Women at 1Spatial

We had the chance to sit and chat with Claire to better understand her role at 1Spatial. We know that her life as a CEO can be very busy, so it was great to have this time with her. It was clear that she is passionate about what she does and really enjoys talking to everyone to get to know them better.

We took this opportunity to ask her some questions: 

How did you get into working within the GIS industry?  

I was previously the CFO at 1Spatial and then I had the opportunity to be the CEO. How could I turn that down when it is such an exciting industry to be in?!  Whilst being the CEO, my knowledge of the industry has increased exponentially. I find the best way to learn is to listen to our customers and go to industry events. I feel incredibly lucky to be in an industry that can really make a positive difference to the world and society. 

How do you feel about being the CEO and what unique qualities do you bring to the role being a woman?  

I love my job and I feel very privileged to work for such an amazing company that has wonderful people, customers, and technology. I am not sure whether this is specific to women, but I like to think that I bring drive, passion, energy, empathy, and the ability to see things from all perspectives.

What other women inspire you? Why?  

My mum and my Executive Assistant Beth, for their strength, energy, and healthy habits. The late Queen, Elizabeth II, for her strong leadership and commitment. In business, Caroline Forde from Alma Strategic Communications for her great insights, calm nature, dependability, and ability to always bring things together.

What future predictions do you have for the industry?     

More data, more complex data, more geospatial data, more sharing of data (get the gist 😉)…. Organisation’s must have good data foundations, leveraging all sorts of tools and AI (Artificial Intelligence) so that we can make really good use of that data to solve the world's challenges!

If you could do anything, what would it be? 

I enjoy the time with our customers in government and especially the military. If I had the chance to do something for my country (possibly secret squirrel style) that would be exciting, but I think I am a bit too scared to do it! 😊  

It was very clear to see how much Claire enjoys her role as well as how much she cares about making the world a better place. 

Her strength, determination and knowledge have brought her to where she is right now… and she still has much more to do! 

We caught up with Imen, part of our Tunisian team, to learn about her role at 1Spatial and the influence technology has had on her life

What made you pursue a career in technology? And what did you study?

Technology has always interested me, and as a woman, I believe it offers me numerous opportunities for growth, innovation, and equity. I’ve studied Geomatics and Topography engineering at the Private University of Aeronautics and Technology (ESAT).

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in tech?

If I were able to talk with my younger self, I would myself to not underestimate my capabilities, and to be more confident in my abilities;  to just trust myself more. The way you portray yourself is how others acknowledge you.

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? What do you like most about it?  

1Spatial felt like the right fit for me, it is a company that allows you to grow in your field and the technology that they develop is a great fit. I always want to learn new skills and take on new challenges and here at 1Spatial, I have been able to do that, which allowed me to grow professionally and personally.

What I enjoy the most about 1Spatial are its values and the impact they are having on the world.

 What other women inspire you? Why?  

My mum is my main inspiration! She is next to me, pushing me on in those moments of self-doubt and lack of strength. She is always there telling me that I can do it and that I am strong.

If you could do anything, what would it be? 

More confident and less dependent on others! Additionally, I am committed to advancing women's empowerment.

What motivates you?

Making a positive impact on other people's lives is something that I am passionate about, whether it is helping by passing on my skills and experience, or being there as their support.

Getting to know the people from 1Spatial is something incredible as you can see that they care about their peers, the environment… overall, making the world a better place.

We’re excited to share our conversation with Ouafaa a member from our Belgium Team to learn more about her and 1Spatial.

What made you pursue a career in technology

I love working in the technology sector, it's a fascinating and fast-moving field. This means you must keep abreast of the latest trends and acquire new skills, I find this very stimulating and creative with all the challenges it brings.

And what did you study?

I have two diplomas: statistics engineering and computer engineering.

I didn’t plan to study computer science but when I was in my second year of my Statistical Engineering Cycle, I had my first programming course and was so impressed that I realised I had to dig deeper and learn more. So, when I finished the course, I took the competitive examination to join the Computer Engineering Cycle.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in tech?

I would say to enjoy every step of the way. Working in this field is a privilege… I would even dare to say the best choice I have ever made! For me, it is the best job I could ask for. I never get bored as I’m always facing new challenges, and it’s so creative and rewarding… I would repeat every step of the way!

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? 

Honestly, I was looking for a job in a company with a technical background.  After some time looking, I came across 1Spatial, which caught my attention for its technological background and high-level expertise in GIS.

What do you like most about it?

As is clear, I like its technological side, but putting that aside… the strong relationships and bonds with my team, which are based on trust, mutual support, good communication and the desire to produce quality products using the latest technologies.

What other women inspire you? Why?

My mother, who pushed me from an early age to follow my dreams and never give up. I admire my colleague, Celine, for her energy, dynamism and enthusiasm for new technologies. And Angela Merkel for her power, simplicity, calm and long-term vision.

If you could do anything, what would it be?

I'd love to advance women's equality when it comes to accessing technical studies and certain functions.

What have you learned since you followed this path?

I've learnt a lot of technical and business skills through the different technologies and applications we use, but above all I've learned a lot about relationships ; which are the key to success and fulfillment in both professional and private life.

Communicating well and sharing with your team, being attentive, available and flexible to change.

We’ve engaged in conversation with one of our Project Managers on the UK Team and we have been able to learn more about her and what 1Spatial means to her.

What made you pursue a career in technology? And what did you study?

Since I was young, I have always enjoyed a challenge, untangling problems, and finding a creative solution. If I was able to do it through maths and science that would make it more alluring.

This passion naturally steered me towards an engineering degree in electronics and computer science.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in tech?

Tech is a fast-moving field, so it is important to focus on developing strong learning habits that will help with career development. It is needed to catch and understand the latest updates!

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? What do you like most about it?

At 1Spatial, I applied for a Project Manager position, a dynamic role that demanded immediate immersion. The position really excited me as this meant I would be managing client expectations and fostering collaboration among internal and external stakeholders to ensure project success.

I truly enjoy working at 1Spatial. The company fosters a strong sense of work ethic, with everyone committed to doing their best. The team is incredibly friendly and supportive, creating a collaborative and positive atmosphere – it genuinely feels like we're 1Family.

What other women inspire you? Why?

Marie Curie: A pioneering scientist who conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

Coco Chanel: A truly inspiring fashion designer who was also an entrepreneur, with her iconic designs, business savvy and unwavering confidence.

If you could do anything, what would it be?

Art, it something that has always captivated me, and if I could do anything, I can easily imagine myself as an interior designer, transforming spaces with a creative eye.

Once again, we had the opportunity to talk with one of the women in our global team in Tunisia. Nada spoke to us about the impact technology has had on her life and why she chose 1Spatial.

What made you pursue a career in technology? And what did you study? 

After obtaining my bachelor diploma, I joined the preparatory institute for engineering studies for two years. Then, I studied for three years to obtain the national engineering diploma in computer science, with a specialty in embedded systems. 

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in tech? 

I would encourage her to not be afraid of failure, instead to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Also, I would tell her to approach work with humility and to remember that continuous learning is key to success in the dynamic field of technology. 

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? What do you like most about it? 

I chose to work at 1Spatial because I found opportunities that interested me and appreciated the flexibility in time and work arrangements.

At 1Spatial, I truly value the collaborative atmosphere where teamwork thrives and support is always available. The flexible conditions contribute to a positive work/life balance. The company’s passion for technology and commitment to career development is inspiring. Additionally, its focus on employee well-being creates a supportive workplace that I greatly appreciate.

What other women inspire you? Why? 

In Tunisia, there are women who have actively participated in the future of their country. They made their mark in politics, public life and academia. Some Tunisian women I look up to are:

My mum. My mother is my biggest inspiration, and is the most strong, extremely smart and independent woman. She has taught me to always chase my dreams and fight for the things that are close to my heart.

Tawhida Ben Sheikh. She was the first Arab and Muslim women to become a physician in the twentieth century. She is particularly renowned for her work in women’s health and specialisation in Gynaecology.

In the wider world, I’m inspired by:

Ada Lovelace. She is often regarded as one of the first computer programmers.

Oprah. She is my role model on how to express deep thoughts in an articulate and powerful manner and shows how you can use a public platform to convey her message. She is an inspiration to always be vocal and to stand up for what you believe in.

If you could do anything, what would it be? 

If I could do anything, I would strive to lift people out of poverty, promote empathy and kindness, and utilise my skills for positive societal impact.

What have you learned since you followed this path?  

Since embarking on this path, I have learned the importance of teamwork, collaborating effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I have also honed my ability to thrive in well-organised environments, adapting to new technologies and acquiring new skills.

What projects or innovations are you most proud of? 

Professionally, I’m proud to be a member of a friendly team. Outside of work, I’m proud to be a member of Tunisian SCOUT, which enables my children to spend a lot of time outdoors learning new skills. I get to watch them grow in self-confidence as they learn to make new friends.

What motivates you? 

I’m driven by the mutual respect and generosity that thrives from being in a team environment. I find motivation in working without undue stress and enjoy the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge languages and technologies. This allows me to stay current in my field.

We are highlighting Marie Ribeiro from our French Team, a single mother who lives with her 8-year-old son.

What made you pursue a career in technology? And what did you study?

In my youth, I wasn’t particularly focused on new technologies. I tried to follow fashion trends but nothing more. Rigorous and very academic, I earned a degree in geography in Bordeaux, a professional degree in SIG3T in Orléans, and a professional master’s degree in geomatics in Montpellier.

I discovered GIS during the first years of my bachelor’s degree in Bordeaux and really liked it. We created thematic maps with ArcGIS Desktop and MapInfo, worked on remote sensing, and developed Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). The professional degree in Orléans allowed me to specialise in and approach topography with measuring devices. I am fascinated by the interest and attraction that maps generate, their role in decision-making, and the governance of territories. Technology offers ever more powerful tools to deepen and perfect all this.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in tech?

The new generation is introduced to new technologies at a very young age. I advise them to choose their academic path based on their performance and ability. To give everything you have and everything you can, you must love the subject.

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? What do you like most about it?

In addition to working with maps, I like to be of service. My position as a 1Spatial technical support consultant allows me to do both: working in GIS while serving customers. My main objective is to ensure that our tools enable them to perform their jobs well, comfortably, and efficiently, ensuring the satisfaction of both the users and the services that depend on them.

What other women inspire you? Why?

My mother, my grandmother, and currently, the writer Colette. I admire women who assert themselves, take a stand, and demystify all kinds of problems.

This month we are delighted to feature one of our US team members, Claygee Da Silva. She is our Director of CX (Customer Experience) and Professional Services based in our US office, and she took the time to answer a few questions so we could find out a bit more about her.

What did you study? And what made you pursue that career? (if you have a tech background, why did you study tech? when did you realise that you wanted to work on tech?) 

I chose a career in Customer Experience and Services because it is something I am passionate about and where I get the most job satisfaction.

From a very young age I was fascinated by puzzles and maths, I loved solving complex problems. So, I decided to study computer science at university. At first, I thought I would become a developer and work with computer graphics.

However, early in my career I was offered a job in a GIS company. I fell in love with it, and because of my communication and interpersonal skills, I was assigned to work with the technical support and training teams. I started to move out of development and worked my way into professional services. I became fascinated with how customer satisfaction can impact the success and growth of businesses and realised that's where my passion lies.

From that point on, I never looked back and knew that I wanted to dedicate my career to professional services to improve the customer experience.  I have never regretted my decision! 

What advice would you give your younger self?  

I would tell myself to be more forgiving of the mistakes I have made along the way and instead celebrate my successes, big and small. Learn from your mistakes, but don't let them get you down.

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? What do you like most about it? 

I chose to work at 1Spatial because it was a great career opportunity to do what I love most. But the company also offers the opportunity to grow. It is a great company culture, with a friendly environment where people work together and help each other. The work-life balance, open door policy and flexibility that the company offers is something I can't find anywhere else.

And the icing on the cake is the excellent team and first-class data management software I have been offered to work with.

What other women inspire you? Why? 

My mum is definitely the woman who has inspired me the most. She pushed me to get to where I am now. She believed that I could do anything I wanted and that I could have an international career. She is my rock.

It is also very inspiring to see that our company has women in power, like Sheila Steffenson and Claire Milverton, leading such an innovative company in the GIS space.  

If you could do anything, what would it be? 

If I could do anything else besides what I do, it would probably have to do with architecture.

What motivates you? 

What motivates me is seeing how my work can impact the business results and success of the company. It really boosts my confidence when customers give 1Spatial a great review or positive feedback, but the challenge to always improve keeps me going.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Joana Pinto, 1Spatial's Project Manager, and we were able to dive in and get to know her better.

What did you study? 

My bachelor’s in science is in Meteorology and Oceanography Geophysics at the University of Aveiro, and my Master's of Physics was in Natural Resources Management and Remote Sensing under Erasmus+ at both Lund Universitet and University of Twente.

And what made you pursue that career?

I developed an early interest in Physics, during high school, and became very keen on applied physics, as it seems palpable,  and that's how my interest in Meteorology and Oceanography grew as a career path. Whilst further deep in my BSc. I developed a specific interest in GIS and Remote Sensing Tech disciplines, which became my drive towards achieving a Master that would allow me to explore the GIS tech world. 

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Be more involved in discussion groups about the topics you are interested. Chase the teachers who are experts and can point you to the directions you are seeking. Don't accommodate, be curious and be open to new ways. 

Why did you choose to work at 1Spatial? What do you like most about it?

When I joined 1Spatial, 6 years ago the mission of the company was very much focused on GIS data solutions and whilst I think the academic world can bring many positive insights towards policies and processes, I am more fascinated by the idea of immediately bringing a project to life, with immediate benefits and be able to witness that as part of my job, is pretty exhilarating. 

What other women inspire you? Why? 

My mom and my sister will always be some of my main inspirations. Their perseverance, thinking out of box skills and humour towards a not so easy life, make them two remarkable women. Out there in the world, women like Marina Abramovic, for her bravery to challenge herself beyond gender, and ultimately beyond her boundaries, and  Sylvia Earle for her strength and being a pioneer in the Oceanography world, always so candid about her values and effort to preserve the Oceans.

If you could do anything, what would it be?

If money was not an issue, and I had the pocket of Elon Musk. I would build proper programmes to assist initiatives and funding to help solve the third world countries struggling with starvation, provide support in war conflicts, drinkable water; clean oceans; assist indigenous communities to ensure the protection of their land and assist them with legal counselling. 

I would create my version of community as an experiment with my friends, and family, to ensure that agriculture, sustainable fishing and tech remote hub, because we are all involved in tech.

Feels like Miss Universe, but I really think philanthropes need to be solving real problems as well cementing a sustainable future. But I have many other ideas! ahah 🙂