Samodien: breaking barriers and empowering women in tech

AS chief executive of Aspire Solutions, Mushfiqoh Samodien has been recognised as one of the Top Women in Tech, an accolade she described as deeply personal.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

"It was not just a milestone, but a moment that reminded me of every time I felt like I did not belong and still showed up. I never set out to be a woman in tech. I was just a woman trying to build something meaningful. But over time, I realised the power in owning both, the woman and the tech," Samodien told Business Report.

Samodien's career in a male-dominated sector had not followed the mould. She often brought colour into rooms that expected grey and asked questions when silence would have been easier.

"I also saw something many missed, that tech is about people, not just systems. Once I understood that, I knew I had a place," she said.

She acknowledged that challenges remained. The silent expectation to rise without asking and to succeed without showing struggle weighed heavily in her early career. Imposter syndrome and the pressure of being the first in many spaces added to the climb.

"I overcame them by leaning into my truth, building relationships, and refusing to shrink. I stopped trying to fit into spaces not made for me and focused on belonging and helping others belong too," Samodien further added.

At Aspire Solutions, gender empowerment had been central to her leadership. She believed it was not a policy but a practice.

"We created a space where women could lead without apology, grow without permission, and bring their full selves into the room," she said.