The latest candidate in our series of Q&As with influential women in the technology business kicks off Women’s History Month. Asma Aziz, General Manager, Canada at Intel Corporation. This is the first interview Aziz is giving since taking on her new post earlier this month.
Name: Asma Aziz
Job Title & Company: Canada General Manager, Intel Corporation
Years in the Industry: 20+ Years
What drew you to a career in the consumer and/or business technology industry?
My career in technology was sparked by a fascination with innovation, a passion for creative problem-solving, and early exposure to computers. I have always enjoyed the process of learning new skills and the fast-paced nature of the industry. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of living and working in multiple countries, which has deepened my appreciation for how technology transcends borders and shapes global markets.
Working at Intel has given me the opportunity to see firsthand how technology can enhance people’s lives on a daily basis. I am grateful to have been on this wonderful journey for over 20 years.
Have you encountered any roadblocks along the way that were related to your gender?
The technology industry has historically been male-dominated, and as a woman, I’ve faced some challenges. However, I’ve always focused on the opportunities these challenges present. Over the years, I’ve leaned into my strengths and worked hard to carve out my space in the industry. I have also been fortunate to be surrounded by leaders and mentors who have supported and guided me through the years.
My role at Intel, particularly in leadership, has allowed me to push boundaries, and it has been empowering to break through barriers, demonstrating that talent and determination can defy gender stereotypes.
What unique characteristics or perspective do you feel you bring to your organization as a woman?
As a woman in tech, I bring a human-centric leadership style that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and diversity of thought. This approach has been key in driving impactful change at Intel. I believe that my diverse experiences, from living in six countries to leading teams across various regions, have made me more adaptable and agile in addressing challenges and implementing solutions that resonate with a wide range of audiences. My perspective also adds value to Intel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where every voice is heard.
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?
The key to attracting more women into high-level positions in tech is creating an environment that promotes mentorship, inclusion, and work-life balance. We need to ensure that women see the industry as a place where they can thrive and lead, not just as consumers, but as innovators. At Intel, we have a strong focus on empowering women through initiatives like Women in Intel (WIN), which fosters leadership and development. Additionally, creating opportunities for women to mentor and be mentored is crucial to building a pipeline of female leaders in the tech sector.
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?
Challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s about pushing boundaries, leading with confidence, and inspiring others to follow.
Are there women in the tech industry who inspire you?
Absolutely. I am inspired by the women who have paved the way in this industry, leaders who have not only broken barriers but have also made space for others to succeed. My peers at other organizations and colleagues at Intel are constant source of inspiration. They bring diverse perspectives that enrich conversations, and their leadership fuels my own drive. Their resilience and commitment are invaluable to both the tech industry and to me personally.
What are some of the misconceptions/myths about women working in the technology space that you’d like to dispel?
I believe the misconceptions about women in the tech industry are quite universal and not limited to any specific field. Some of the challenges to women advancing to higher positions include gender bias, lack of representation, and limited access to leadership opportunities.
One major misconception is that women have to sacrifice their personal lives for career success. This is far from true. Success is achieved through balance, passion, and purpose. It’s also important to dispel the myth that women are not as technically proficient as men. In my opinion, the criteria for any job should be based on the best person for the role, regardless of gender. Women, like men, bring a wealth of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills that are critical to any industry or discipline.
What’s one thing you wish was done differently in the industry, and why?
Over the past couple of decades, there have been significant strides towards equality and diversity. However, I would like to see a more deliberate push towards diversity not just in entry-level roles, but also at senior leadership levels. While there has been considerable progress in terms of gender diversity, we still need to see concrete deliberate actions to ensure women continue to progress in their careers. This shift would have a profound impact on how organizations approach innovation, product development, and leadership.
How do you feel the latest shift to AI will impact the way you do your job and opportunities for women in the industry?
AI is transforming the technology landscape at an unprecedented pace, and with it, the role of industry leaders is evolving. It is essential for tech leaders to set an example with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the new General Manager of Intel Canada, my focus is on ensuring that AI is not just a technological shift but an opportunity multiplier – for businesses, for Canada’s digital economy, and for people, especially underrepresented groups like women in tech.
At Intel, we are committed to ensuring that AI development is responsible, ethical, and accessible, and that starts with having more women at the table. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to outperform their competitors, and inclusive AI teams create better, more effective models.
For me, this shift is not just about leveraging AI to drive business growth, it’s about empowering the next generation of women in STEM. We need to provide the right mentorship, education, and career pathways so that AI doesn’t become another barrier, but rather a catalyst for greater diversity and inclusion in tech. AI is only as powerful as the minds shaping it, and we need those minds to reflect the richness of the world we live in.
Together, we can harness the transformative power of AI to build a future where innovation knows no gender, and where every individual has the opportunity to lead, innovate, and inspire.
Are you optimistic for the future in general and for the industry?
I’m incredibly optimistic about both. The technology industry is at the forefront of shaping the future, and with advancements in AI, semiconductor innovation, and digital transformation, the potential is limitless. The increased focus on diversity and inclusion within tech also gives me hope that we’ll continue to see more women rise to leadership roles. The future is bright, and it’s our responsibility to pay it forward to the next generation. I’m excited to continue being part of this journey as a mentor, supporter, and ally.