Keep Your Tech Flame Alive: Trailblazer Mie Elmkvist Schneider
The Akamai Female Learning and Mentoring Experience (Akamai FLAME) was created to support and empower female tech talent to help shape the future of our industry. The FLAME Trailblazer blog post series shines a light on inspirational women in the tech industry. They will give advice on how to keep your tech flame alive and share the most valuable lessons that they have learned during their trailblazing career journey.
This month’s story comes from Mie Elmkvist Schneider at Queue-it, who shares her tips on good leadership, including how crucial it is to admit that you don't have all the answers.
Mie, can you tell us about your career journey in the IT industry?
I knew someone working at Siteimprove (a software-as-a-service company), and as I was finishing my studies, they needed an account manager — that’s how my journey in tech began. The company's success allowed me to grow quickly. After a year, I started the company's operations in Germany because of my language skills. My role evolved from individual contributor to overseeing international expansion.
After maternity leave, I became Director of Product Development, and later moved into corporate development, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and investment strategies. My career at Siteimprove was a mix of seizing opportunities and intentional growth. This led to a role as Chief Revenue Officer at Certainly for two years, and now I am celebrating my first 100 days as the Vice President of Sales and Customer Success at Queue-it.
What sparked your passion for IT, and how has it evolved throughout your career?
At first, I started working in the industry just to see if I liked it, but my passion for the transformative power of software kept me engaged and motivated over the years. The ability to effect change on a global scale, to make things more accessible, and to impact people's lives in meaningful ways resonates with me.
I think that the ever-evolving nature of technology fosters an environment in which curiosity is not only encouraged but also essential for success. You get a chance to work with great people who are curious and who want to be a part of something that can change the way we work, think, and connect with the world.
What are some of the best tips or advice you've received in your career?
One lesson I learned over time is: If you want something, you have to say it out loud. Many people, especially women, work hard and hope someone will notice and recognize their efforts, but it doesn’t always happen that way. If you’re working towards something, you need to articulate it. Saying it out loud might result in a no, but it also opens the door to feedback on how to achieve your goal.
The important thing to add here is that you have to remember to regularly set the foundation for your goals. It’s a bit like any sales situation — the decision never happens immediately. Your goals are never achieved during one meeting with your manager. You need to influence the decision-makers beforehand. Make sure your manager and others around you know what you’re working on, why it’s important, and what you’re capable of. It’s about building a case for yourself over time, not just in one conversation.
To build the foundation to achieve your goals, you should:
Communicate regularly: Keep your manager and peers informed about your progress and achievements. This creates a narrative of your contributions.
Seek feedback: Regularly ask for feedback to understand where you stand and how you can improve. It shows that you’re proactive and committed to growth.
Be clear about your goals: Know what you want to achieve and be able to articulate it clearly. When you have a conversation about your aspirations, be prepared to explain why you’re ready for the next step and how you can contribute to the organization’s success.
What do you believe contributed to your success and what advice would you give to others?
I became a manager quite early in my career, and I strive to be a leader every day. There’s a big difference between being a manager and being a leader. I became a manager by working hard, proving I could handle the work, and being surrounded by great people. However, it was also about opportunity: I was in a company that was growing, which created openings for advancement.
A very important and often overlooked fact about leadership is that you have to know your numbers. Understanding the metrics and financial aspects of your business is a key quality. While not everyone needs to be a finance expert, having a grasp of the numbers that drive business decisions is essential for effective leadership. Being able to articulate how your work impacts key metrics demonstrates your value and can garner attention and support from colleagues at all levels of the organization.
A good leader is someone who can acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers. It's crucial to admit when you don't know something because it fosters authenticity and creates an environment where continuous learning is encouraged. Michelle Obama once said that after meeting various great leaders, she realized they’re no smarter than anyone else. That shows that everyone has the potential to lead; it’s about always being willing to learn and grow.
Who are some of your role models outside of tech?
I feel like we often admire people who achieve something at an earlier stage of their lives, such as those on the Forbes 30 Under 30 or 40 Under 40 lists. They are very inspiring, but those I find even more motivating are individuals who continuously challenge themselves, regardless of age or career trajectory.
My mom is a great role model for me. She sets new goals and pursues them — for example, she recently learned to speak French. Her example of lifelong learning and personal growth is very inspirational. We should all stay curious and strive to grow through all the years of our lives.
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