Women in Technology - Julie Lichty

This blog is part of our ongoing Women in Technology series.

Julie is a Senior Vice President of Software Development and Engineering for Consilio. With two decades of experience, she has led successful multi-billion dollar portfolios through an unwavering customer-centric lens and leveraged expertise in software development, hardware, digital transformation, product management, operations, and innovative solutions.

Working previously as a Senior Vice President of Product Management and Software Development and Engineering for a security and alarm company, Julie led both the product management organization and engineering teams. She was responsible for overseeing the entire portfolio of products ranging from Alarm Automation to enterprise ERP solutions. She successfully launched an award-winning SaaS ERP solution, overhauled the SDLC, introduced a voice of customer (VoC) program, and seated the first customer advisory board, while growing the business by 10% year-over-year.

In her previous role at an avionics company, Julie held the title of Executive Director of Digital Solutions & Services. Julie led across hardware, software, and digital services with a $1B+ P&L on a portfolio of over $2B, for more than 300 global airlines, utilizing her keen emotional intelligence with a human touch. She launched products in the U.S., North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and expanded into China. These innovative products are seen and used by 2.5 billion users annually. Julie brought a wide circle of influence, continually developing partnerships with many top industry leaders.

Julie earned a BA in Business Administration & Organizational Management from Vanguard University, graduating magna cum laude. She holds certificates in Executive Education for Directors and Women’s Leadership Institute from the University of California, Los Angeles, The John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management. She is also Product Manager certified level VI from the Pragmatic Institute.

How did you get into this industry?

I landed in technology by accident. A friend was seeking some input into a different software that I had experience with, and I offered to do an informational interview to answer any questions he might have. When I got to the meeting, it was a panel of executive leaders in the business and they were so impressed, they offered me a job. Twenty years later, it was the best accident that could have ever happened to me. I love the pace at which technology moves, the problems that it solves and the opportunities it creates. Coming to Consilio has been a marriage of my love for technology and fascination for the law.

What were some pivotal moments in your career that helped to get you to where you are today?

I have been so fortunate to have many leaders who invested in my professional growth. Because of them, they made it safe for me to try new things, challenged me to stretch (if you are comfortable, you aren’t growing) and made me face my blind spots. Facing my blind spots was probably one of the toughest moments for me. I have always worked in male dominated fields and admitting that I had a weakness, felt like I was admitting defeat. Granted this was all built up in my head. Once I made space for myself to process my blind spots, I was more cognizant of them and found ways to strengthen them. This led to me being a more strategic thinker, a better leader and even helped me have more meaningful personal relationships.

Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender proved to differentiate you?

I have worked hard over my career to ensure that gender was never a reason to differentiate me. I have always strived to provide quality work allowing my performance to set me apart from others in the field.

What is your advice for someone working in a predominately male workplace?

Be authentic! Don’t ever feel you have to be anyone but yourself. Being genuine will boost your confidence, fulfillment, and overall happiness, allowing you to work without the pressure of being anything other than yourself.

What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?

I have two daughters and I am often showing them ways that they can engage with technology so that they are prepared for the future. Outreach is key for any organization. An organization should offer internship programs, shadowing and bring your kids to work days to engage with our future employees early to plant seeds of opportunity.