Women in Tech - Work life balance at Sage

At Sage, we recognise that achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential, especially for women in the tech industry who often juggle multiple responsibilities. Our supportive culture empowers employees to find a balance that works for them. Here, five inspiring women share their perspectives on managing professional and personal commitments while thriving at Sage.

Understanding That Balance Looks Different for Everyone

Amaya Souarez, EVP, Cloud Services & Operations

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for everyone, but for women, it can be even more complex depending on their roles and responsibilities. Amaya Souarez reflects on her journey:

“I’ve spent over 30 years in technology, primarily in operational roles. In a 24/7 environment, being on-call at night and then working the next day can be exhausting. At the same time, I was raising three children, supporting my husband’s business, and managing home life.

The truth is, you can never achieve perfect balance. Instead, the key is to remain aware of how you're doing and take breaks when needed. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your manager. At Sage, our ‘Human’ value ensures that employees receive the support they need. I’ve found that most managers here genuinely care about their teams and encourage open conversations about workload and well-being.”

Prioritisation and Setting Boundaries

Jennie Dakers, Senior Cloud Operations Manager

For Jennie Dakers, balancing work and home life comes down to prioritisation and setting clear boundaries:

“It can feel like a juggling act, so I always ask myself: what needs to be done right now? Whether it’s ensuring my child’s school uniform is ready or meeting a work deadline, I prioritise accordingly.

It’s also important to take breaks. When working from home, it’s easy to keep going, but stepping away for a mental and physical reset is crucial. One technique I use is putting my work phone away once I finish for the day. Out of sight, out of mind—it helps me switch off and focus on personal time.”

Being a Role Model for the Next Generation

Kylie Smith, Application Delivery Lead

As a mother of two young daughters, Kylie Smith finds that work-life balance isn’t just about managing her time—it’s also about setting an example for her children:

“My daughters know how much I love my job, and I love that they see me work. Occasionally, they even join in on calls if it’s not business-critical. This exposure helps them understand that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.

I also make a point of setting boundaries. If I’m on holiday, I remove Teams and Outlook from my phone to show them that family time comes first. At the same time, they see me working after hours when necessary, teaching them the value of a strong work ethic. It’s all about balance, ensuring they feel prioritised while also understanding the dedication that work requires.”

A Holistic Approach to Work and Life

Sophia Adhami, Product Performance & Execution Director

For Sophia Adhami, work and personal life aren’t separate—they’re part of a larger picture:

“I don’t see work and personal life as two distinct entities. Instead, I manage them dynamically. Some weeks, work takes precedence; other weeks, my personal life requires more attention.

The key is discipline. I implement a framework that supports my well-being, whether that means seeing friends, exercising, getting enough sleep, or working hard to feel a sense of accomplishment. Ultimately, balance is about understanding what you need and making sure you create space for it.”