Sabina Bunger: from Broadcast Engineer to Network Manager to Coach

Social media handle(s): LinkedIn, @coachingwithsabina (Instagram and Website)

A few words about me:

Hi, I’m Sabina,

I’m a bit of a geek in denial. I spent nearly two decades building my career in the media tech industry, more specifically Radio Broadcast. Starting as a Broadcast Engineer, moving into Infrastructure and eventually working my way up to managing the Network team.

I know what it’s like to survive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. I left my London job to move to Canada… but didn’t quite make it there, which is another story! I only got as far as Europe, where I re-evaluated what success meant to me.

I’ve been lucky enough to have 2 career breaks, one for 5 months in South America and the second mostly recently in Tenerife, where trained as a coach. I’m now a credentialed coach, recognised by the International Coaching Federation.

These days, I’m helping techies in Media and Tech to trust their decisions and love their jobs again through coaching. I consider myself a feminist and want to see more women in tech and media, especially in senior roles.

Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?

Within Radio, there were always exciting events, that could range from dealing with random requests, outside broadcasts at star studded events, to dealing with Telecom engineers because a rat may have bitten through some fibres. Yep that actually happened. The fact that everyday was different is what made it exciting.

I also made an effort to be part groups supporting equality, whether that was related to women in tech or being part of the Pride committee. I think it's very important to ensure a diverse collection of voices are heard to help improve the workplace.

Before Tech, I also worked in a bookshop whilst at university, in another life I'd love to own a bookshop, though I'm not sure I'd get much work done - I'd want to be reading all the time!

Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?

My background is STEM. I did Maths and Physics at A-level which affected the degree I chose. I ended up on an engineering heavy Media Production degree where I specialised in Audio Tech. I really enjoyed it, even though I was not expecting it to be so engineering focused.

Where did your professional journey start?

The degree led me to be offered a role in Radio as a Broadcast Engineer, my first role, and that shaped everything.

Though if I look back further, my interest stemmed from controlling the lighting for school plays, and that's where it all began. I enjoyed being the tech behind the scenes.

How did you get into tech and what motivated you?

I always describe my journey as accidental. In my mind, I accidentally ended up on a engineering heavy degree, I thought it was more media production based. From there I got a job in Radio, and moved around the tech departments trying to find where I fitted. I took Cisco exams to prove to myself I was good enough to be there. Which led to me being on the network team.

I also enjoyed travelling for work, whether that was driving around the UK going to sites or getting to go further afield. It enabled me to work with lots of different people, helping them solve problems or to leave things better than we found them and that ultimately is the basis of my career in tech.

Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?

We hear the horror stories of male-dominate industries, which I thankfully never experienced but I think it's worth pointing out, even in a good environment it's hard not to feel the stereotypes or micro challenges of being a women in that world.

When I started out (20+ years ago) I remember fighting the patriarchy hard, I refused to make tea, even though I was never asked to. I didn’t want to be seen as a “female” engineer, so I rallied against that. I remember not wanting to be a tickbox, so felt the need to prove myself. Sometimes being the only woman, meant I felt I had to speak up on behalf of all women, so balancing that whilst trying to fit in could be exhausting.

Luckily things have changed since, but I still see elements of bias and expectation. I was very lucky and have always had good managers and colleagues, but the bias was still there in the outer world. Whether that’s my words having to be repeated by my male bosses to be taken as seriously. Or being guilty of falling into the trap of using my “soft” skills because I was better at it than my male colleagues.

I'm still not sure if it was the right thing to do but it's all I knew at the time. I'm glad there is more of a vocal culture around this now, but I know it's still experienced by others and I would like to see change happen faster.

"I would remind others and especially women, that a career in tech doesn’t necessarily mean a technical role, if that’s not your thing. There are a variety of roles available in the industry. Don’t write yourself out based on assumptions. It can be a great place to be."

What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...

I wish I’d known that working in tech is more than technical skills. I might have spent less time trying to prove I belonged, if I'd known this.

What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?

Well, that would have to be the start of our data centre migration, when the technical lead sliced his finger down to the bone during the preparation on site. I had to force my way into a room to get him to the first aid kit and take him to the hospital. Turns out he need to have his surgery on his finger which meant he was out for the scheduled migration.

I had to step up to lead the migration, thankfully there was documentation but as is the way with technology, there are always unknowns that need resolving. So for me that was as scary as it was for him having surgery on his finger! There were sleepless nights and tears for all of us!

What do you like / not like about working in tech?

There's a lot I love about Tech. I love the people, the cool things you get to do. The camaraderie, the innovation, the improving things, even the challenges.

I don’t like the status quo, and the biases. I don’t like the lack of diversity of thought. Tech needs both men and women from diverse groups to find the best solutions for problems. Or how long it is taking and will take to have a more balanced workforce. According to the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT, that is approx 283 years … if things stay the same.

"I wish I’d known that working in tech is more than technical skills. I might have spent less time trying to prove I belonged, if I'd known this."

What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?

Oh there are so many, and definitely a few I can't repeat! Thinking back, the lowlights and the highlights all merge into one. For example, when there are broadcasting issues, and everyone is working ridiculously long hours, to solve the issue, all giving 100% and are slightly delirious, they are also often the most memorable moments.

And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?

I would remind others and especially women, that a career in tech doesn’t necessarily mean a technical role, if that’s not your thing. There are a variety of roles available in the industry.

• Don’t write yourself out based on assumptions. It can be a great place to be.

• Talk to others people and learn about their jobs.

• Start small, try something, see if you like it and make time to reflect.

But most importantly confidence comes after action ... so give it a go!