Women in Tech: Shanaz Khan's Journey of Building Sustainable Solutions in Tech

Tell us about yourself!

Absolutely!

Well, to start, I'm passionate about clean/green tech and always seeking opportunities to support companies in adopting this approach, whether through investing, advising, or facilitating connections with relevant parties. I'm driven by the prospect of offering affordable products that rely entirely on renewable energy for charging, eliminating the need for wired connections. I'm particularly proud of the recognition my work has received within the telecommunications industry, such as the Specialist Telecommunications Agency Award 2023 from CorpLiveWire for our product and overall affiliations. Overall, I'm excited about the chance to apply my skills and passion not only at my company, Roam Telecoms but also to contribute to other startups/SMEs, working towards achieving a carbon-neutral world by 2035.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

I chose to pursue a career in green and clean tech because I grew tired of constantly dealing with my phone's battery issues. I found it frustrating, especially when trying to stay active outdoors while relying on my phone for various tasks. This frustration, coupled with my New Year's resolution to adopt a healthier lifestyle, sparked the idea of creating a portable device that could be charged using solar energy. It was a light bulb moment for me, realizing the potential of utilizing the sun's energy to power everyday devices. This inspiration led me to develop the Roam Solar Phone, a product designed to provide a sustainable and reliable solution to the problem of battery life while on the go, and launch it during my final year of business school.

What tech are you most excited/passionate about right now and why?

Currently, I'm most excited about green and clean tech, particularly the advancements in solar-powered devices. My passion for this technology stems from personal frustration with traditional battery-powered devices and a desire to find sustainable solutions. The potential of harnessing solar energy to power everyday devices, like the Roam Solar Phone and the rest of our IP portfolio, and being able to push the R&D of future products to develop and being able to one day offer it to the masses at an affordable rate, is incredibly exciting to me. I believe that embracing green and clean tech not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers practical and innovative solutions to everyday challenges by being able to create a universal product everyone can be able to buy without breaking the bank and knowing the technology will last years.

What tech are you most worried about right now and why?

One area of technology that concerns me greatly is the issue of e-waste. The rapid advancement of technology has led to a constant stream of new gadgets and devices being introduced into the market, resulting in a significant increase in electronic waste. This e-waste poses serious environmental and health risks, as many electronic devices contain toxic materials that can leach into the soil and water if not disposed of properly. Additionally, the improper disposal of e-waste contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the climate crisis. We must address this issue by promoting responsible recycling and disposal practices, as well as encouraging manufacturers to design products with longevity and recyclability in mind. By taking action to mitigate the impact of e-waste, we can work towards building a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Outside of my work in tech, I prioritize my health and well-being by engaging in various activities that allow me to unwind and recharge. I enjoy staying active through activities like going for a run or attempting to do yoga, which not only keeps me physically fit but also helps me maintain a balanced mindset. Additionally, I'm passionate about continuously improving my soft skills and interpersonal abilities, so I often seek out opportunities for personal development and self-improvement through networking events, courses, or even by reading. Spending quality time with my family and friends is also a top priority for me, as I value the connections and new memories we create together. Whether it's exploring new places, trying out new restaurants, or simply enjoying each other's company at home, these moments are incredibly meaningful to me.

Let's talk about breaking the glass ceiling. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you deal with them?

As a woman in the tech industry, I've faced the significant challenge of feeling overlooked or underestimated due to my gender and age in certain professional settings. However, I've learned to perceive these moments not as obstacles but as opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. When I find myself in an environment where my contributions are not valued or respected, I realize that it may not be the right fit for me. Thus, I actively seek out spaces where my voice is heard and my perspective is valued.

Fortunately, I've been privileged to surround myself with a supportive network of individuals who share a common vision and embrace the power of diversity and inclusion within the industry. By aligning myself with like-minded peers and mentors who champion these values, I've been able to overcome these challenges and continue to thrive in the tech sector, contributing my unique perspective and expertise.

Any questionable misogynistic story/situation you faced/handled, and you want to share with the HackerNoon Fam?

While raising a Series A round for an energy start-up in late 2022, I encountered a situation where a capital partner company in London consistently undermined me, suggesting it would be better to hear from a man. Despite leading the investment round and possessing in-depth technical knowledge of the project, I was subjected to this dismissive behavior, because the information coming from a female wouldn’t be correct as if it were coming from a male engineer. I was simply taken aback, I ended up closing the meeting and looking for other investors who’d share the same vision as myself.

If any investors talk down to a founder or any team member, because of their gender, I would highly suggest you walk away from the investment, as chances are if the LP has treated you this way and thinks it’s right then they’re doing it to others. It was a stark reminder of the stigma female founders, especially women of color, often face in the startup world. Harvard Business Review highlighted that only 3% of venture-backed companies are female-led, with even fewer if you're a person of color. Despite these challenges, I persisted, connected with the right individuals, and ultimately secured funding for the venture.

What was the biggest setback/failure that you faced, and how did you manage it?

One significant setback occurred in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Global Chip Shortage, impacting various hardware-based industries, including automotive. To overcome this, we implemented an in-house initiative to recycle components and collaborated with IT companies to prevent e-waste. By recycling, extracting, and testing semiconductors, we were able to reuse them in client prototypes, mitigating the impact of the shortage.

Another setback during the same period involved a failed PCB board delivery, with the manufacturer incorrectly altering the joints from our original file during production. We resolved this issue by manually jumping the board, although it prompted us to explore alternatives, such as 3D printing our PCBs internally for more effective control over production quality.

What's your biggest achievement that you're really proud of?

My greatest achievement comes from my professional accomplishments, which include building an extensive IP portfolio at Roam Telecoms alongside my exceptional team. Additionally, as a co-founder of TechGraph, my media company, I'm excited about our upcoming launch of a new subsidiary company specializing in PR. Moreover, my role in an Asset Management company has afforded me the opportunity to work closely with SMEs, offering mentorship, facilitating connections, and making investments. I find great fulfillment in sharing knowledge and fostering a ripple effect where others can similarly empower those around them.

In your opinion, why do we see this huge gender gap in the tech industry, and how can we reduce it?

The underrepresentation of women in tech can be attributed to several deep-rooted cultural and systemic factors, including early gender stereotyping that steers girls away from STEM fields, lack of prominent female role models, gender biases and discrimination in hiring and workplace cultures, and funding disparities faced by female tech entrepreneurs. Addressing this significant gender gap requires a multi-faceted approach, spanning educational reforms with focused STEM outreach for girls and revamped curricula, workplace initiatives like diversity training, fair practices, and anti-harassment policies, as well as increased investment and mentorship opportunities for women in tech. Fundamentally, achieving gender parity in the industry necessitates a cultural shift in attitudes towards women, coupled with systemic changes in education, workplaces, and funding ecosystems to create an inclusive and supportive environment that taps into the entire talent pool.

Who is your tech idol? Why?

I don’t really have a tech idol, but I would say my mother and my older sisters, as each female member of my family possess a trait to that I admire and work towards honing.

Do you have any advice for aspiring girls who want to join the field?

Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and speak up, always follow your gut instinct and pave your own path. Most importantly, always remember your worst days are actually your best, you learn a lot from it.