Celebrating Women in Technology: Q&A With Sarah Edwards, Chief Product Officer at Kantata

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are sharing a collection of candid Q&As with women at Kantata who are leading the way in the industry. Each conversation highlights their impressive achievements and unique experiences in the technology industry.

In this Q&A, we spoke with Sarah Edwards, Chief Product Officer at Kantata, about her advice for women looking to become leaders in the field, how she’s cultivated a strong career with a healthy work-life balance, and more.

1. How did you navigate your career path to reach your current executive role at Kantata, and what advice would you give aspiring women leaders?

Throughout my professional journey, I’ve embraced diverse roles across various organizations, ranging from small startups to large global enterprises. Commencing my career as a technical developer, I transitioned to project management, delved into sales roles, assumed practice leadership roles, and eventually took executive leadership positions.

I strongly advocate cultivating a wide-ranging skill set for aspiring female leaders by venturing into various roles. Embrace the challenges, for the experiences garnered are invaluable. The more facets of a business you comprehend, the more adept a leader you become. Imposter syndrome far too often holds women back, but I encourage them to be confident and explore different roles. In doing so, you’ll uncover new strengths, gain diverse experiences, and lay the foundation for a triumphant leadership journey.

2. How do you balance professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what strategies have you found effective in maintaining a healthy work-life integration?

I believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This entails actively taking vacation days and incorporating breaks into your daily routine to unwind. I find solace in running—though not at a rapid pace or long distance! Just dedicating 30 minutes to a run works for me. Surprisingly, this is my thinking time, often leading to a new way to approach challenges or explore fresh opportunities.

Take pride in prioritizing a healthy work-life balance. Setting boundaries is commendable, such as declining late-night calls to spend time with family or taking well-deserved days off. Instead of worrying about perceptions of not working hard enough, celebrate what works for you to contribute to a more balanced life.

One positive outcome of the post-COVID era is the increased flexibility in remote work; gone are the days when working from home is seen as unproductive. It is great now that we can all benefit from the productivity of flexibility.

3. Can you speak on any of your recent accomplishments? What are you most proud of in your work at Kantata?

The merger of Mavenlink and Kimble into Kantata brought about the opportunity for rapid growth and change, not only in leadership but also throughout the entire company. I view change as an opportunity and find it exhilarating. I take great pride in the culture, brand, and company we have forged with Kantata.

What excites me most is the innovation we spearhead in our products to lead and change this industry. Pushing the boundaries in an industry traditionally focused on operations, we deliver innovation that empowers companies to nurture their most valuable assets—their employees and customers. Products like Kantata Pulse exemplify our commitment to driving new innovations, and much more is on the horizon.

4. In honor of Women’s History Month, can you highlight a woman leader who has inspired or influenced your career, and how did their impact shape your leadership style?

In an industry that has historically been male-dominated throughout my career, it is difficult to think of a woman leader who inspired me. I’ve been fortunate to encounter numerous male leaders who have been a source of inspiration and influence on my professional journey. Their support has instilled confidence in me, encouraging me to stretch my capabilities and undertake new opportunities. Having a mentor to guide and inspire you is crucial, but it’s essential to note that the mentor doesn’t necessarily need to be a woman; more importantly, they don’t have to share similarities with you. Some of the most valuable mentors I’ve had occupied very different roles and possessed distinct personalities, emphasizing that diversity in mentorship can be highly beneficial.

Fortunately, there has been a positive shift in recent years, and I’m now witnessing the emergence of many inspiring female leaders. They can be found among our clients, company, and investors, serving as daily sources of motivation and encouragement.

Learn More

Sarah is one of many women at Kantata who are driving results both within their organization and within the technology industry. To hear more stories from the women at Kantata, browse the entire Women in Technology series here. And to learn more about career opportunities at Kantata, visit this page.