As we continue celebrating International Women’s History Month, we highlight three more exceptional women from our ABBYY team who inspire us every day. From France to Germany and the UK, we spoke with Katalin, Roberta, and Toni, who shared their career advice, challenges, and hopes for the future. Let’s dive into their stories.
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Katalin Fazekas, Director, Pre and Post Sales, EMEA
Katalin Fazekas – Director, Pre and Post Sales, EMEA
Katalin Fazekas, or Kati, is the Director of Pre and Post Sales for EMEA at ABBYY. Based in Marseille, France, she oversees technical sales and pre-sales teams across the region. Outside of work, Kati enjoys books, cinema, theater, and long hikes.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
Kati’s advice to her younger self is to avoid self-doubt. “Often, women may think, ‘I’m not enough, and there must be someone more qualified, so I won’t even try,’” she says. Kati encourages women to embrace ambition and take chances. “It’s perfectly acceptable for women to be seen as ambitious, and there’s no harm in trying,” she adds.
Kati’s words are a rallying cry for women to own their ambitions and pursue opportunities with confidence. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.
How do you see the landscape changing for women in tech?
Kati believes the increasing number of women in senior tech roles is crucial. “It offers more visible role models for future generations,” she says. Growing up in a family with strong women and supportive men, Kati was inspired by her mother, a judge at the Hungarian Supreme Court. “Seeing my mother excel in her career instilled in me the confidence to pursue my goals,” she shares.
Kati’s story highlights the importance of representation and the impact of strong role models in shaping career paths.
Roberta Bruno – Director, Digital Experience
Roberta Bruno is the Director of Digital Experience at ABBYY, focusing on the company’s digital presence. Originally from Italy, she’s been with ABBYY for 16 years, growing both personally and professionally.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
Roberta’s advice to her younger self is to trust herself more. “Early in my career, I often questioned whether I was ready for bigger responsibilities,” she recalls. “But I’ve learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is the best way to grow, even when it feels scary or challenging.” Roberta encourages sharing ideas, asking questions, and trusting instincts. “We often realize we are more capable than we think,” she says.
Roberta’s journey is a reminder that self-doubt can hold us back, but confidence grows with experience and action.
What are the biggest barriers still faced by women in tech?
Roberta acknowledges that bias and underrepresentation remain significant challenges. “Women often have to work harder to prove their abilities in a male-dominated environment,” she says. Her advice? “Trust yourself, be flexible, and stay open-minded. Confidence grows with experience, so embrace every opportunity and challenge.”
Roberta’s insights shed light on the ongoing challenges women face in tech and the importance of resilience and self-advocacy.
Toni Checketts – Senior Manager, Learning & Development
Toni Checketts is the Senior Manager of Learning and Development at ABBYY, where she aligns learning strategies with organizational goals and designs impactful programs that foster employee growth. “I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to lead and inspire our teams to reach their full potential through continuous learning,” she shares.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
Toni’s advice to her younger self is a trio of powerful lessons: “Read to expand your mind, take time to reflect, and step outside your comfort zone.” She emphasizes that growth happens when we push ourselves beyond what feels safe. “Reflection is one of the best ways to learn,” she adds, “and stepping outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens.”
Toni’s journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and self-discovery. Her advice is a reminder that personal and professional growth often requires us to embrace discomfort and challenge ourselves in new ways.
What does International Women’s Month mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate it?
For Toni, International Women’s Month is deeply personal. “As a woman in business and a single mother of a young woman, it means more to me now than ever,” she says. It’s a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of women, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and recognize the work still needed to achieve gender equality. “As a mother and a leader, I remind myself of the importance of gender equality to inspire future generations of women to dream big and break barriers,” she shares.
Toni’s perspective highlights the dual role many women play—as professionals and as role models for the next generation. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment is both inspiring and actionable.