The latest candidate in our series of Q&As with influential women in the technology business is Vanessa Morbi, Vice President and Head of Marketing, Canada at Fubo, a sports-first live TV streaming platform.
Name: Vanessa Morbi
Job Title: V.P., Head of Marketing, Canada, Fubo
Years in the Industry: 15+ Years
The Quote That Most Inspires You: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – (Wayne Gretzky)
What drew you to a career in the consumer and/or business technology industry?
Early on, I recognized how technology could revolutionize consumer experiences and drive business growth. In this field, the results of my efforts are visible and tangible. This visibility provides real-time feedback and data-driven insights, motivating me to continually explore, find solutions, and test outcomes.
Knowing that my output is regularly utilized and put to the test by a vast audience drives me to deliver high-quality results. Ultimately, the blend of creativity, problem-solving, and tangible impact fuels my passion for this industry.
At Fubo, we are redefining sports streaming, and the dynamic nature of this technology and its broader impact continues to inspire me.
Have you encountered any roadblocks along the way that were related to your gender?
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered various challenges, some of which may have been influenced by gender dynamics. For example, in a previous role, I noticed that my ideas in meetings were sometimes overlooked, only to be praised when repeated by male colleagues. Rather than becoming discouraged, I viewed this as an opportunity to develop my communication skills and assertiveness – skills that have proven valuable time and again.
What unique characteristics or perspective do you feel you bring to your organization as a woman?
My work style is grounded and practical, emphasizing efficient execution and tangible results. I strive to create and influence an open and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute and provide honest, constructive feedback, which is essential for effective triage and problem-solving, especially during challenging moments. At the same time, my no-nonsense approach helps keep us focused and on track to meet our objectives
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?
These are two very different issues.
First, to attract more women to the industry, we need to focus on fostering curiosity and resilience at an early age. More must be done to encourage young girls to explore, experiment, and embrace uncertainty with confidence. By creating environments where they feel empowered to try new things and view failure as a natural part of learning, we can help build the skills and mindset needed for success in tech.
For the second issue, I don’t think it’s about attracting more women as much as it is about promoting them. The industry must go beyond mentorship and actively provide women with opportunities to lead high-profile projects and initiatives. Too often, women are burdened with modest tasks that limit their ability to focus on larger, impactful work. Companies need to ensure women have the space and support to apply themselves to significant challenges. This needs to be paired with creating an inclusive culture, promoting compensation parity, and offering clear paths to leadership. By prioritizing these efforts, the industry can create a more equitable environment that allows women to thrive in leadership roles.
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?
Every day presents challenges as a woman in the tech industry, requiring significant energy and determination. However, the rewards of success are profound, especially when I can inspire other women to recognize that they deserve to be here.
Are there women in the industry who inspire you?
So many but I would specifically call out Christina Litz, my long-time mentor. I can honestly say I would not be here without her.
We first collaborated 15 years ago at Rogers, and since then, our paths have crossed again at Corus and within the CFL. Her ability to think big is truly inspiring, as she consistently envisions possibilities that others might overlook. Even when faced with adversity, she remains undeterred, demonstrating resilience and determination. What sets her apart is her unique talent for recognizing the strengths in others, allowing her to build cohesive and effective teams that thrive together.
What are some of the misconceptions/myths about women working in the technology space that you’d like to dispel?
A misunderstanding is that you need to have all the answers. In reality, what’s essential is knowing the right questions to ask. The industry is complex and ever-changing, and success comes from curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to seek solutions through insightful questioning.
What’s one thing you wish was done differently in the industry, and why?
Relationships are key and I would like to see relationships within professional networks prioritized more. I also wish there was more emphasis on perspective; small challenges shouldn’t keep us up at night, as most things work out in time.
How do you feel the latest shift to AI will impact the way you do your job and opportunities for women in the industry?
I use AI every day for tasks both large and small, and it has made me much more efficient. Offloading smaller tasks to AI can help women focus on bigger, high-impact projects, reducing the burden of minor tasks and creating more opportunities for growth and leadership.
Are you optimistic for the future in general and for the industry?
I am optimistic about the future, both in general and for the industry. Things change rapidly, and the people here are some of the smartest and most capable I’ve ever encountered, which gives me confidence in our collective potential to drive positive change.
At Fubo, we are delivering cutting-edge streaming technology and changing the way people consume content.