Women in Tech: Interview with Anastasia Mironova, Product Designer at WhatsApp London

Tell us about yourself!

Hello everyone! My name is Anastasia Mironova, but feel free to call me Ana. I'm a seasoned product designer with more than 7 years of experience. Currently, I'm working with WhatsApp London, focusing on creating a messaging experience that is simple, reliable, and secure.

I feel extremely proud and privileged to create experiences for millions of users across the globe with care and empathy.

Prior to product design, I spent several years at a design agency where I honed my skills and developed a passion for visual design and aesthetics — a passion that I strive to infuse into every interface I create.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

Interestingly, my career took an unexpected turn as I initially started in the field of Applied Physics and Mathematics. I was even in the process of writing my PhD thesis when what some might call a 'quarter-life crisis' hit me. I realized that I was pursuing my parents' passions rather than my own.

So, I decided to start fresh and completely pivoted my career by applying for an internship at a design agency. At that time, I doubt I fully understood what I was doing; all I knew was that I wanted to distance myself from academia as much as possible. As luck would have it, this decision led me to discover my true calling in the realm of design.

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

I'm fascinated by the advancements in medical technology, particularly in the areas of life expectancy and reproductive technology. I think these developments have the potential to revolutionize our lives in profound ways.

For instance, new developments in reproductive technology could potentially alleviate the physical burden of pregnancy for women. This is a significant step towards gender equality, as it could redefine traditional roles and expectations associated with childbirth. It's a fascinating prospect that could finally equalize men and women after all these years.

Moreover, advancements in life expectancy technology could dramatically improve our quality of life and extend our lifespan. This is an exciting time to live in, and I'm eager to see how these developments will shape our future.

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

There are a few tech trends that could unintentionally make the gap between different groups in society even wider. The gap between different socio-economic groups is already substantial, and there are certain less obvious technologies that could inadvertently widen this divide further.

Consider, for example, the rise of personalised medicine based on genetic data. While it holds the promise of highly effective treatments, it also raises the question of accessibility. Will these cutting-edge treatments only be available to those who can afford them, thereby creating a health divide?

Another concern is the rise of automation and AI in the workplace. It's a game-changer for sure, making things more efficient and cutting down on human error. But, it could also mean fewer jobs for people, especially those in industries like manufacturing or customer service.

So, while these tech trends are exciting, we need to think about their impact on society and make sure we have the right rules in place to make sure they're fair for everyone.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Outside of tech, I've revived my love for oil painting. As a kid, I attended art school, but I completely abandoned this passion of mine for 15 years. However, moving to the UK somehow reignited this interest. The moment I caught the familiar, sweet scent of paint and diluent, I immediately realized how much I had missed it.

In addition to painting, I also take full advantage of London's rich and diverse music scene by attending various band gigs. Any fans of IDLES here?

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?

One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a woman in tech is dealing with my own internalized insecurities. I've often found myself to be my own harshest critic, constantly comparing myself to others and feeling as though everyone else is smarter, more experienced, or simply better.

These internalized fears and self-doubt held me back in many ways. They made me hesitant to voice my ideas, reluctant to take on challenging projects and even caused me to question my place in the tech industry. Building confidence, seeking mentorship (particularly from women mentors), finding community support, and taking care of my mental and physical health have all been immensely helpful in my journey.

Remember, it's okay to have insecurities and doubts but don't let them define you or limit your potential. You are capable, you are deserving, and you belong in the tech industry just as much as anyone else.

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

Absolutely, I'd like to share an experience that really stands out from my early days in the tech industry, back in my home country, Russia. The situation was quite different from what I experience now in the UK.

I remember being in a meeting where I voiced an idea, only to be completely ignored. A few minutes later, a male colleague presented the exact same argument, and it was hailed as a groundbreaking idea. I wish I could say it was a rare occurrence, but unfortunately, it was a norm in the industry back then.

It was a stark reminder of the unconscious bias that can exist in the workplace, where a woman's contribution is undervalued simply because of her gender. As a woman in tech, it felt like I had to work twice as hard to earn the same recognition and respect that my male colleagues seemed to receive just by existing in the space.

These experiences were frustrating and disheartening, but they also fueled my determination to challenge the status quo and advocate for equality in the tech industry. I believe it's important to share these stories, not to dwell on the negatives, but to highlight the progress we've made and the work that still needs to be done. So, thanks #Hackernoon for doing this important job 💪.

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

My biggest setback was spending years in academia studying Applied Physics and Mathematics, a path chosen by my parents, not me. This decision delayed my true ambition of becoming a designer.

To manage this, I made a tough decision to leave academia and pivot my career towards design. Despite the challenges and lack of experience, my passion drove me to secure an internship at a design agency.

This setback, while difficult, was a turning point. It taught me the importance of following my own path and that it's never too late to pursue your passion. Today, I'm a fulfilled designer, grateful for the journey that led me here.

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

One of my proudest achievements is becoming a versatile and diversified individual, both professionally and personally. I've managed to avoid being pigeonholed into one specific area and instead, have cultivated a broad range of skills and interests.

This versatility has not only made me a more well-rounded individual, but it has also greatly enriched my work as a designer. By drawing on a wide array of experiences and perspectives, I'm able to approach problems from different angles and come up with more innovative solutions.

A particular achievement that stands out is my time at Yandex. As the sole designer, I launched a whole new type of video content for Zen publishing platform from scratch in just a few months. This initiative significantly increased our main timespent metric, taking it from zero to millions of minutes.

Following the success of this project, I was given the opportunity to lead a team of talented designers. This allowed me to transition into a managerial role, where I could guide the vision for a whole range of new video projects for Yandex.

I'm proud of these achievements because they reflect my commitment to continuous learning, growth, and delivering tangible results. They're a testament to my belief that we are not defined by a single interest or skill, but by our ability to adapt, learn, and evolve.

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

In my opinion, the gender gap in the tech industry is largely a result of societal stereotypes and expectations that are ingrained in us from a young age. Often, girls are encouraged to be cute and artistic, while boys are pushed towards being strong and analytical. This leads to a perception that careers in science, technology, and programming are for "smart", "analytical" people, which is often implicitly associated with men.

This stereotype can discourage women from pursuing careers in tech from a very young age. It creates a self-perpetuating cycle where the lack of female representation in tech reinforces the stereotype that it's a male-dominated field, which in turn discourages more women from entering the field.

To reduce this gender gap, we need to challenge these stereotypes and encourage girls and women to pursue their interests in tech. This can start with education and representation. Schools and educators can play a crucial role in encouraging girls to explore STEM subjects and in providing role models in these fields.

In the workplace, companies can make a conscious effort to promote diversity and inclusion, not just in hiring practices, but also in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Ultimately, it's about creating a culture that values diversity of thought and encourages everyone, regardless of gender, to pursue their passion, no matter where.

Who is your tech idol? Why?

My tech idol is none other than Susan Kare, a trailblazing graphic designer who was among the first 10 employees at Apple, working alongside Steve Jobs. She's a total badass and a pioneer in her field.

Kare is the creative genius behind some of the most iconic symbols in tech history. Ever seen the "sad Macintosh" or the "command" symbol on a Mac? That's all her. These symbols have become so ingrained in our tech culture that it's hard to imagine they haven't always been there.

The first time I saw a photo of her, wearing her Converse and flashing a wide smile, I was completely taken aback. She was so different from what I had pictured a "graphic designer" to be.

That image of her, so full of joy and creativity, really resonated with me. It stole my heart and made me realise that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. She's a true inspiration.

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

Speak Up: Never hesitate to share your ideas and opinions. Your voice is just as important as anyone else's in the room. Remember, every perspective adds value and your unique viewpoint can lead to innovative solutions.

Stand Against Injustice: If you witness inequality or unfair treatment in the workplace, don't be afraid to raise your voice. It might be uncomfortable, but it's crucial for creating a more inclusive and fair environment.

Find Your Community: Seek out mentors and peers who support and inspire you. Whether it's a local tech group, an online community, or a supportive coworker, these relationships can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement.

Never Stop Learning: The tech field is always evolving. Stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to dive into new areas. This will not only make you a better professional but also keep your passion for tech alive.

Remember, your contribution to the tech field is valuable and needed. Don't let anything hold you back! #GoGirls!