The latest candidate in our series of Q&As with influential women in the technology business is Deidre Deacon, General Manager & Channel Chief, ViewSonic Canada.
Name: Deidre Deacon
Job Title & Company: General Manager & Channel Chief ViewSonic Canada
Years in the Industry: 30 Years
The Quote That Most Inspires You: “Start before you’re ready. Don’t prepare, begin.” – (Mel Robbins)
What drew you to a career in the consumer and/or business technology industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology shapes the way we live, learn, and work. The idea of being part of an industry that’s constantly evolving and directly influencing how people and organizations solve problems was and continues to be incredibly inspiring.
Whether it’s helping schools modernize classrooms for digital learning and improved outcomes or enabling businesses to become more agile and people-centric, the work always feels meaningful and dynamic. Plus, I am fortunate to work with smart, forward-thinking people who are passionate about driving change, which keeps me energized and inspired.
Have you encountered any roadblocks along the way that were related to your gender?
I’ve been fortunate to work at ViewSonic for 26 years, a company that truly supports women across all aspects of the business. However, in the technology sector, there have been moments where I’ve had to speak a little louder to ensure my voice was heard. I’ve tried to use those experiences as fuel, focusing on building credibility through results, cultivating strong relationships, and mentoring others, especially women, to help shift the culture toward greater equity and inclusion.
The tech industry has made meaningful progress, but there’s still work to be done. I’m proud to be part of that change, and I firmly believe that diverse leadership isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for innovation.
What unique characteristics or perspective do you feel you bring to your organization as a woman?
My ability to find creative solutions has been a key driver of my success. Whether it’s pivoting quickly to launch a promotion or developing a logistics plan to navigate around tariffs, creativity is what guides the process. It allows me to stay agile, think strategically, and deliver results even in complex or fast-changing environments.
Technology is historically a male-dominated industry, yet the use of tech is fully embraced by women, and many studies even suggest that females are the primary buyers of tech in the home. What do you feel the technology industry needs to attract more women, particularly into high-level positions?
I’d love to see more women in our space and that starts with engaging young women as they enter the workforce. Tech and channel roles are critical to the industry, but they’re not always top of mind for recent graduates. That’s why mentoring programs are so important. They help evangelize the opportunities in our field and provide the guidance and encouragement needed to build confidence and interest.
By investing in mentorship and visibility, we can help shape a more inclusive future for tech, one where women see themselves not just participating, but leading.
If you had to sum up what it is like being a woman in this male-dominated technology industry in just a few words, what would you say?
Empowered in a space that’s still evolving.
Are there women in the tech industry who inspire you?
Our COO, Bonnie Cheng, is truly inspiring to me. She has dedicated over 30 years to ViewSonic, steadily working her way up through the organization. Today, she leads us across multiple continents during what is arguably the most exciting chapter in ViewSonic’s history. Her journey and leadership are an incredible accomplishment and a powerful example of vision, resilience, and global impact.
What are some of the misconceptions/myths about women working in the technology space that you’d like to dispel?
There are a few myths I’d love to dispel about women working in tech, especially in channel and leadership roles. “Women aren’t technical.” This is one of the most persistent myths. Women bring incredible technical expertise, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills to the table. The issue isn’t capability, it’s showing up and seeing the opportunity.
“There’s no place for empathy in tech.” Empathy is a leadership superpower. It drives better team dynamics, customer relationships, and long-term success. Women often lead with empathy, and that’s a strength, not a weakness.
What’s one thing you wish was done differently in the industry, and why?
Early in my career, I wish I had more confidence in my technical abilities. What we don’t know, we can absolutely learn, but I probably shied away from pursuing deeper technical training at the time. Looking back, I realize that leaning into those opportunities earlier would have accelerated my growth.
That said, every step has taught me something valuable, and I’ve made it a point to encourage others, especially women, to embrace the technical side of our industry with confidence.
How do you feel the latest shift to AI will impact the way you do your job and opportunities for women in the industry?
The rapid evolution of AI is transforming how we make strategic decisions. It’s a powerful accelerator, but it demands constant adaptation and ethical foresight. For women in tech, this shift presents a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of innovation, provided we actively dismantle bias and ensure inclusive access.
Are you optimistic for the future in general and for the industry?
Yes, I’m absolutely optimistic, both for the future in general and for our industry. Technology continues to evolve at an incredible pace, and with that comes new opportunities to innovate, connect, and solve real-world problems.
In our industry, I see more women stepping into influential roles, more collaboration across borders, and more creative thinking driving business outcomes. There are challenges, of course, but the momentum is real, and I’m proud to be part of it.