Company: Sodaclick

LAVNCH [CODE]: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?

MINA MUSTAFA: As a woman in business, I have faced many challenges, particularly when transitioning from the interior design industry to tech. Knowing that the majority of people in tech are male, I was aware that I would need to be proactive in building my network and advocating for myself. However, I was determined to succeed, and I approached this challenge head-on.

I studied business management in tech during lockdown, which not only provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge but also boosted my confidence in my abilities to transition to the new industry. Now, as a BDM for Sodaclick, an ISV company, I am proud of the strides I have made in my career. I have built a strong network of mentors and colleagues who support me, and I am constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. Despite the challenges I have faced, I remain resilient and determined to achieve my goals as a successful businesswoman in the tech industry.

LAVNCH [CODE]: How do you stay motivated and focused when faced with setbacks or obstacles?

MM: When faced with setbacks or obstacles, I find it helpful to remind myself of my goals and the reasons why I started in the first place. This helps me maintain my motivation and focus on what’s important, even when things get tough. I also break my goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks, which helps me stay focused on what I can do right now instead of getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

Seeking support from mentors, friends, and colleagues is another way I stay motivated. They provide guidance, advice, and encouragement that keeps me going, even when I’m feeling discouraged. Additionally, I practice self-care, such as taking breaks to recharge or engaging in hobbies that I enjoy. Lastly, I try to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than failures. By adopting this mindset, I can stay motivated and focused on achieving my goals, even in the face of challenges.

LAVNCH [CODE]: How do you approach risk-taking in business?

MM: I have always been a risk-taker in business. When faced with new opportunities, I jump into them without thinking twice, even if it means taking on a completely different field like I did when I transitioned from interior design to technology during lockdown. For me, life is all about taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone. I believe that it’s only by taking risks that we can truly grow and achieve our full potential. I also embrace the idea that what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. Of course, I do evaluate potential risks and rewards before making any decision, but I’m not afraid to take a calculated risk if it has the potential for significant growth and success.

LAVNCH [CODE]: Who is a woman you admire in the tech industry and why?

MM: Grace Hopper and Hedy Lamarr are both incredible women who have made significant contributions to the tech industry.

Grace Hopper, also known as the “Mother of COBOL,” was a pioneering computer scientist and a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. She is credited with developing the first compiler for a computer programming language and was instrumental in the development of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages. Hopper’s work helped make programming more accessible to a wider audience and paved the way for modern computer software.

Hedy Lamarr was a Hollywood actress and inventor who co-developed a frequency-hopping technology that was used to guide torpedoes during World War II. This technology, which laid the foundation for modern Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, was not recognized until decades later, and Lamarr did not receive recognition for her work until late in her life. In addition to her contributions to technology, Lamarr was a talented actress who starred in numerous films and was known for her beauty and charisma.

Both Grace Hopper and Hedy Lamarr were trailblazers in their fields and overcame significant obstacles to achieve success. They are inspiring role models for women in STEM and have left a lasting impact on the tech industry.

LAVNCH [CODE]: What’s your favorite book, movie, or song about female empowerment?

MM: My favorite movie about female empowerment is Coco Chanel. I find Chanel’s story to be incredibly inspiring because of her courage to break all the standard rules in fashion and become an icon in the industry. She used her risk-taking skills to revolutionize the fashion industry and her legacy has remained relevant until this day.

Chanel’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of taking risks and pursuing one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity. She also paved the way for women in the fashion industry and demonstrated that it is possible to achieve success on one’s own terms. Overall, I find Coco Chanel to be a powerful representation of female empowerment and a true icon in the world of fashion.

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