"You Absolutely Belong Here, and You've Totally Got This" » Interview with Irina Kamalova

We sat down with Irina Kamalova, Founder & Director of Women Coding Community, ahead of her appearance at GoTech World.

With a journey that spans from software engineer to VP Lead, Irina brings a perspective forged in the trenches: she understands what it takes to code at 2 AM, to lead complex teams, and to build communities that lift other women up.

💡 From Code to Culture: The Evolution of a Leader

What drives someone to fall in love with software engineering? For Irina, it was the magic of watching theories come to life. "I was thrilled by the hands-on experience and the immediate feedback of seeing my code work," she shares.

That thrill led her to dream big: building large, impactful systems like those at Google, diving deep into algorithms, and exploring how things work at the most intricate levels.

But here's where the plot twist comes in: as she climbed from engineer to VP Lead, Irina discovered something profound. "Great software isn't just about the code; it's about the people who build it," she reveals.

Her primary role shifted from building systems herself to empowering and connecting the engineers and business people who build them. It's a reminder that the most scalable thing you can build isn't a system, it's a team.

🎯 The Perfectionism Trap (And How to Escape It) 

Let's talk about the elephant in the server room: perfectionism. Irina doesn't mince words when addressing what holds women back in tech. "As women, we're often socialized to be perfect in every aspect of our lives, from our appearance to managing our homes and family responsibilities," she explains.

But in an industry that demands constant learning and adaptation? That expectation becomes a significant barrier. Her advice? Let it go.

Strategically delegate at home. Prioritize what truly matters. Be intentional about where you invest your time and energy. "It's about recognizing that our contributions at work are incredibly valuable and creating the space to pursue them fully, even if it means letting go of the expectation to be a 'perfect' partner or parent."

🤝 The Power of Community

As someone who founded Women Coding Community, Irina understands firsthand the transformative power of bringing women together.

Here's something she knows for certain: no one thrives in tech alone. Female-led communities play a crucial role in combating the isolation many women experience in this industry.

By creating safe spaces, both online and in person, these communities offer networks where women can share challenges and successes with people who genuinely understand their experiences.

"This support system provides emotional resilience and practical advice for navigating issues like workplace bias, impostor syndrome, and the unique challenges of balancing a career with family life," Irina explains.

💪 Building Your Armor: Mindset Over Everything

When it comes to navigating bias and self-doubt in male-dominated spaces, Irina's strategy is refreshingly direct.

First, constantly reinforce a mindset of equality and capability. "I've always told myself that I am just as capable as any of my colleagues," she says. "I knew I could bring immense value and be one of the strongest engineers on any team."

Second, focus on the bigger picture. During those lonely hours of debugging, she would visualize the future: getting a promotion, having greater impact, mentoring others, scaling her vision across teams. "This forward-looking perspective transformed tedious tasks into meaningful contributions."

And the ultimate advice? Don't give up. Success in these environments is often a test of persistence. Her ability to rise above self-doubt and bias was directly tied to her refusal to quit.

🚀 Redefining Presence: The Future of Tech Leadership

So, what does true equality in tech leadership actually look like? For Irina, it's a culture that values output and individual contribution over time spent in the office. Imagine a workplace where:

• Parents can schedule their "focus hours" during times that suit their family's schedule (early mornings or late evenings)

• Leaders use strategic planning tools to ensure everyone can participate in crucial discussions, even if it's not at the same time

• Trust and autonomy replace constant supervision

The most powerful change needed? Redefining the concept of presence in the workplace. “We need to move away from the outdated belief that being physically present from 9 to 5 is a measure of productivity or commitment.” Instead, leaders should evaluate performance based on tangible results and project milestones, not on calendar hours.

"By creating a system that works for everyone, we can tap into a wider pool of talent and retain valuable employees who might otherwise be forced to choose between their career and their family," Irina emphasizes.

✨ The Message You Need to Hear

Whether you're just starting your tech journey or you're already leading teams, Irina's message is clear: “Embrace your curiosity, be bold, and don't hesitate to ask for what you need. The tech world needs your unique perspective, so be confident in your abilities and demand attention when it's your time to speak.”

Because here's the truth: “You absolutely belong here, and you've totally got this.”

💭 A Final Thought That Changes Everything 

"Treat technology as infrastructure for freedom. The more trustworthy, interoperable and resilient it is, the more choices citizens and companies have. Build that, and competitiveness and values stop being a trade-off but will reinforce each other." 

🤝 Meet Irina on November 12 at GoTech World

Irina Kamalova will be taking the Women Leading Tech Stage at GoTech World this year, bringing her unique blend of technical expertise, leadership wisdom, and refreshingly honest advice about what it really takes to thrive in tech.

See you there? Let us know in the comments what questions you'd ask Irina about building a career in tech! 👇

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