Celebrating the Women Behind our Technology, The Women of GO

Celebrating the Women Behind our Technology, The Women of GO – Elaine Fenech 

In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, where progress seems boundless, the narratives of individuals conquering obstacles and pushing boundaries often go unnoticed. We are thrilled to celebrate stories of professional growth, resilience, innovation, leadership, dedication, and expertise within GO.  

We would like to spotlight Elaine, an extraordinary leader who has not only embraced the ever-evolving technological world but has also played a pivotal role in shaping our offerings and relationships with our business partners. 

Meet Elaine, our Senior Manager – GO Business. 

Can you tell us about your journey in telecommunications?  

My journey started when I finished University. I joined GO thinking it would be a short stint. The first digital fixed telephony exchanges had just been installed and we started exploring value-added services in telecommunications. I did some very interesting training at BT (British Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United Kingdom) and introduced a full range of telephone sets in our outlets. More opportunities followed and we developed a Marketing department from scratch, and the first website for the company. It was interesting to be part of the transformation of the company, from engineering, it led GO to be more customer-focused. 

What are some key achievements or milestones in your career within GO?  

Working in telecommunications made me discover what I am good at. When GO was privatised, I decided that I was done with marketing and asked if I could take responsibility for the corporate arm. I am a people person; I love the face-to-face interactions and the possibilities that exist in the corporate world. 

GO was the first company to introduce dedicated account managers. We spend valuable time with our clients and pride ourselves in conducting business with honesty and integrity. The result is a high level of trust by our clients, making GO Business their partner of choice. Every day I remind my team that we are here to serve our clients and indirectly have an impact on the economy in general. 

Why do you think telecommunications is an attractive field for women, and what opportunities does it offer?  

The industry is attractive in general, and I would not single out women. I am proud that half of my team is made up of extremely efficient and hardworking women who give excellent service and have embraced technology. This industry has been an enabler for remote working and flexibility, providing the tools and the underlying technology to allow people to work wherever they are. 

Can you share your experiences regarding GO’s support for women’s career development and advancement?  

We are encouraged to show interest and apply for any internal job opportunities, we are supported to learn and as a female Senior Manager, I never felt that I was treated differently to my male counterparts. The leadership training and coaching is excellent and continuous, and possibly unmatched by other local companies. 

Can you tell us about the mentors or role models who have helped shape your career? 

I was lucky that my first boss gave me a strong work ethic. He was a hard worker and very well-versed technologically, though an accountant by profession. On one occasion, he sent me into a room full of engineers and asked me to write a press release. I went in with a blank paper and left the room with a blank paper as these engineers were intentionally using technical jargon and told him that I had not understood anything.  

Obviously, there was no Internet, nor Chat GPT and he still asked me to do my research. I started reading industry magazines, taking my coffee breaks with engineers to pick their brains and absorb whatever knowledge I could to be able to translate the technical jargon into layman’s terms when writing marketing material.  

Can you share instances where you received support or guidance that contributed to your success in the field?  

Both my grandfathers were astute businessmen and taught me the value of business reciprocity from a young age. My husband was my walking PhD in business; he prides himself of having been CEO of a company with 60% females in management, and this was 25 years ago. He always encouraged me to pursue a career.  

Perhaps my biggest influence was my mother who would remind my sister and me that the best gift that we could give ourselves was the possibility to stand on our own two feet. 

What excites you about the latest technological advancements and innovations in telecommunications?  

It is the change that innovation brings with it. No one day is the same. When I look back to where we started and where we are now, I realise how fast we move thanks to technology. We started with a simple telephone line, and today we have ChatGPT to help us communicate better.  

How does GO foster an environment of continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies?  

We discuss new technologies, we train our people, we read and as Senior Managers we are the first to adopt the technology. Last year GO invested in a cybersecurity company called Cybersift. I was the first one out the ground helping with the first sales pitches as GO. I wanted to experience the service, the client’s expectations, and their reactions. When we started training the team, as management, we could take our first-hand experiences to the training room, and the team could see our excitement and quickly started contacting clients.  

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

Go for it, make it a way of life. You will find that there is a lot of respect for people in telecommunications.   

What are your hopes and aspirations for the next generation of women in telecommunications?  

I would like to see more women at the chief and board level in telecommunications. I think this industry has not started fully taking advantage of the fact that many of us have broken the glass ceiling and that we are happy to advance despite the juggling that we often face between our working life and our personal lives.  

How has the telecom industry evolved to become more inclusive and diverse in recent years? 

This is an avant-garde industry. Knowledge and expertise are not defined by gender, colour or sexual orientation. We love diversity, we look at capabilities, experience, and attitude. 

These women are visionaries, leaders, and motivators for both their colleagues and future generations. They’ve navigated through industry shifts, embraced evolving technologies, and have become inspirational for those eager to forge their own ways in the dynamic world of technology. 

Thank you, Elaine, for sharing your journey with us! 

Let’s come together to applaud the women who are part of our success and growth at GO; Keep an eye out for more inspiring stories!