Meet Nadjet. She has been working for Ingram Micro Belgium for over five and a half years. She is Business Unit Manager and is based in our office in Diegem.

Who is Nadjet?
Raised by a Belgian mother and an Algerian father, Nadjet grew up in both Belgium and Algeria. Today she is not only a successful and ambitious woman, but she is also the proud mother of a 24-year-old daughter.

How did your journey in the IT industry start?
After living abroad for seven years, I had to quickly find a job in Belgium to raise my daughter. My greatest asset was that I was fluent in four languages. An opportunity to start in a call center presented itself, and I took it. In the call center, I learned a lot about customer experience, IT and sales. Fortunately, I had a manager who saw potential in me, and I was given the opportunity to develop myself into inside sales.

After a while, a sales director left for a well-known vendor and asked me to join him. I was eager for a new challenge in a more IT-oriented company. I ended up working there for 12 years and was able to develop myself while working with different teams (direct sales, channel, medium market, corporate accounts, global accounts, ...). Over the years, my confidence grew. My current manager, Christophe Defrance, knew me through my previous company, saw me growing and offered me the opportunity to work for Ingram Micro Belgium as Sales Manager. Since then, I have worked my way up to Business Unit Manager.

How do you feel being a woman and working at Ingram Micro?
I am grateful for the trust Christophe has given me over the years. I enjoy going to the office and working with my team, colleagues, partners and clients. I have never felt I had to prove myself more because of my gender or ethnicity. I have always felt welcomed and respected.

How important is International Women's Day for you and why?
It is an essential day because it honors women who have fought, and are still fighting, for our rights and voices. It is also the day when we reflect on what has been accomplished, what has developed, and what we will do. We determine the next steps and celebrate successes. It is important to recognize the women who have made great changes in the world and show us what we are capable of. It is about the circle of influence for which we are all responsible.

What tip and/or suggestion would you give to another woman who is thinking of joining the IT industry?

It starts with your own attitude! When you respect yourself and cherish your own values, in your personal and professional life, you will receive respect in return, and you will be able to build healthy relationships with your clients, colleagues and acquaintances.

The sky is the limit. Setting your own limits will get you nowhere. Being a woman is a strength and an asset. You should not see it as a weakness or limitation. Step out of your comfort zone, believe in your goal, and challenge yourself to keep learning!