Women in Tech: Olga Klochkova's Journey in Tech Leadership and Navigating Ageism

HackerNoon editorial team has launched this interview series with women in tech to celebrate their achievements and share their struggles. We need more women in technology, and by sharing stories, we can encourage many girls to follow their dreams.

Meet Olga Klochkova, an experienced product management expert who has successfully launched products at major corporations like Yandex and VK despite age-related challenges.

In our interview, Olga shares insights into her career, experiences at top companies, and how personal hobbies contribute to professional growth.

Join us in exploring the practical side of Olga Klochkova's story, where tenacity and dedication are the driving forces behind her accomplishments.

Can you share a bit about yourself?

Hi, I'm Olga, and I'm excited to share my journey in the tech industry, where, at the age of almost 25, I've accumulated over 5 years of experience.

Currently, I serve as the Head Product Manager of a UGC service with a substantial user base of 30 million MAU. Previously, I worked as a Lead product manager at Yandex.

One aspect of my professional journey that I believe sets me apart is the intersection of my age and gender within a leadership position. Being one of the youngest leaders and a woman in the tech space has been both an empowering and challenging experience. It is what I want to unfold here.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

As a student pursuing an Applied Mathematics degree, I became disillusioned with my education and opted to learn from the market. At the age of 18, I embarked on various part-time jobs, eventually delving into the field of consultancy.

Continuing my journey in the niche consultancy at the age of 19, I initially started by providing support to leaders who drove various big projects. However, it wasn't long before I found myself leading initiatives aimed at helping middle-sized companies identify bottlenecks in their strategy and marketing processes, directly impacting their business metrics.

The role demanded an almost 24/7 commitment, often with late-night company meetings. Despite the exhaustion, I was driven by a deep desire to contribute meaningfully, gain valuable experience, and build a foundation of market-based knowledge.

Fortunately, the company not only incentivized these aspirations but also refrained from imposing limits on workload. Within just two months, my dedication led to a promotion, elevating me to a position where I led entire client projects and managed a cross-functional team.

My team was comprised of a BI analyst and a researcher, forming a dynamic and cross-pollinated group.

The responsibilities included tasks reminiscent of product management, such as conducting interviews, analyzing market and client internal processes, and delving into metrics within the client's funnel, operational metrics, and the structure of expenses.

This analytical approach allowed us to identify patterns in product indicators, providing valuable insights into our clients' growth potential.

After a year of this intense, non-limited workload, I realized the importance of a more stable work-life balance. While the experience and network gained during that period were invaluable, I decided to transition to a role that offered a more sustainable pace.

This led me to the position of Product Manager at Practicum, an educational product-led service. Initially, it seemed like an opportunity to slow down, but it quickly became apparent that Practicum operated as a startup within a larger corporation. The dynamic environment presented a new set of challenges and opportunities, allowing me to leverage my skills in a different context.

This shift marked a pivotal moment in my career, where I bridged the intensity of my previous role with a more structured and innovative approach to product management. It is how I entered this industry.

At Practicum, I led the launch of significant features, including the React and Node.js simulator, driving substantial growth in our technical platform and attracting more users. I actively contributed to various educational and career program courses.

A notable achievement was introducing the B2B recruiter solution, which not only addressed industry needs but also created new revenue streams for Practicum.

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

Undoubtedly from the current perspective of trends, my primary passion lies with AI as well, given its pervasive influence across various tech fields, transforming them into more effective and customizable landscapes. The evolving capabilities of AI to understand user needs and deliver tailored experiences are reshaping the entire tech industry.

Specifically, what fascinates me the most is how AI is revolutionizing the M&E industry and what solutions arise through it, how companies change their perspective on AI content creation.

Indeed, while some companies are actively embracing AI to craft personalized and engaging experiences, certain Media and Entertainment (M&E) entities remain committed to relying solely on human creativity. They perceive the irreplaceable value that human input brings to the creation of vibrant and original content.

The balance between leveraging AI and preserving the unique touch of human creativity continues to be a nuanced decision within the M&E industry.

The era of AI-generated content has not only brought about new possibilities but has also prompted a shift in focus towards human-centric values. This is because there is a lot of information noise in a beautiful wrapper.

It is so fascinating to research different viewpoints and changes right now!

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Outside of the tech realm, I'm an avid enthusiast of sports, finding joy and balance in physical activities. I dedicate 20 minutes each day to exercise; during the week, I go hiking or running. These activities not only keep me physically fit but also serve as a refreshing break from the digital world.

In some kind, I may call my lifestyle a kind of hobby. I am a digital nomad for the past two years, and I've embraced a lifestyle without a permanent residence. During this time, I've explored nearly 16 different countries, allowing me to experience diverse cultures and landscapes.

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?

Despite my achievements and the high impact of the already launched products in Yandex and UGC-service I currently manage, I've found myself grappling with societal perceptions associated with age and gender.

The tech industry, like many others, has its preconceived notions about what a leader should look and sound like. I've often questioned whether my age and the pitch of my voice might overshadow my professional capabilities.

It's essential to acknowledge that as a woman in tech, we sometimes face biases that are not strictly professional. The stereotypes around what constitutes a powerful or authoritative voice can be limiting.

During job interviews, I've encountered instances of ageism, which added an extra layer to the challenges. It's disconcerting when perceptions about age influence how one is perceived professionally. On one occasion, I even received feedback suggesting that I was asking too much for someone of my age, highlighting the persistence of age-related biases.

Acknowledging these challenges is crucial, not just for personal growth but also for dismantling stereotypes that hinder the progress of women in tech.

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

A notable setback I encountered recently revolved around a situation with a designer on my product. Although I wasn't her direct lead, I observed signs of dissatisfaction stemming from uncertainty about her professional development and concerns about salary boosts.

She wasn't receiving the necessary feedback and guidance from her designated leader, which led to a growing sense of frustration.

In hindsight, I realize that I missed an opportunity to take proactive measures. Recognizing her discontent, I could have initiated a conversation with HR to address the situation and ask about her transition to me directly.

As someone familiar with her tasks and accountabilities, I had the potential to influence positive change by taking on a more active role in her professional development.

Unfortunately, I didn't express enough empathy and attention during that critical time. By the time I recognized the severity of the situation, the designer had already taken steps toward leaving the company.

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

I take great pride in successfully pitching a deck to the vice presidents to secure funding for a pivotal shift in my UGC-product. The process involved meticulous planning, a compelling presentation, and a strategic vision for the future.

I have done it, and now, I am currently immersed in the exciting phase of preparing to launch a new media product leveraging the foundation built on the database from our existing product

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

I wish to witness more girls in tech. Notably, I observe a higher representation of young women in IT compared to their older counterparts. It appears that the older generation faced more societal limitations and constraints, contributing to the existing gap.

To address this, initiatives promoting inclusivity, mentorship, and dismantling stereotypes are crucial for fostering a more equitable tech landscape. However, it's essential to approach these initiatives with a thoughtful reflection on the fears and concerns that individuals might have.

Balancing the push for change with a consideration of these apprehensions can contribute to a more effective and empathetic approach to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.

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

My advice for aspiring girls looking to join the tech field is to be proactive, continuously learn, and initiate ideas. I often observe a lack of enthusiasm for self-improvement at work, and it becomes evident that standing out and showcasing passion can set you apart.

Embrace opportunities to enhance your skills, stay curious, and actively contribute to projects.

Demonstrating your passion and dedication can open doors and help you thrive in the dynamic world of technology.