The Steminist Spotlight Series: Gina Murphy, President and CTO

Empowered by science and technology, women are transforming the way we live and work—and they’re changing the world for the better along the way. Our new blog series, The Steminist Spotlight, celebrates these women.

The Steminist Spotlight amplifies the voices of the amazing and inspiring women in tech who are making history here at Navisite. As a Steminist, these women have the power to inspire the next generation of female leaders to choose a career in STEM, where they can co-create the future and help build a diverse, inclusive workforce. 

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the women who inspire us every day. Stay tuned as we share Steminist stories from the incredible women who make Navisite the company it is today.

Tell us a little about your background in tech.

I’ve held a variety of roles throughout the years at tech companies, from RFP writer to IT trainer to positions in sales, product and business development, before moving into senior leadership roles at companies like Rackspace and TriCore solutions. It was a fantastic experience because I had the opportunity to work with and learn from an amazing cross-section of technology and business leaders across the organization. This played a huge role in influencing my own career trajectory. I’m definitely an operations-focused leader, which enables me to work across Navisite with so many talented and diverse individuals and teams to help build our culture, improve processes and drive growth and opportunity.   

How did you get your start in tech?

My first job was as a sports reporter. I was an athlete in college and thought I wanted to parlay that into a career. However, I quickly learned that covering sports was an entirely different game! It wasn’t for me, but it enabled me to get my first job at a tech company where I wrote RFP responses. While attending training on that job, the training company noticed that I was quick to pick up on technology and recruited me to work for them. Of course, I had to learn fast—and loved every minute of the challenge. I taught people how to install server operating systems and configure email (Exchange and Lotus Notes). Eventually, I ended up working in various companies doing installs and managing teams.

Can you share a little about what you do at Navisite and what your typical day is like?

Well, every day is truly different. That’s what I love about my role at Navisite. Part of my time is spent working with the senior leadership team and other stakeholders to set strategies and evaluate opportunities for growth and process improvement. I also spend a good portion of my day doing what I think is one of the most important aspects of my job—coaching, mentoring and guiding individuals across departments and teams to problem-solve, work together and improve the way we deliver services. Ultimately, my job is about finding and strengthening those connections across our company, so we can perform as one highly effective team to support each other, build meaningful relationships with customers and drive growth.

What do you like most about your tech career?

It’s the fact that tech is always changing and challenging people to think differently and adapt—especially in terms of how we work and collaborate together to get things done. Many people like stability and knowing exactly what they’ll be doing year-in and year-out. But I’ve always enjoyed the rapid pace of technology, as it constantly pushes me to rethink and pivot in response to change. That makes me a better person, a better leader and ensures that I never get too complacent in the day-to-day. It’s exciting and I thrive in that type of challenging environment.

Who are your women in tech role models?

I admire many of the women leaders in tech—a relatively small but growing group that I am honored to be a part of. However, when I think about role models, I have to give that honor to my mother. She has always been my biggest influence. Ever since I can remember, she held management roles at a time when far fewer women worked outside of the home. She is an incredibly strong, career-minded person and an extremely hard worker. I learned from the best, and her approach and commitment to her job, her family and life showed me what was possible as I entered tech and grew in my career.

What has been one of the proudest moments in your career so far? 

There have been so many great moments throughout the years. However, I am immensely proud of what we are now building at Navisite. When I look across the leadership team and attend various meetings, I am struck by the number of women across the company who are making a difference every day. There were countless times in the past when I was the only woman in a room—and that is changing! I’m so encouraged to see more women in leadership roles and influencing our path as a company. I think it makes us stronger and more resilient. I’m also extremely proud of our leadership team and, in particular, our CEO Mark Clayman, for committing to make that change and supporting women in tech. 

What do you think is the biggest obstacle for women today who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?

I think it comes down to self-confidence and believing that you deserve every bit of what you’ve worked hard to achieve. Really, that goes for anyone, but I think it can be especially hard for women to speak up and take their seats at the table as one of the few or only female in a room. In fact, I often hear women say “I’m sorry” for things that don’t require an apology! We don’t need to diminish our own voices, and I encourage women to focus on celebrating their achievements, knowing they belong exactly where they are. We have a unique perspective and experience that is needed in tech.

We don’t need to diminish our own voices, and I encourage women to focus on celebrating their achievements, knowing they belong exactly where they are. We have a unique perspective and experience that is needed in tech.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in STEM?

Set your sights and passion on what you want to do in STEM and combine that with self-determination. There are going to be plenty of challenges along the way, but if you stay focused on your goal, you’re going to get there. Also, never be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, the more you learn. It will also help you build connections and relationships with people who could end up being key mentors and champions for you in your career.

Is there one piece of advice you wish somebody gave you at the beginning of your career?

My parents always told me that if you work hard, good things will happen. That advice, coupled with my grandfather’s saying of “keep your eye on the ball, and you will never miss at all,” has been my guiding force. It helped me earlier in life as a collegiate athlete and throughout my career in business.

What’s a fun fact about you that many people may not know?

Someone once called me a “koala bear with a mean right hook!” – which made me laugh and probably sums me up best. I’m highly competitive and determined in my career, but I’m also very sensitive. I take that as a compliment. As women we should embrace all of our qualities, not just the ones we think are “appropriate” for a career in STEM. Ultimately, what makes you unique is also what empowers you to succeed in life and in your career. 

Our Steminist Mission

At Navisite, supporting women in their STEM education is not only important to us—it’s vital to building the inclusive and diverse tech workforce the world needs. Our mission is to help bridge the gender divide and bring diversity to the technology sector by empowering the next generation of female leaders to consider a career in STEM.

The Navisite’s Next Steminist Scholarship

The Navisite’s Next Steminist Scholarship program offers female undergraduate students an opportunity to level up their careers and realize their dreams with a one-time $10,000 scholarship. Applications open on April 5th, 2021. Click here to apply.

Visit our Navisite’s Next Steminist Scholarship webpage to learn more.

The Steminist Spotlight

Ready for more Steminist Spotlight stories? Tune into our blog in the coming weeks as we feature more inspiring women from Navisite.