From Resilience to Leadership: Mallory Beaudreau’s Journey in Tech

As Regional Vice President for Account Management, EMEA at Apptio, Mallory Beaudreau stands at the intersection of technology, leadership, and advocacy for greater inclusion in the industry. Her career trajectory — from an aspiring economist to a tech leader — has been shaped by pivotal moments of resilience and mentorship, positioning her as a driving force for equity and sustainable change in the tech sector.

In this exclusive conversation with AsiaBizToday, she shared her insights and experiences.

Beaudreau’s journey into technology was not initially mapped out. Having completed her master’s degree in international political economy amid a global recession, she faced a challenging job market. This uncertainty led her to education consulting at a time when EdTech was gaining momentum. While not part of her original plan, the experience proved invaluable, exposing her to leadership, communication, and a workplace with strong female representation.

Her transition into technology was a strategic move to enhance her global employability, leading her to Aruba, now part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Here, she found a mentor who introduced her to women leaders in the industry. Reflecting on this, Beaudreau emphasises the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement. “She found me, not the other way around—it’s so important for seasoned women in tech to bring others up with them.”

Driving Gender Equity in STEM

While progress has been made in increasing female participation in STEM, significant barriers remain. Citing UNESCO data, Beaudreau highlights that only three Asian nations—South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand—have achieved gender parity in STEM employment. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum reports that just 22% of AI professionals worldwide are women.

Beaudreau acknowledges improvements in hiring and skilling initiatives, citing programs like IBM’s SkillsBuild, which expands access to tech careers for women across Asia-Pacific. However, she underscores the need for companies to address unconscious bias, ensure equitable promotions, and actively sponsor women for high-impact roles. “Organisations must hold leadership accountable and invest in women’s career advancement through stretch assignments and leadership roles,” she asserts.

From Mentorship to Sponsorship

Beaudreau champions a shift from mentorship to sponsorship, advocating for leaders who actively create opportunities for women. “Women need people who will speak their names in rooms they aren’t in—leaders who will recommend them for promotions and critical projects.”

She also calls for a revamp in performance evaluations, urging companies to move beyond vague feedback based on personality traits. “We need structured, data-driven evaluations to ensure promotions and raises are based on merit, not subjective impressions.”

Recognising the challenges women face in balancing career and caregiving, Beaudreau stresses the importance of structured returnship programs. These initiatives provide upskilling, mentorship, and project-based experiences to help women re-enter the workforce confidently.

Beaudreau’s advocacy for career development extends beyond rhetoric. She shares the story of Francesca, a talented Sales Development Representative who aspired to move into account management. With no immediate role available, Beaudreau supported Francesca’s relocation to London, eventually creating a junior account management role to bring her onto the team. Francesca thrived in the position and later secured an account management role in Italy, paving the way for another woman to step into her previous role.

“It’s a perfect example of how advocacy and opportunity can shape careers—not just for one person, but across a team,” Beaudreau notes proudly.

Fostering Inclusive Teams at Apptio

At Apptio, inclusivity is embedded in both culture and policy. The company actively promotes women in leadership and hosts industry-wide discussions on technology and financial operations. More broadly, IBM, Apptio’s parent company, has pledged to train one million women and girls in Asia-Pacific in relevant tech skills, with nearly 650,000 already benefiting from the initiative.

Apptio’s leadership also prioritises work-life integration. Employee feedback highlights the company’s commitment to flexibility, ensuring professional and personal well-being are not mutually exclusive. “By fostering a culture that values employee well-being, leadership sets the tone for balance and engagement,” Beaudreau explains.

A seasoned marathon runner, Beaudreau draws parallels between endurance sports and leadership. “Every race is about pushing my limits—‘How fast can I run this distance? What am I capable of?’ I take the same approach to my career.”

She also embraces the potential for failure, viewing it as an indicator of growth. “I may start a race too fast and not finish; I may move into a professional role that isn’t a good fit. But these risks mean I’m pushing my limits.”

Future of Inclusion in Tech

Looking ahead, Beaudreau envisions a tech industry that leverages AI to drive equity rather than perpetuate bias. She advocates for AI-driven audits in hiring and pay equity, ensuring transparency in decision-making. Additionally, she calls for flexible work models that promote equity, including four-day workweeks and job-sharing arrangements.

Leadership structures, she argues, must evolve beyond traditional hierarchies. “We need more co-leadership models and skills-based promotions that reward diverse leadership styles.”

Beaudreau encourages aspiring professionals to be vocal about their ambitions. “Tell people what you want—generally, they will want to help you.” She recalls her own career shift into tech, driven by her goal of living and working in Europe. “I didn’t have an exact timeline, but every step was a move closer to that goal.”

Her final piece of advice? Embrace authenticity. “Early in my career, I was stiff in meetings, trying too hard to appear serious. A mentor told me people prefer authenticity—I started relaxing, adding humour, and the meetings became more productive.”

Through her leadership at Apptio, Mallory Beaudreau is not only shaping the future of technology but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry. Her journey underscores the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and intentional leadership in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. As she continues to push boundaries—both professionally and personally—her vision for a fairer tech landscape is steadily becoming reality.