Tanya Sam has made another transition in her career. The businesswoman and former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member went from a decade in the medical field to the world of technology, and she intends to bring as many Black women with her as she can.
Usher’s New Look organization recognized Sam for her work at the Women of Influence event in Atlanta on Dec. 14. After the event, Sam spoke with rolling out about her pivot into tech and setting an example for the next generation.
What is your advice for young Black women who want to get into tech?
I get this question all the time. How do I get into tech? How did you do it? I worked as a bone marrow transplant nurse for over 12 years, and I made the pivot into technology.
I also say that right now, software and technology are eating the world. It is changing how we do everything. From sending a card to renting a hotel room to getting into a car to almost doing your laundry. Whatever business you’re building, whatever you’re passionate about, know there will be a technology component and there’s a seat at the table for all of us at technology. Whether or not you are a perfect coder, or you have a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and computer science, we need all sorts of people in the technology industry, marketing operations, execution, and human resources. So there is a seat at the table for all of us in technology.
What was it like being honored by Usher’s New Look today?
Oh my gosh, it was an incredible honor to be recognized by Usher’s New Look today. To be surrounded by all these amazing women of all ages, ones that have been leaders in the community for years and years, and ones that I know without question are going to be our future leaders and trailblazers.
What do you think is your superpower?
I feel like my superpower is me. I have been a woman that has worked in technology. I’ve made many transitions and pivots in my life, and I always show up as my authentic self as a black woman. I come with braids, heels, makeup, and every single piece of me whether I’m quirky, goofy, or whatever it is, I show up.
How do you balance work and life?
I don’t. I give myself the grace to know I have 24 hours in the day just like Beyoncé and everyone else. I make sure I always take into account my own mental health, my family and getting the job I want done well. I will say one of the things that I always keep in my mind is that done is better than perfect. The job needs to get done, and sometimes you need to stand by the timelines, and just get it done. Other times, you might be able to give yourself more grace to make sure it’s perfect, but [still] get the job done.
