Tianyin and Meenu are two brilliant colleagues and champions, in their own right, within the world of STEM sector (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). They share their journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of women considering a career in this exciting industry. Their stories show what’s possible when women lead with purpose – and why bold thinking, ownership, and people-first values – that we share at Basware – matter more than ever.

Tell us about your role at Basware.

Tianyin: I feel incredibly lucky to be the first AI Designer at Basware, working within the AI & Data Enablement team, which is pivotal to our strategic approach. My role sits at the intersection of AI, design, and business where I lead the discovery and design of AI solutions to tackle real business challenges. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify pain points and explore opportunities for leveraging generative AI solutions.

Meenu: As Director of Product Development, I lead programs that connect our product vision to execution, ensuring delivery is closely aligned with strategic business goals and customer needs. My role involves driving cross-functional collaboration, breaking down silos, and promoting transparency to enable smooth and effective teamwork. I am passionate about creating an environment where teams feel empowered to innovate, take ownership, and grow. By combining strategic direction with a strong commitment to team culture, I strive to build resilient, high-performing teams that consistently deliver meaningful value.

What’s a career highlight, from your time so far at Basware, that you’re proud of? 

Tianyin: Although my time at Basware has been relatively short so far, just over six months in fact, I am proud that I successfully led the Microsoft Copilot Adoption pilot back in late 2024, which started shortly after I joined. My team and I organized and tailored the entire training program, making it function-specific and use-case-specific. This resulted in doubling the value of time saved, achieving high engagement, and receiving excellent feedback from our internal ‘customers’.

Meenu: I joined Basware in 2012 as a Lead Software Engineer and have had the privilege of taking on various roles throughout my tenure. One of my most significant accomplishments is the successful delivery of Basware Insights in early 2025. This achievement is particularly notable due to the value it delivered to both our customers and Basware. We saw strong interest and got it into the hands of our customers even  before the product reached General Availability, and within two months of its GA, nearly 40% of customers had already switched from the old Analytics and legacy Insights to Basware Insights. It’s an amazing feeling, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such a talented team that made this happen.

What does a good company culture look like to you?

Tianyin: Openness and a mission to deliver real value. At Basware, I see this in action in our core values – Driving Customer Value, Taking Ownership, and Being Bold. We prioritize delivering exceptional value to our customers by understanding their needs and providing innovative solutions. The culture of taking ownership and being bold is evident in the way I can pitch to anyone, even our CEO, at any time. Every one of us is encouraged to take responsibility, challenge the status quo, and contribute to the company’s success. That kind of empowerment is rare.

Meenu: A good company culture is where people feel safe, valued, and empowered – where there is trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to both individual growth and collective success. It’s about creating an environment where diverse voices are heard, collaboration is encouraged, and people are respected and supported.  I see this culture in action at Basware every day.  We are encouraged to speak up, challenge ideas, and explore new ways of working. There’s a strong emphasis on alignment with strategy and on people-first leadership, where the wellbeing and development of team members truly matter.

Basware’s culture has had a significant impact on me both professionally and personally.

During the delivery of Basware Insights, cross-functional teams came together in a deeply collaborative way, trusted to make decisions, iterate quickly, and take ownership – which not only drove customer value but also boosted team morale and resilience.
And from a personal perspective, when I became a mother, the trust and flexibility I received from both my manager and Basware were crucial in helping me balance my professional and personal responsibilities.
This support enabled me to continue thriving in my role while managing my home life. Without this support, I likely would have had to step away from my career years ago.

What’s it like working in a male-dominated field? Have your experiences changed over time?

Tianyin: In the field of technology, I see it as ‘engineering skills dominated’ rather than male-dominated. I believe it’s not about gender; it’s all about skills. Fortunately, I’ve seen a positive shift towards greater diversity and inclusion. I am seeing more women coders and women excelling in roles that require strong soft skills, such as communication, project management, product management and design etc. I hope to see even more diversity in the future.

Meenu:  The journey hasn’t been without challenges,  especially early in my career. I sometimes felt like I had to work a bit harder to prove myself than my male counterparts. As I progressed, the environment evolved – there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Conversations around gender equity in tech has become more open, and I’ve been fortunate to work in organizations, like Basware, where there’s genuine trust, flexibility, and support.
I’ve also taken it upon myself to support other women in tech, helping to create an environment where women feel empowered and supported in pursuing their aspirations.
We still have work to do when it comes to gender balance, but I’m proud to see the progress and to be part of a culture where everyone – no matter their gender, can thrive and make an impact.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in tech?

Tianyin: Be bold. Learn to pitch yourself and seize opportunities to showcase your unique selling points. Sometimes, you might need to create the opportunity yourself. Give it a try; you’re young, and there’s nothing to lose. Be persistent; failure is just a test to discover that one way might not work, so try another way. Seek out mentors and allies who can support your growth, and don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects. 

Meenu: Believe in yourself and don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or the challenges (professional and personal); take them as opportunities for growth. Find mentors who can guide and inspire you. And embrace learning at every stage of your career. Tech is always changing. Staying curious and adaptable will help you stay ahead.