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, the CMO of Ankaref and Startup Mentor: Aysun Karabıyık Sarıkaya. In our interview, Ms. Aysun Karabıyık Sarıkaya talks about her career journey, how she got acquainted with our association, and shares insights about the ideal world order with technology. As the Marketing Director of Ankaref, Europe’s largest IoT company, she also discusses how the Internet of Things (IoT) will evolve in 2024 and shares future predictions. Additionally, in her role as a start-up mentor, Karabıyık Sarıkaya addresses women who aspire to establish their own startups.
1. Can you share your career journey so far? Could you tell us about those who guided you and the significant turning points in your career?
I have been working in marketing and communication for over 20 years, holding managerial positions. Throughout this time, I have worked in almost every aspect of marketing, both on the corporate and agency sides, gaining experience in various regions at esteemed brands such as Ogilvy, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lenovo. I spent 10 years deeply involved in technology at Lenovo, overseeing all product categories and regions as a responsible executive. After my 20-year corporate career, I wanted to join the startup ecosystem and explore this new world. We set out on a journey with a startup that develops AI-based facial recognition technology and offers a virtual try-on solution. Within just 2.5 years, we achieved significant success by being acquired by a major American company in the technology field. Subsequently, I joined Ankaref, which started as a startup and is now the largest IoT company in Europe. While continuing my career in a company that shapes digital transformation by providing solutions for different sectors, I also continue to mentor technology-focused startups.
Having a successful career in the corporate world has its own turning points, but entering an unknown field and leaving my comfort zone has been the most prominent one. It proved to be an especially more challenging experience than I anticipated, given that it coincided with the pandemic. The startup world is not a place where everyone can make million-dollars; it is much more challenging, risky, and uncertain compared to the corporate world. It is an entirely new world that challenges the perspective of our generation (X), appearing intimidating and requiring more agility than you would expect. In my career, achieving a successful market entry in my first startup in this field was a crucial turning point.
2. How did your paths cross with Wtech? Can you tell us about your relationship with the association?
Gender gap in the technology sector is widening, with only one out of every five individuals working in this field being a woman today. This is something we need to think deeply about. Wtech is an organization dedicated to reversing this trend. With the collaboration of esteemed stakeholders and the tremendous effort that Zehra Öney has individually dedicated for years, the rapid implementation of challenging projects is inspiring. Being part of this exciting initiative is important for me, as an executive who has worked within the technology sector for many years both individually and corporately. It is very valuable that Wtech’s efforts to increase the number of expert women in science and technology and support gender equality, aligns with our projects. For example, with the Ankaref initiative called AYA (Anatolian Talent Academy), we provide post-graduation employment opportunities by offering training to graduating university youth in every part of Anatolia. We take pride in the density of female students.
3. In addition to your role as CMO at Ankaref, you also work as a startup mentor. What message do you have for women in Türkiye who want to start a startup?
Be daring and take risks! Do not allow prejudices, disproportionate criticisms, and the timidity of an unfair world to lead you.
The startup world is an area that necessitates thinking big and taking rapid action. While focusing on big goals, it is crucial not to lose speed. Having a clear plan and being organized to manage your time and resources effectively is indispensable. In your journey, having a strong collaboration with the team you walk side by side is one of the most crucial elements for achieving success. Moreover, building solid relationships with thought leaders and experts can offer you many opportunities. Therefore, participating in relevant events, being part of professional organizations, and seeking mentorship are important. These steps not only expand your network but also contribute to acquiring new knowledge, gaining different perspectives, and personal development.
Of course, there will be moments of failure, and they should definitely occur. In fact, I consider this one of the most important teachings in the world; the harder you fall, the stronger you rise. Learning from setbacks and not succumbing to despair is crucial. In essence, discouragement should be considered as a springboard for even greater growth.
4. As Ankaref, you provide numerous Internet of Things solutions in Türkiye. As you know, the Internet of Things will be among the transformative technologies on our agenda next year, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. What trends do you foresee in this field in 2024?
It is pleasing that organizations now recognize the value of IoT and rapidly embrace the Internet of Things to streamline processes and become more efficient. IoT is becoming a critical force in various sectors, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and transportation.
By the end of 2024, it is estimated that there will be over 207 billion devices connected to the global network of tools, toys, devices, and home appliances that make up the Internet of Things (IoT). As everything, from large industrial devices to smaller, everyday items like toothbrushes and plugs, becomes online, the number of connected IoT devices will continue to rise. The trend of IoT wearable devices, such as health-related products, smartwatches, or smart clothing, has been growing for some time and will gain even more momentum in 2024. Particularly, 5G networks will greatly accelerate the growth of IoT; and the impact of 5G, offering higher speed and lower latency, will enable new generation IoT applications. As cities around the world invest in IoT technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of life for their citizens, we will hear more about smart cities this year.
We will witness significant changes in industries and the redefinition of business strategies at an even faster pace with IoT. All these developments are not just trends but necessities, attracting greater investments in privacy and data security.
5. In a world where technology is used for the benefit of humanity, what do you think the ideal world order should be?
We cannot deny that our world is becoming increasingly technology-focused. I believe technology is meaningful as long as it benefits people. However, as a society, we must be aware of the dangers that the rapid advancement of technology brings and take actions to reduce them while continuing to benefit from the advantages it provides.
Technology gives us the chance to be accessible and to have access. Beyond this, however, it also leads to many groundbreaking developments such as adopting more sustainable methodologies, managing our natural resources better, and the transition to renewable energy sources, all of which have significant positive effects on the environment. The same applies to the healthcare sector.
Rather than merely conforming and consuming, it would be fantastic to live in a world where humans have unique skills that technology cannot replicate! Therefore, I believe our focus should be on “human” and “being human.” Consequently, I hope for a world where empathy, creativity, and communication are emphasized, where humans engage in more value-added tasks as manual processes are automated by robots, making the world more efficient.
I hope that the issue of privacy arising from all these developments is resolved or at least poses minimal risks. The monitoring and sharing of our data are crucial aspects of this new type of connection. The data we collect will guide us in reconsidering and redefining our moral and ethical boundaries.
When technological advancements help humanity take rapid steps toward sustainability, everything will be much better. Never before has a development been both so exciting and potentially dangerous. Therefore, we are all responsible, both individually and collectively, for guiding this process in the right direction through the decisions we make.
