Dear Nguyet,
You started at Adnovum 9 years ago as a professional software engineer and are now a senior software engineer. With a young family, you manage to handle the long, intense days that sometimes come with certain project phases.
We are curious: How do you juggle all your responsibilities?
For me, combining my private and work life is quite manageable most of the time. I set clear boundaries − focusing fully during work hours and switching off to give my personal life the same attention. During intense project phases, I adjust as needed, making time to rest, recharge time for my hobbies, and be with loved ones. It’s an ongoing process, but I’ve found a rhythm that works. I'm also grateful for the support from my team and company, which makes a big difference.
And how does a normal working day look?
I start with a cup of coffee, music, and my task list, spend most of the day coding or collaborating with the team, and wrap up by making sure all code changes are committed.
Can you give us a few examples of when you felt supported by Adnovum on your career journey?
I have felt supported by Adnovum in many ways during my career journey. One of the biggest examples is the flexibility in working hours, which allows me to manage personal matters alongside my work without feeling stressed or rushed and makes a huge difference to my overall well-being and productivity.
I have also benefited from the company’s training programs, particularly those focused on leadership development and collaboration in a multi-cultural team. These opportunities have helped me grow my skills, broaden my perspective, and work more effectively with teammates from diverse backgrounds.
What accomplishments were you (and your team) involved in at Adnovum and are particularly proud of?
One accomplishment I’m proud of is when our Vietnam members had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to meet our Swiss colleagues in person. It was more than just a trip, it gave us the chance to strengthen our relationships, understand each other’s working styles, and experience the culture.
What made you choose this company over others?
It was mainly the combination of culture and opportunity. From the start, I felt the environment here was welcoming and supportive, which was important to me. At the same time, I saw the chance to work on challenging projects with talented colleagues across different cultures.
What does Adnovum offer that other companies don't in relation to working women/moms?
One thing I really appreciate is the genuine flexibility Adnovum provides. It’s not just a policy written on paper, managers truly support us in balancing work and family responsibilities, which makes a big difference as a working mom. I have also felt that my career opportunities weren’t limited because of being a woman.
What do you appreciate the most about Adnovum?
What I appreciate the most is the culture of trust and support. I feel that Adnovum truly values people, not just for the results we deliver, but also for who we are as individuals. That makes me feel safe to share ideas, take on challenges, and keep growing.
Despite your experiences, where can we as Adnovum get better?
While I have had many positive experiences, I believe there are always opportunities for improvement especially by offering programs for women returning after a career break (for family or other reasons). This would help retain and attract talent, while also showing commitment to long-term career sustainability.
How did the working world change with respect to equality since you joined Adnovum?
When I first started, equality and inclusion were already strong values in the company, but over time I have noticed that they have become even more natural in the way we work. It’s not just about having policies or programs anymore, it’s visible in daily interactions, in how teams collaborate across countries, and in how women, including moms, are trusted with senior responsibilities.
How about the diversity in your team?
Our team is quite diverse in many aspects. We have colleagues across different job profiles, from developers and testers to business experts and product owners, which gives us a broad mix of expertise. We also span different age groups and career stages, so everyone brings a unique perspective to problem solving. And because we work across countries, there’s strong cultural diversity that makes our collaboration richer. With women in development and testing roles, we bring a strong sense of balance and inclusivity to the team’s gender representation.
Do you know of any diversity projects happening at Adnovum?
Yes, I’m aware that the company is running several initiatives to strengthen diversity and inclusion. For example, we have training sessions not just for minority groups but for everyone to build allyship skills and raise awareness of unconscious bias. We also have a dedicated space where employees from different backgrounds share their stories on how to set goals, etc. These would take our diversity journey into new areas and keep us ahead of the curve.
What is it that women can do better at work than men? And is there something men can do better than women?
I think both women and men bring different strengths to the workplace. In my experience, women often bring strong skills in empathy, active listening, and collaboration, which help build trust and strengthen teamwork. Men, on the other hand, sometimes tend to be more direct in communication and quicker in decision-making, which can also be valuable in certain situations. But I believe it’s less about who does something better and more about how these different strengths complement each other. When we combine them, we get the best results as a team.
Do you have a role model or various role models that inspired you? If yes, how?
I have several role models, especially women in tech and leadership who’ve shown it’s possible to succeed in a male-dominated field while staying authentic. They lead with empathy and use their positions to support others. I’m also inspired by colleagues who demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and integrity every day.
One person I’d like to mention is my colleague Yael. She balances a demanding career and personal life, even with frequent travel. What I admire most is her confidence − she speaks with clarity and conviction, earns respect, and remains approachable and supportive. She’s a great example of leading with both strength and empathy.
What advice would you give to female colleagues?
Trust your skills, keep learning, and don’t hesitate to speak up for your ideas. Success in IT is not about fitting into a mold, it’s about bringing your own strengths and using them with confidence.
Thank you for the interview, Nguyet. We wish you many successful years at Adnovum and exciting projects ahead.