us achieve new heights.
• In Accenture’s recent Technology Vision 2024 report, 92% of APAC executives agreed that making technology more human will massively expand opportunities in every industry. Meanwhile, 91% agree that generative AI will compel their organization to modernize their organization to modernize its technology architecture.
• This indicates the readiness to embrace AI as a means of advancing digital ambitions. In fact, AI has begun disrupting digital enterprises by changing the way we think, work, and interact with technology.
• Although the focus on AI is more on productivity and efficiency at this moment, I am excited to work on using AI in harnessing insights past and future to come up with initiative that help our client to generate new revenue and operate at more cost efficient.

6. The world of technology is developing rapidly. How do you stay updated with technological advancements and continuously develop your skills in a fast-paced industry?

• I attribute this to the strength of being part of Accenture. We have a strong culture of continuous learning as there's truly no limit when it comes to making resources available – whether it's formal training, internal knowledge databases, or even mentorship-based learning from colleagues.
• It’s important to surround yourself in the right environment and organization that always finds the right exposure and opportunities to push you to upskill. Some of the initiatives we have in place to foster continuous learning and improvement include:

- Leadership development programs: These programs help equip employees with the necessary skills to progress in their careers and move up the ladder.

- Communities of practice: We have groups that bring together colleagues based on industry, skillset, or product specialization. These communities can also help foster knowledge, identify improvements, and find solutions to problems in our respective markets.

- Collaborative Ecosystems: We often collaborate with key partners to learn from one another and develop innovative products and solutions.

- Culture of Trendsetting: Instead of reacting to emerging trends, we are actively participating in shaping the future of technology by being at the forefront of innovation.

• These are some comprehensive approaches that have been immensely helpful in my career. In such a dynamic industry, I’m thankful to be able to access the latest knowledge and resources I need while working in a truly collaborative environment where learning is a continuous process.

7. In your opinion, what are some changes that are needed in the tech industry to support more women in leadership roles?

• To support more women in tech leadership roles, the industry needs to foster inclusive cultures, provide mentorship opportunities, and actively promote women into leadership positions. In Malaysia, women only make up around 35% of the technology workforce.
• It is crucial to create environments where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, where women feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Working in a male-dominated industry is often difficult for women, especially when there is a need to address unconscious biases. I think it is important for industry leaders to also identify more opportunities and initiate policies for organizations to include more women in tech.
• The industry must start by instilling awareness training and dispelling misconceptions about the capabilities of women. While I am a mother of three, I have also been able to develop a long-standing career in tech and pursue leadership roles successfully.

8. Can you share some advice you would give to other aspiring women like yourself in navigating challenges in this industry?

• For aspiring women wanting to forge their paths in this industry, my advice would be to:

- Focus on your journey, not other people's perceptions. Don't waste time worrying about what others think. Confidence comes from within, and focusing on your own growth and accomplishments are far more rewarding.

- Stay humble. Never stop learning and growing. Always be open to feedback and willing to improve.

- Build strong connections. Cultivate relationships within your firm, with clients, and with colleagues across the industry. A strong network can provide you with invaluable support and opportunities.

- Establish your support system. Identify mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement within your organization. An experienced mentor not only offers advice but is a good support system to help guide your career.

- Lead with courage and kindness. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks and pursue your goals. However, remember that success is sweeter when achieved with integrity and compassion.

9. What are some of your notable achievements in your 20+ years of service at Accenture Malaysia?

• I've had the privilege of achieving several milestones that I'm incredibly thankful for. In addition to having a long-standing career which eventually led to my promotion to Managing Director, I have had the opportunity to witness the growth of my team members. Seeing them grow in their career within Accenture and some even achieving success in other companies after leaving has been equally rewarding. Nothing makes me happier than being able to help foster talents and grow alongside them.
• On the other hand, leading successful business transformations and large-scale programs for clients has been a defining aspect of my career. Seeing clients leverage the solutions we've built to achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling and reinforces the positive impact we make.
• In addition to leading technology innovation in Accenture, I am also an ESG Change Agent and the e-Invoicing Business Lead for Accenture Malaysia. As sustainability and innovation go hand-in-hand, I saw the opportunity to drive initiatives that can integrate sustainability principles into our business strategies and client engagements.
• More recently, I have found the courage to venture into a new area by establishing myself as a speaker and thought leader in the market. While it is daunting, I want to practice what I preach to encourage continuous learning while sharing my experience with the broader industry.

10. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally, within the tech industry? How do you hope to leave an impact?

• I am looking forward to continuing to lead successful businesses within Accenture Malaysia and grow our presence in the market. I hope that by bringing more businesses to Malaysia, we can also contribute to Malaysia's economic development.
• On a personal level, I hope to inspire other women to pursue successful careers in tech and would like to see a future with more women leaders in tech. By sharing my experience and becoming a voice for women in the tech industry, I can contribute to this goal. Furthermore, I see myself continuing to mentor and empower the next generation of female tech leaders. I would like to pave the way for their success, fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry.