About Marwa Abbass, General Manager and Technology Leader, Egypt, IBM

I joined IBM in March 1994 as an early professional and quickly progressed to become a Channel Sales Representative. Over my 30 years at IBM, I’ve held numerous sales and leadership roles in Egypt and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) within the Personal Computing Division, General Business Unit, Business Partner Organization, and Channel Marketing.

In 2013, I was entrusted with the mission of creating and launching the first MEA Digital Sales Center in Cairo. I successfully established and led the operation, ensuring exceptional service to MEA clients.

I am deeply passionate about nurturing young talent and creating a hub of dynamic, diverse skills to better serve MEA countries, with a special focus on the African continent.

My qualifications include a BSc. in Computer Science and an MBA from the American University in Cairo.

Thoughts about the tech industry:

Technology as the Key to Success

Technology has become an integral part of every industry, no longer standing alone but deeply intertwined with all businesses and sectors. The global digital transformation has reshaped the landscape, making technological proficiency a necessity in every job and field. I firmly believe that technology is not just a tool; it is the key to success, providing a competitive edge and driving personal growth.

Today, proficiency in technology, including fields like finance, law, and health, is essential. The more individuals are empowered with technological literacy, the greater their chances of success in their respective fields.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Productivity and Business

Speaking of technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a hot topic. The application of AI, especially generative AI, is revolutionizing personal productivity and transforming businesses and enterprises. While AI adoption is still in its early stages compared to the internet and mobile phones, its acceleration could outpace them. My anticipation is that intelligence and AI adoption will soon become commonplace across various fields.

Embarking on a Career in Technology: My Journey from High School to IBM

Since high school, I was in favor of STEM education and in 1989, during my freshman year at university, I chose to explore computer science, a new but promising major at the time. I supplemented this with a minor in Business Administration to gain a holistic understanding. Upon graduation, I was drawn to IBM, a renowned tech company, and was fortunate to join. I envisioned a lifelong career with IBM, a vision that has stood the test of over 30 years.

Navigating Career Growth: Leveraging Feminine Skills and Qualities for Success 

Throughout my career at IBM, I’ve leveraged my technical expertise while enhancing my business acumen, navigating various roles to expand my skills and responsibilities. I believe that women, in particular, canleverage their innate qualities such as instinct, passion, and multitasking to excel in the tech industry. Determination, a sense of ownership, and a focus on task completion are also crucial for success, traits that women can cultivate and harness to achieve their goals.