Every month we ask one individual in our network a few questions about their way into tech, their motivation and their lessons learned.
Let’s start from the beginning. Tell us about where you’re from!
I was born in Somalia, but I have lived, studied, and worked in different parts of the world. At an early age, my family and I had to leave as refugees – an experience that shaped me profoundly. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the ability to see possibility even in difficult circumstances.
Over the years, carrying multiple cultures and nationalities has given me a truly international outlook. I don’t belong to just one place – I feel at home everywhere – and that openness has been a real gift in both my career and my life. It’s also the foundation of Gole Consulting, which I created to bring together strategy, people, culture, and technology in a way that reflects my own diverse journey and global perspective.
What valuable advice did you get from your parents?
My parents taught me hard work, accountability, and resilience.
It gave me the confidence to go after what I wanted. Now, as a mother, I try to raise my daughter and son with the same principle. It’s not always easy without close family around here in Switzerland, but I’m grateful for the strong foundation my parents gave me.
What does diversity mean to you?
For me, diversity isn’t a buzzword – it’s the fuel for innovation.
That belief is central to my work at Gole Consulting, where design thinking helps teams embrace diverse perspectives as an engine for creative problem-solving.
How did you become interested in tech?
It started during my university studies. I majored in Managerial Information Systems with a double major in Operational Management. One of my projects was to design a ride-sharing business case, and I became fascinated by how technology and data could bring the whole idea to life. That was my spark. Since then, I’ve been passionate about using design thinking to bridge strategy and execution – always asking, “How do we turn ideas into solutions that truly work for people?” That’s still my favorite part of business today.
How has that initial fascination with using technology to create practical solutions shaped the way you approach projects at Gole Consulting today?
For me, technology never comes first – people and problems do. Since my first ride-sharing project at university, I’ve believed the real value lies in connecting strategy to execution. At Gole Consulting, that means turning big ideas into systems and cultures that truly work.
Have you ever had a role model that inspired you on your path?
For most of my career, I didn’t have a mentor. I only found one recently, and it’s been incredibly valuable. Earlier on, I just wasn’t afraid to ask questions of anyone and everyone. That curiosity carried me forward. I’ve also always had a clear purpose, and I live by this mindset: 10% is what happens to you, and 90% is how you react. That philosophy has shaped how I approach challenges, and it’s also at the heart of problem-solving in design thinking.
What aspects of your work are you proudest of?
That’s a tough one because I honestly feel proud of all my projects – each one has taught me something different. But if I had to choose, I’d say being recognized with a couple of innovation awards in the last few years. Those moments were special because they weren’t just about me; they were about teamwork, creativity, and persistence. At Gole Consulting, I’ve been proud to apply design thinking methods to help organizations unlock innovation, solve complex problems, and implement strategies that actually stick. Seeing the impact on people and businesses – that’s what I’m most grateful for.
What drives you at work?
My “why” in life is to be a catalyst – to help people and organizations see possibilities they didn’t think were achievable and then actually make them real. That comes partly from my own journey, starting as a refugee.
That resilience now fuels my passion for design thinking, problem-solving, and transformation at Gole Consulting. What drives me is enabling people and teams to turn challenges into opportunities and to build futures they didn’t believe were possible.
What has been your toughest challenge you faced while working in tech?
Breaking into the industry was the hardest part.
That’s why I focus on design thinking and problem-solving – to show how these skills bridge gaps, empower teams, and bring value beyond the technical.
From your perspective, what’s the difference between simply having a diverse team and creating a workplace culture where everyone truly feels included and valued?
What advice would you give other women in tech?
Support each other. And not just other women in technical roles, but also women trying to break into tech from non-technical paths. Tech is not just coding – it’s people, culture, design, and strategy. At Gole Consulting, I see every day how powerful it is when different skills come together to solve problems. The more inclusive we are, the stronger and more innovative the industry becomes.
And what advice would you give women not yet working in tech that want to enter the field?
Tech companies need people in HR, design, operations, marketing, and strategy as much as they need engineers.
My advice is: start with your strengths, stay curious, and don’t give up when it feels tough. Remember, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish your journey. What matters most is the impact you create along the way.
