Hello
I'm Katrina Clokie. I've spent the last two decades building a successful career as a leader of software engineering and product management teams. Now I want to help you to shape your leadership journey.
My Story
In 2004 I completed a Bachelor of Computing & Mathematical Science majoring in Software Engineering. As a graduate I only knew about one role in Tech and so I was delighted to get my first job as a Software Developer. Once I was part of the industry I saw the variety of options available. I tried Solution Delivery Engineering, Software Testing, and Quality Engineering roles, then quickly gravitated towards leadership.
​
Becoming a leader in Tech was challenging. I was a talented student and individual contributor, but the skills that I had mastered were not the skills I needed to be successful in a leadership role. Where my learning as an individual contributor was often achieved by attending courses that focused on specific technical knowledge, I was expected to learn how to lead on-the-job in roles where I was accountable for staff and deliverables. It felt high-stakes.
​
After my first experience with direct reports, I took a role as a coach. I spent a couple of years in this position of influence, refining my leadership style and deliberately building skills that I had lacked when managing my own team. I reached out to mentors, attended conferences, read prolifically, and participated in formal training. This period of time set a solid foundation for my next decade as I moved through senior and executive leadership roles.
Through the years I have shared my learning with the industry. I'm regularly invited to keynote at international conferences, founded a software testing magazine, and co-founded WeTest to bring the local software testing community together. In 2017 I published my first book, A Practical Guide to Testing in DevOps, which was well-received by an international audience and has reached over 10,000 readers. At the 2018 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards I was a finalist for the Inspiring Individual of the Year Award.
​As a woman in Tech, I've experienced systemic bias and gendered feedback throughout this journey. The worst of these moments helped to solidify my personal leadership style and made me more determined to turn my differences into strengths. I am renowned for my calm, wise, and pragmatic advice. I bring clear thinking, quick wit, and dry humour to difficult situations. I am skilled at rallying a team to tackle challenges collectively under my transparent and approachable management.
​
Now I want to help you to develop your leadership skills and find your own style. I understand the breadth of leadership opportunities available in Tech and I want you to be successful in your pursuit of these roles. I love to support people to grow, check out what I can offer and get in touch today!