Software shapes almost every part of modern life – how businesses grow, how people learn and how communities connect and innovate. Behind that progress are the people building careers across leadership, strategy, finance and operations.
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the women across the Vesta community whose work drives that impact every day. Their paths into the industry are varied, but they share something powerful: curiosity, resilience and the confidence to step into new opportunities.
We spoke with three women from across our group about their careers, what they’re proud of and the advice they’d give to the next generation considering a future in software.
Emma Dyer
Chief Operating Officer, Jonas Fintech
Emma’s career spans more than 20 years across technology, innovation and financial services. After two decades in the industry, she found herself ready for something different – a challenge that pushed her outside her comfort zone. Watching her children grow up in an increasingly digital world made her realise just how central software had become to everyday life, and she decided to take a leap into the sector.
While her professional achievements are visible, Emma says the moments she values most often happen quietly.
“I’m proud of building a life that feels grounded and full of strong relationships… staying true to my values, even during difficult times.”
That people-first philosophy shapes how she thinks about workplace culture. For Emma, creating an environment where women thrive is about genuine inclusion, not symbolic representation.
“Women need to feel genuinely heard and valued – not included as a gesture, but recognised as equals whose perspectives matter.”
At Vesta, she says that sense of trust is real. Feeling listened to gives her the confidence to take on new challenges and continue growing. Flexibility has also played an important role in maintaining balance alongside a demanding leadership role. Working a compressed fortnight gives her every other Friday off – time she treasures with her family.
Her message to young women considering a career in software is direct and empowering:
Be brave. Don’t let self-doubt talk you out of opportunities. There is absolutely space for you in this industry.
Sara Cox
M&A and Strategy Analyst, Vesta Software Group
Sara began her career in finance before joining Vesta in a central finance role. She later transitioned into M&A and strategy to broaden her commercial experience while still leveraging her financial expertise – a reminder that software careers extend far beyond technical roles.
Much of her growth, she says, has happened quietly.
“A lot of growth isn’t visible. It comes from showing up, staying committed and backing yourself.”
For Sara, confidence builds through learning, asking questions and stepping outside her comfort zone. She believes the same principles apply to creating workplaces where women thrive: support, encouragement and the freedom to use your voice.
At Vesta, she’s found that access to senior leaders and opportunities to take initiative have been instrumental in her development. Feeling trusted to manage her workload, with support available when needed, has helped make challenges feel more manageable.
Her advice to young women is reassuring and grounded in her own experience:
You don’t need to know how to code to build a career in software, curiosity and confidence will take you far.
Thomasina Ward
Portfolio Manager, Vesta Software Group
Thomasina has spent more than 20 years in the EdTech sector, working across software development, business processes and leadership. From the beginning, she was driven by the desire to build solutions that genuinely solve problems for customers.
Since joining Vesta more than six years ago, she has held multiple leadership roles, from Managing Director positions to her current role supporting more than ten businesses across the portfolio. For her, the most rewarding part of leadership is seeing others grow.
“Seeing people grow, build confidence and succeed is the most rewarding part of leadership.”
She believes Vesta’s culture of trust and autonomy plays a crucial role in enabling that growth. Leaders are empowered to take ownership, supported by a strong peer network that both challenges and inspires.
“When people believe in what’s possible, they grow in ways that transform teams.”
Her advice to young women echoes a theme shared across all three stories:
The software industry is bigger than people realise. Stay curious, explore different paths and step into roles that stretch you.
Building opportunities for women in software
Emma, Sara and Thomasina’s experiences highlight the breadth of opportunity within the software industry, from finance and strategy to leadership and operations. Their stories reinforce an important truth: careers in software rarely follow a single path. They evolve through curiosity, learning and the courage to take on new challenges.
At Vesta, creating an environment where people feel trusted and empowered to grow helps make those journeys possible.
And for the next generation of women considering a career in software, the message is clear: there is space for you here.
