Precisely Women in Technology: Meet Arianna Valentini

Innovation thrives on diversity, and in an industry built on solving complex problems and imagining the future, a wide range of voices isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. Women in technology are driving this progress and Precisely is proud to champion all the women who contribute to innovation in technology. Every month, a different member of the Precisely Women in Technology (PWIT) program is featured to share insight into her experience navigating the tech industry. Continue reading to learn more about Arianna Valentini, Director of Product Marketing, and her experience over the last decade.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in technology?

When I first graduated from college, I was a research analyst. As a research analyst, I was exposed to many different technologies, companies, and people – it was through my engagements as a researcher that I got to work with people called “product marketers.” While I enjoyed doing the research, I was always frustrated that I never got to see the end results of how people in technology were using what I was making to impact their business. A few years into being an analyst, I happened to have a meeting with a client that was looking for a product marketer. You’re not supposed to ask clients for jobs as an analyst, but I was young and just knew I had to transition my career. I was lucky that they took a chance on me, and the rest is history! I really enjoy working in technology, seeing new ideas start small and grow into solutions that impact entire markets or businesses.

Who has been your greatest professional mentor? What’s one thing you have learned from them?

I’ve been very fortunate to have many strong female mentors in my life across my career – it’s hard to name just one person! A big shout out to Elizabeth Dailing, Holly Muscolino, Becky Hjellming, Sandi Green and my high school art teacher, Rosland Diamond. They’ve all shown me how to find my strength, voice and confidence. I think sometimes as a woman in tech you can often feel imposter syndrome or doubt yourself – all these women have consistently taught me how to confidently own the room and how to be a leader. I think the biggest learning I’ve gained from my mentors is that it’s important to not get into your head too much and be confident in the knowledge you carry.

What’s the biggest risk you took in your career? What was the reward?

I think any career move you make can come with a certain amount of risk, but I always try and center myself around one question: what’s the worst that can happen if I do this? I always think there is more value in trying something and failing than not doing anything at all. Transitioning from an analyst to a product marketer was a huge pivot. At the time, I was taking on a role I had no clue how to do, and that came with a massive amount of global travel. I regret nothing! Thanks to that “leap” I was able to have the career I do now, and I had the chance to experience many cultures and countries I would have never been able to see otherwise.

As a woman, what challenges have you faced in the technology industry? How have you overcome them?

Some of the challenges I’ve experienced or seen in my career are mostly around the behaviors of others. For example, someone speaking over you when you’re trying to talk or dismissing an idea with little feedback or reasoning. It can be disheartening at any stage in a career when this happens. Early in my career, I would often just shut down, but I’ve learned overtime that is not an effective way to handle a situation. Instead, when I see someone being dismissive or speaking over another person, I try to model the behaviors I want to see. For example, in a meeting where you can see someone wanting to speak but feeling like they don’t have the confidence to do so, I will make a point of calling on that person. When it happens to me, I’ve learned to be stronger in my conviction and politely push back.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? How do you apply it to your personal and professional life?

Always listen to your “little voice.” In many cases, your gut is telling you whether something is good or bad – I’ve found that when I ignore what my instincts are telling me, the result is usually not what I want. Professionally, I’ve used that to choose the organizations I want to work for. Personally, I have found that listening to my instincts in situations, while sometimes tough in the moment, has really paid off in the long run.

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to younger women entering the industry?

I encourage other women to always stay curious and ask questions. It’s great to do a job well to meet a standard description, but it’s also important to ask “why” something is happening. Most of product marketing is just being curious and digging in. Even if you think a question is silly, 99% of the time people are asking the same thing or haven’t thought about it as you have. It’s okay to say you don’t know and want more information – you can’t make decisions without data, and you can’t get data without asking questions. Asking questions and gathering answers is how you build your network in your company, solve problems, and get to the insights that can make you stand out as a contributor.

As a successful woman in technology, what’s one thing you do to pay it forward and advocate for other women in the field?

I try to always make myself available to people who reach out and want to chat about my experiences or career guidance. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for many people who helped me and so I always try to pay it forward when I can.

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