Delphine Donné Is Propelling Global STEM Leadership For Women

The fast-paced realm of technology is witnessing a seismic shift, where a fresh breed of leaders is challenging conventions and reshaping the landscape. Among these indomitable forces is Delphine Donné, the Vice President and General Manager of Logitech’s Business Group, ushering in a new era of diversity and vibrant innovation. The French-born visionary has been with Logitech for almost two decades, helming various leadership roles and paving the way for aspiring women across the globe. She is also a single mother of two and an avid traveller, dedicatedly striking a balance between her two worlds.

Influenced by her personal experience, Donné is passionate about fostering an environment of holistic growth for women in STEM careers. In an interview with SheThePeople, she explained her strategy for providing equitable opportunities to persons from underrepresented groups and described how her experience in the tech industry has influenced this vision.

Excerpts From The Interview

Can you tell me about your background-- where you grew up, your educational background, what your upbringing was like? 

I am a French citizen who grew up in Tour, Loire Valley in France. I come from a humble background, as my parents owned a small bakery where I used to help. From a young age, I aspired to have an international career in business management and to travel the world. I pursued studies in international economics and statistics, with a particular focus on Asian economics due to my fascination with Asia. After completing my degree in Paris, I embarked on an internship in Canada, which marked the beginning of my international career. I later moved to the UK and then worked for some leading tech companies in Paris before fulfilling my ambition of joining Logitech in California.

During my 18-year journey with Logitech, I have held various roles, from product manager to leading the company's first R&D department in China. I then assumed leadership positions in marketing for China and Asia Pacific before returning to the US to oversee the integration of a startup. In 2018, I was offered the opportunity to manage Logitech's largest business group, which later expanded in 2022. As the general manager, I am responsible for the business's vision, marketing, innovation, product development strategy, and global footprint.

On a personal note, I am a single mother of two children, a son who is 9 years old and was born in China, and a daughter who is 15 and was born in California. Despite the challenges, we make the best of our situation and enjoy life together. I have a passion for travelling and have had a diverse range of experiences in product development, product marketing, and general management throughout my career.

Did you always know you would be a leader? How did your guardians and mentors influence/encourage your aspirations?

I never imagined that I would end up in the position I am in today. My journey has been influenced by a few key drivers. My transition into the tech industry was unexpected, as I moved to the UK from Canada and discovered a passion for simplifying people's lives. Joining Logitech was a pivotal moment for me, as I found a culture and values that allowed me to be my authentic self and contribute meaningfully. My focus shifted from my personal career path to transforming the business, driving innovation, and fostering growth. I have been fortunate to lead multiple business transformations, reviving businesses that were either flat or declining. This journey has been fueled by my desire to make a positive impact and drive meaningful change.

Throughout my career, I have been privileged to have leaders and mentors who believed in me beyond what I believed about myself. Their belief in me led to opportunities that allowed me to grow and learn, from heading the marketing department in China despite my initial reservations, to being entrusted with significant responsibilities such as leading the company's largest business group. 

What was it like for you as a woman in the tech industry? Did you face any challenges when you got into the industry particularly because of your gender or age?

My experience as a woman aspiring to enter the tech industry has been filled with valuable lessons. Despite not having a tech background and being more inclined towards business and marketing, I found myself in rooms full of engineers discussing the next innovation. Initially, it was easy to feel overwhelmed by the technical details and the feeling of needing to provide feedback or ask questions. However, I soon realized that my focus on understanding the "what" and the experience we aimed to create with our products, while also prioritizing the needs of the user, complemented the engineering expertise focused on the "how" to make it happen.

In navigating this environment, I learned to foster a partnership with the engineers by asking the right questions to understand the implications and create a sense of co-ownership. This approach helped me counterbalance being a woman in a male-dominated environment and not having a technical background. Additionally, when interacting with suppliers or partners, I often encountered biases that may not have been immediately apparent. In these situations, being present, listening, and confidently speaking up while being concise and precise was crucial.

As a leader, I encourage my team to embrace diversity, with approximately 53% of my team being women. When I began my role as a general manager in 2018, only 28% of the team were women, but through concerted efforts, we have made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and addressing biases. This has involved creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, actively engaging all team members in conversations, and following up with those who may have been less vocal.

How far, would you say, the tech industry has come in terms of inclusivity now? Are there any fresh challenges that women face in today’s world?

In the tech industry, there has been notable progress, and Logitech is committed to fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion as integral aspects of its values and culture. With a 37% representation of women across the organization, including a female chairwoman and CEO, Logitech demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, leading to positive business impacts.

However, the pace of progress in the tech industry as a whole is not sufficient, and at the current rate, achieving true diversity and equality could take 130 years, which is unacceptable. Women in India, for example, face obstacles such as microaggressions and encountering biases and stereotypes, leading to a significant number leaving the tech industry. Addressing biases and stereotypes, and providing role models are crucial in encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology.

How are organisations today tackling the challenges that are hindering women from progressing in their STEM careers? 

Organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness among women about the impact they can have in the tech industry. It's important to emphasize that tech is not solely about technical development but involves collaborative work across various disciplines, including product management, engineering, design, legal, and marketing. By engaging with schools and inspiring young children, organizations can instil an understanding of the collaborative nature of tech innovation and its potential impact on people's lives.

Universities can contribute to attracting more women to technical fields by adapting their teaching methods to align with the evolving nature of tech work, which now emphasizes collaboration and soft skills alongside technical expertise. By creating an environment that fosters passion and interest in tech, universities can inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM.

Encouraging women to recognize their value and contributions is crucial. Women in leadership roles should understand their worth and be able to articulate their value and passion. Providing opportunities for women to receive feedback on their strengths and growth opportunities can further enhance their confidence and contribution to the tech industry.

According to you, what are some pros to being a woman in STEM and leadership? Have you observed any qualities that women possess that give them an edge over anyone else?

As a woman in a leadership role, I have found that fostering a diverse team, comprising both men and women can lead to valuable and successful outcomes. By encouraging diverse perspectives and overcoming biases, we were able to develop a product that resonated with a wide audience, ultimately leading to a significant shift in sales ratios. This demonstrates how diverse teams, led by women, can bring about impactful changes and drive business success.

In the tech industry, perseverance and patience are essential qualities for women to possess. It's crucial to maintain perseverance, especially during challenging times and career progression, as overcoming ups and downs ultimately strengthens leadership and managerial skills. Demonstrating the ability to navigate through difficulties and not frequently changing companies is particularly valued, regardless of gender, as it indicates the capacity to endure tough times and gain valuable experiences. Having a genuine passion for one's work is vital for sustained success in the tech industry. Merely working for a paycheck or a title has limited longevity, and it's crucial to be authentic and true to oneself in professional endeavours. Authenticity is a key factor in recognizing talent across the organization and is a quality that women, and professionals in general, should embody to thrive in their careers.

Is there something you wish you had known early in your career?

If I were to advise my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of patience and gaining a broader perspective. It's crucial to be patient and avoid rushing through my career journey, as well as to actively seek out different viewpoints and practice empathy. By considering the perspectives of others and asking more questions, I can develop a deeper understanding of diverse viewpoints and enhance my empathy.