If we're talking about a visible woman in tech, it's Jennifer Delano. The founder of PRGoeroes, the agency that helps service providers in tech get publicity you can't buy is herself in the media with regularity. We asked her our questions.
What is your current job title?
Right now I am the founder of PRGoeroes and this platform Dutch Tech On Heels. I run PRGoeroes with a team of professionals and this platform with co-founder Tom van Kuijk and some other freelancers. With PRGoeroes we help business service providers in tech. I find it a wonderful world in which there are quite a few developments.
What appeals to you in your current job?
It's very inspiring to be around people who are passionate about their (tech) business. Often I work with companies that have done great innovations, but ''forgot'' to inform the media. I love using my talent for finding newsworthy hooks and supporting their marketing and sales with publicity. It remains a challenging quest to find the right news hooks and make my client shine.
What is the male/female ratio in your company?
On payroll, it's half and half - so that's going very well. For any long-term challenge, I have time to find the right woman in the right place, but when I'm looking for a professional quickly for something I haven't outsourced before, it can be quite challenging. Men seem to be much better at profiling themselves and thus often rank higher in my consciousness than many women. Real shame.
What do you think the tech world will look like in 10 years?
The world will be even more digitized than it is now. You can no longer live without an Internet or smartphone to get anything done. A solution must be found for storing our digital identity and privacy will be an even bigger topic. Also, a lot more companies will have to start thinking about how to get more women into work. In Europe, about 10 million more women will work in tech. This platform has been a big help for that.
What are your hobbies/interests in addition to your work in tech?
In addition to all work, I love running and doing obstacle runs. I also enjoy singing and attempting to play the piano or guitar. With my daughter I like to go on adventures and do things. Just like that I can be found in a climbing forest, at MonkeyTown (an indoor playground) or something else active/creative.
What else do people know you from?
Of course I hope people know me from my work and how well she helped. But it's more likely that they know me from my management book about dumping clients who don't suit them. It reached the No. 1 position at Managementboek.nl and media coverage reached millions.
Where do you think are the best places to network?
In the Netherlands, as a woman, I go for The Next Women. I have been a member there for a while and look back on very special events and beautiful ambitious women I have met through the network. I am also a member of networks that are not directly tech related.
What is your career advice for women (in tech)?
I have several pieces of advice. First of all: invest in your network. It's not only how good you are, but also who you know. Get visibility, write blogs, publish articles and showcase your knowledge. Say yes when you get an opportunity. Even if you don't quite know how to do it yet. In other words: act like a man. Don't miss an opportunity and make yourself a brand.
What's your LinkedIn or Instagram link?
I can be found on LinkedIn through this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdelano/
We can also connect via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdelanonl/
