Edge Women of the Year Interview – Nancy Shemwell, Trilogy Networks

In the lead-up to Edge Computing World, we’re taking some time to speak to this year’s finalists of the Edge Women of the Year award. Today we’re talking to Nancy Shemwell, Chief Operating Officer at Trilogy Networks

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Tell us a bit about yourself – what led you to get involved in the edge computing market?

I have had been fortunate to have a large variety of jobs in my career, from corporate C-Suite to CEO of several start-up across multiple technologies.  What they have all had in common is they have been emerging technologies at the right time to intercept the market and deliver dynamic change and value to business operations.  The “edge” market was a natural migration having lead an Industrial IoT cyber security start-up, then involved with the leading global IoT thought leadership association, The IoT Community, I moved to Trilogy Networks. 

How does diversity benefit the edge environment?

I believe diversity of thought benefits all work environments.  Have different perspectives of emerging technology and markets is necessary to leverage the full advantage of the opportunities that are presenting themselves in this dynamic space.

Tell us what is one lesson you’ve learned that’s unique to being a female leader in the Edge space?

I don’t know if it’s being female or just a non-engineer, but a business approach rather than an engineering approach always presents an issue when entering a new team – helping them to understand the value associated with being market-facing and customer value always take time to establish your personal value in the eyes of the organization.

How do you see the edge market developing over the next few years?

I believe the market opportunity is limitless – with projections that 75% of the applications will reside in the edge and advanced AI/ML technologies impacting every area of life… it’s like nothing seen since electricity was introduced in the 1930’s.

What advice would you give to other women entering the edge space, and/or what are some ways in which you have helped to support and lift other women in the space up?

My best advice is to join the team – regardless of the make-up of gender etc.  if you think you are different you will be different.  Focus on the value your opinions bring to the table, not do they value a women in the group.  I have been a mentor for years – I think I lift them up by telling them to walk into the room and make sure they don’t bring a pre-conceived bias into the room.  There are plenty of challenges in front of us – but we also have the opportunity to create the environment we want to be a part of. 

Thanks Nancy – best of luck with the Award !