Every career in technology starts somewhere — sometimes with a clear goal, and sometimes with simple curiosity. What connects so many women in technology isn’t a single path, but a shared willingness to learn, adapt, and step into new challenges. The Precisely Women in Technology (PWIT) network was established to ensure women in the organization have space to learn, grow, and support one another. In this month’s feature, we’re highlighting Sally Brasier, Sr. Director, Renewals, and her journey in tech. Continue reading to learn more about Sally.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in technology?
I came into technology organically through my work in finance, driven by a genuine interest in how technology could improve systems and performance. What’s kept me in the sector is the inclusive culture and strong sense of shared purpose. I thrive on the fast pace of change and the constantly evolving landscape.
Who has been your greatest professional mentor? What’s one thing you have learned from them?
This is a really difficult question to answer as I have had several fabulous mentors at different times, and it’s hard to pick just one. There are several inspirational leaders at Precisely who I admire greatly and learn from every day. I endeavor to emulate the attributes of people I respect and admire who are often people who report to me. I think my greatest professional mentor was my dad who was an early advocate for women in senior leadership positions.
What’s the biggest risk you took in your career? What was the reward?
The biggest risk I took was starting a career in finance in my late 20s with no relevant qualifications — while raising three children under the age of seven, including a newborn who was just eight weeks old. To be honest, I had no intention of building a career. It broke my heart to leave my children, but I had to earn a living to support us.
It was a significant leap, and I literally worked night and day. I was entering a technical, demanding field without formal credentials and with considerable personal responsibilities. Rather than pursue a traditional academic route, I committed to qualifying through experience. Over the next ten years, I deliberately worked across every core area of finance, in multiple industries, building deep, practical expertise from the ground up.
The following decade saw me move into senior finance leadership roles within heavily male dominant boardrooms, where I led teams and contributed at a strategic level.
The reward has been far greater than career progression alone. I have had the opportunity to work with hugely talented people, design and implement finance systems, develop databases, lead IT system installations, restructure reporting frameworks, building and managing high-performing teams and most importantly developing my skills to enable me to work with the best team of people you can imagine here at Precisely.
Taking that initial risk didn’t just change my career trajectory; it gave me breadth, resilience, commercial insight, and the opportunity to move to a career in technology.
Careers and Culture
We help market leaders make better decisions and build new possibilities. Want to join the team? Find out about working with us and our current openings.
As a woman, what challenges have you faced in the technology industry? How have you overcome them?
In my early career there were a lot of prejudices in the workplace. As a woman who was young and with a funny accent, I experienced a lot of challenges that were, at that time, accepted as the norm and are now recognized as totally unacceptable. I turned negativity into an opportunity to excel in my role and worked incredibly hard to prove myself. I use these experiences today to ensure everyone I am in contact with is recognized for their skill, expertise and the gifts they bring rather than any other attribution.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? How do you apply it to your personal and professional life?
Be authentic, believe in yourself, identify your strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to adapt whilst retaining integrity to yourself and everyone around you. Take care of every relationship. Do not label people around you as “good” or “bad” everyone is doing their best. Be open to constructive criticism and be prepared to push back if you believe you are right.
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to younger women entering the industry?
Enjoy every moment, it can be a rollercoaster. Learn from your mistakes and do not take yourself too seriously. A good sense of humor is essential. Hold firm when the wind blows in the wrong direction and it seems it will knock you over. Most of all, enjoy it.
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 have benefited from people who opened doors for me, so I am intentional about doing the same. I mentor, I sponsor, and I speak up when I see bias — whether it impacts women or men. Advocacy, to me, is about fairness, representation, and making sure talent is recognized.
Learn more about us on our Careers and Culture page.
