Through the “Conversations with Our Members” series, we have the opportunity to have an enjoyable conversation with one of the members of the Woman in Technology Association family, listen to their experiences, and learn about their relationship with technology. We continue our series with another Corporate Member: DZD Technology COO & Deputy CEO, Özlem Atan. In our interview, Ms. Özlem Atan talks about her career journey, her story of getting acquainted with our association, the ideal structure of a world where technology is used for the benefit of people, elements of gender equality and diversity in the Turkish business world, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence both in Turkey and globally, especially on individuals, institutions, and women.
1. So far, what has been your career journey? Can you talk about the people who have guided you along the way and the significant turning points in your career?
After graduating from Boğaziçi University, I started working at HSBC Turkey. Although I didn’t particularly aspire to banking, the world of credit cards intrigued me because the goal was to touch the customer every day and persuade them to make a decision. Following product management roles in credit cards at both HSBC and Citibank Turkey, I took on the role of Digital Transformation leader at HSBC. During that period, I led the main banking transformation project, which was completed quickly with substantial investments, while also serving as the leader of retail banking. Simultaneously, I was involved in critical M&A projects.
My deepening relationship with technology actually began here. It was a period where we accelerated digital transformation. Alongside process designs and optimization, I continued as the COO of Retail Banking by adding financial income-expense and strategic leadership responsibilities. My master’s degree in Communication Strategies from Galatasaray University elevated my leadership communication skills to the next level.
After contributing to innovations in digital transformation such as remote customer acquisition, transformation to paperless processes, and diversification of investment operations on digital platforms, I joined the DZD Technology family. While leading in process, financial analysis, and digitalization on the other side of the table for many years, I am now tasked with steering DZD, a rapidly growing startup in the sector for 5 years, towards further success as someone who understands the needs of the finance sector from the heart of technology and trusts its quality and outputs.
2. How did your paths cross with Wtech? Can you talk about your relationship with the association?
During the growth phase of the DZD Technology family, we wanted to be involved in non-profit organizations in the sector and move forward with leading pioneers in this field. With the belief in “strength from unity,” we aimed to contribute to both the growth of DZD and the advancement of the sector. Our membership in Wtech began with this purpose.
Furthermore, the dominance of men in the technology sector and the pioneering role of organizations like Wtech in promoting women leadership in Technology personally intrigued me. I value women leadership and women leaders.
3. In a world where technology is used for the benefit of humanity, what do you think the ideal world order should be?
Every point where technology is used for the benefit of humanity is very valuable. I see that the journey, which began for easy and fast access to information, continues with intelligent and appropriate usage of information. I expect it to continue this way. Since Artificial Intelligence is pregnant with innovations in this field, it is currently seen as the technology and potential of the century – I agree. A game plan has emerged where the one who uses accumulated data in the smartest way at the right time will win. The technology company that presents software with a high accuracy rate will be the winner of the game.
It is inevitable for the usage area to be “for the benefit of humanity”. After all, a solution that does not benefit humanity will not be accepted. Artificial intelligence technologies used in consumption areas will be a good growth opportunity for the business world.
Of course, there will be a solution for everything… Being “the first” is important here. Just like us at DZD Technology, we aim to be the first with the solutions we offer to the finance sector. Just like our first cloud-based end-to-end channel solution, DoKa, our goal is to “create a new first” for the use of artificial intelligence in the finance sector.
4. How do you evaluate gender equality and diversity in the Turkish business world? What initiatives do you think companies should take to achieve gender parity and promote equal opportunities in the workplace?
I think we agree that it is not equal and there is little diversity. The path for the technology sector, which is a male-dominated sector, is longer compared to other sectors.
The first issue independent of the sector is wage and opportunity equality. It is necessary to eliminate situations where equal education, equal experience, equal competence, but different gender, culture, or ethnic origin do not receive equal pay. I think that there are no situations other than “inequality” due to the “gulf” in the title of “budget management”.
Another issue is the “glass ceiling”. Women’s ability to manage different issues at the same time, to think multitasking and emotional balance is often labeled as “area/focus problem” in business life. Frankly, the only thing that the new world order, robots, technology, or artificial intelligences cannot do is “emotional intelligence”. Therefore, it will be inevitable for the role of women to increase in every area, both out of necessity and in accordance with the principle of equality. Women and men are not the same – yes, but as long as we add the color of differences to processes, we can obtain better and higher quality outputs in every area.
5. As you know, there is a very serious artificial intelligence transformation in Turkey and the world. How do you evaluate this transformation? What steps do you think individuals, companies, and especially women should take to adapt to this transformation?
At this point, I don’t think that women or men are separated. All individuals who are interested and want to understand the subject need to enter into the topic by reading and researching and allocate time to what can be done in the field of artificial intelligence.
The first condition to adapt to the transformation and digitalization is not to deny this reality with the fear of “taking over human’s place”.
Secondly, especially if you are an entrepreneur, you need to mature your ideas about usage areas and bring them to life.
We, as DZD technology, are currently working on our new artificial intelligence-based product. We plan to complete it by the end of 2024 by presenting new usage areas in the finance field.
