Samsara is among the UK’s top-tier employers, actively removing barriers that impede career development and allowing all employees — regardless of gender —  to flourish. Don’t just take our word for it. 

Samsara’s outstanding second place in the list of the UK's Best Workplaces for Women™ 2024 is recognition of the business's ongoing commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity. And it’s an even more remarkable achievement bearing in mind that as a business sector, the world of IT continues to face challenges such as unconscious bias, lack of flexibility, and a scarcity of visible role models.

But all that’s changing. Just ask Ruthie Ayres and Christina Dennstedt. They’re part of Samsara’s growing female workforce helping to modernise physical operations to make it safer, more efficient and more sustainable. Here they discuss the unique challenges of working in tech, the impact of diversity on innovation, how they’re breaking barriers, and what the future holds for women in the industry.

Before we get going, would you please explain your role at Samsara?

Ruthie: I’m part of Samsara’s Enterprise sales team in the UK and Ireland. I work with customers that have fleets with more than 750 vehicles in areas such as logistics, nationwide vehicle recovery services, and construction. 

Christina: And I look after customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) focusing on the mid-market sector which includes fleets with anything between 21 and 750 vehicles. Although not exclusively, many of my customers operate in areas such as passenger transit, transportation and warehousing, and food and beverages. 

Samsara is among the very best workplaces for women in the UK after being named second in a list of 100 of the UK’s largest businesses. Why is that?

Ruthie: Everyone knows there are a lot of challenges for women in tech. There’s a gender bias and a lack of representation, especially in leadership. But what Samsara does so well is focus on the individual and their achievements, rather than focusing on gender. It creates a level playing field. 

Samsara promotes equal opportunities and gives you the support you need to succeed. That’s what makes Samsara such a great place to work, especially for women.

Christina: I couldn’t agree more. Samsara’s values and principles are clear. And it helps that everyone is aligned with the vision, which creates an environment where people can contribute their best. It doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters is what you bring to the table. That’s really special. And I think that’s why Samsara is recognised as one of the best workplaces for women.

What unique contribution do women bring to Samsara, physical operations, and the tech industry?

Ruthie: I think we bring a unique insight. Women approach problem-solving differently from men, and I think that leads to more comprehensive discussions and decisions. We collaborate more, we nurture relationships, and we bring a different kind of energy to the room. It makes a big difference.

Christina: Women bring a different approach. We’re not afraid to ask for what we need, whether that’s from our clients or within the company. There are also studies that show diverse teams make better decisions, and that’s definitely something we bring to the table at Samsara.

How important is meritocracy and authenticity — that is, the notion of  bringing your ‘whole self to work’) — in making a difference?

Ruthie: I’ve never worked for a company that does it better than Samsara. From day one, I’ve felt like I have just as much right to be in any room as anyone else. They celebrate what you bring to the table. That’s so rare in this industry. Which is what makes Samsara’s approach so refreshing. 

Christina: Samsara encourages people to bring their whole selves to work. Some people are naturally used to that type of environment, but others need a little more encouragement. It’s a combination — fostering an environment that allows people to be authentic and making them feel safe to do so.

How have you been able to grow in your career at Samsara?

Ruthie: I’ve grown a lot — both personally and professionally. Thanks to our technology, I get to make an impact in people’s businesses. And I’m working with some of the best people in the industry. What can be better than that? Every day I learn something new, and that’s important to me. 

And my family and friends have noticed a positive difference in me since I joined the company in early 2024. I’m happier. I’m more engaged. And I really love what I do. 

Christina: I’ve also grown so much. I’ve been with Samsara for five years, and I’ve had the chance to take on different roles and responsibilities. And with Samsara’s growth and the opportunities ahead, it’s a great place to build a career.

What challenges is the tech sector facing, and how can women help address these?

Ruthie: Despite all the progress we’ve made, the tech sector — especially in physical operations — is still male-dominated. Most of the meetings I attend are mostly men. But you should never let that hold you back.  

Christina: I think women also bring boldness and a fresh perspective. I’ve told clients to do "homework" before our next meeting, and they actually come back with it done. It’s something I’ve found works well. We can be direct and ask for what we need, and it often gets a positive response.

While there are a lot of positive things happening now, I’m also keen to look ahead to the future. For me, the next challenge has to be about broadening the industry coverage to attract more women. We’re already starting to see more women in leadership positions in industries we’re opening up, like field services. But this is just the start. We need more role models. The broader our coverage gets, the more women will be attracted to the sector.

You can find out more about careers in Sales at Samsara here.