In Technology
Title: Global Vice President of Business Operations for the Cloud and Service Provider Segment
Company: Schneider Electric
Education: Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from St. Mary's University, master's degree in manufacturing management from The Pennsylvania State University
Professional Credentials/Accreditations: Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), Project Management Institute, July 2013
Achievements/Awards: Mexican American Culture Center Advisory Board, September 2018 – September 2022; Chair of Infrastructure Masons Hispanic / LatinX Group, January 2020 - Present; Schneider Electric Hispanic ERG Executive Sponsor, 2020 - Present; IM100 Award, 2020; Hispanic IT Executive Council Top 100, 2019, 2021; CRN Women of the Channel 2017
Claudia Massey
What led you to a career in technology?
My dream was always to run a factory. I was fortunate enough to get my first job out of college as an industrial engineer in the semiconductor manufacturing and technology Industry. That is when I fell in love with technology and every move in my career has been within the industry.
What motivates you to go above and beyond in your current position?
For the past five years, I’ve played a leadership role in the cloud and service provider segment. During these years, the meaning of mission critical in the data center has become increasingly clear. I understand the role I play, and what drives me is the desire to ensure my customers’ and my team’s success.
What role does sustainability play in your life both personally and professionally?
As I am answering this questionnaire, I am sitting in a dark, cold house after more than 48 hours of no electricity due to an ice storm. Climate change is evident. It is our responsibility, as citizens of the world, to make a change. I am proud to be part of Schneider Electric, which has been consistently ranked one of the world’s most sustainable corporations. In other words, I work for a company that walks the talk and I get to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals. This just makes me love my job even more.
What is the most fascinating lesson you have learned while working with technology?
Technology is a dynamic industry that is ever-changing. I always have something to learn, and that is the most exciting part of working in the technology field.
What is unique about you personally?
I always see the best in people and acknowledge the uniqueness of everyone. This allows others to feel comfortable being themselves around me. I embrace an inclusive culture in my personal and professional life.
“Once we start bringing women into technology jobs, we need to also focus on how we can enable them to be successful.”
What is unique about you professionally?
I think what sets me apart is my ability to lead through transparency, my understanding of what drives others, and my effort to include them as part of the solution.
What is your most admirable quality?
My ability to build high-performing, independent teams and the delight I get to watch them achieve success in their professional and personal lives.
Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion necessary for this industry?
The data center industry is one of the fastest growing industries. It has been said that over the next 10 years, 50% of all current data center workers will be retiring. This is the opportunity we have to bring diverse talent in to an industry that is lacking diversity. It needs to start with acknowledging the lack of female representation we have, and we as an industry have taken that first step. Now, it is up to us to close that gap.
What aspect of the industry has the most potential for growth, and how can we accelerate that?
Sustainability, energy resilience, and digitization reliability are the new tenets of the data center industry. It's all about delivering sustainable, efficient, adaptive, and resilient technology solutions to help achieve net-zero results, a faster speed-to market, and lower latency.
Where does the industry need the most improvement, and what can we learn from the current shortcomings?
I may sound like I’m repeating myself, but diversity and inclusion continue being the largest gap we have in the industry. Once we start bringing women into technology jobs, we need to also focus on how we can enable them to be successful.
When you imagine the future technology, what does it look like?
Data is the key to digitalization, efficiency, and decarbonization strategies. Using software, automation, and AI will help companies make more intelligent decisions, providing operational benefits and supporting their path to sustainability.
What advice do you have for women and other minorities who are currently working in the industry but don’t necessarily feel like they belong?
You belong wherever you set your mind to. Imposter syndrome is real and is the most restrictive trait women have. Believe in yourself. celebrate all the wins, small or big. Even if you don’t see many people who look like you in leadership roles, that doesn’t mean you can’t get there.
What advice do you have for young girls who may be interested in a future career in technology?
Take the risk and study STEM. Even if you’re the only girl in the classroom, you will see how much value you will bring to the discussions. There are a lot of women that are working very hard to remove barriers and set the road of success for you. Take it! Find a role model, a mentor, or coach. There are many people that would love to help you.
