Voice of Experience: Kim Bozzella, Group Head of Technology Americas, UBS
By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)
Kim Bozzella, UBS‘s Group Head of Technology in the Americas and Chief Operating Officer reporting to the CTO, is enthusiastic about recruiting more women into technology – and making sure women have the confidence in their abilities that they will need to find success in the field.
She advised women to “find a role that plays up their strengths. There are fewer women role models, so make sure you’re good at what you do and stay focused. As women, we should not feel we have to compromise our leadership style to be successful. Stay true to who you are and take responsibility for your own career.”
Building Two Successful Careers in Technology
While studying Industrial Engineering at Lehigh University, Bozzella first experienced what it’s like to be a woman in a technical field. “There was about one woman for every six to 10 men in all my classes,” she recalled. “I was outnumbered, but not discouraged.”
After graduating, she started her career at Accenture (then Andersen Consulting). “New York opened the doors to financial services technology consulting and organizational design, allowing me to work on assignments in retail banking, high net worth wealth management, and capital markets / investment banking.”
She continued, “One of my proudest moments was making partner at Accenture. There were very few women partners at the time. I had two children and wanted to become a role model for working mothers.”
About six years ago, Bozzella made a career change and joined UBS in Technology. She then moved to work for the COO of the Investment Bank/ CEO of Americas as the head of Procurement and Cost Management. In 2009 Bozzella moved back into Technology as COO, working on Group CIO Michele Trogni’s management team to assist in a large scale IT transformation agenda.
In her present role, Bozzella faces a number of industry issues that are top of mind. “The changing regulatory environment and the widespread adoption of consumer technology in the household are creating challenges and opportunities across the region and globe, and are shifting the focus of technology in the workplace.”
She continued, “With Gen F – the Facebook Generation – we see both our clients and employees wanting to interact with the firm in new ways. We are building the right tools that provide the flexibility they desire – this is a real opportunity for the organization and IT to support the business in new ways.”
Driving the Diversity Agenda in Technology
Bozzella is also involved with building diversity at UBS. She said, “In the Americas, we face a different set of challenges than other regions. The retention and recruitment of women and minorities is something I’m working on. It’s a passion of mine and I love this part of my job – you can really see the impact it’s having on individuals and the organization over time.”
Bozzella mentioned that UBS is working to recruit more diverse graduates – which is a challenge, considering there are fewer women majoring in STEM fields today than in the past. The firm is partnering with organizations like NPower and Year Up to reach out to students and showcase the kind of opportunities that are available.
“Additionally, we are working closely with schools to build a tighter IT curriculum to assist in keeping more girls in science and technology programs at a younger age.”
Advice for Women in Technology
Women beginning a career in technology should work on skills development, as well as building their network, Bozzella said. “Ask questions. Do things you’re not comfortable with – build your skills and keep relevant. Consider seeking a mentor. I find receiving mentor feedback in a safe environment can be very beneficial,” she added.
She continued, “As women become more senior, especially if they have taken time out of the workforce, they should keep building their network. If you leverage your networks earlier, it can help you continue to grow. As a senior leader, I feel there is a responsibility to reach back and pull women forward.”
She added, “Another piece of advice is trying to find things you have an interest in that you can connect with work.” Bozzella currently sits on the board of the Big Apple Circus – which UBS sponsors. “It’s a fantastic not for profit, top-tier circus that provides programs like Clown Care for hospitalized children.”
She explained that now that UBS is a corporate sponsor of BAC, she’s able to bring her personal interests, her family, and her work together. She said, “This is a firm event my kids can attend too. Plus, it allows me to extend my network and connect with the community on a business level as well.”
Women at UBS
Bozzella is also on the Board for Diversity Awareness and on the steering committee of UBS’s women’s network, All Bar None, a forum for women to develop and support professional growth.
UBS holds bi-annual women’s leadership conferences in the region to provide skills training ranging from cultivating executive presence and communicating across cultures to developing a personal brand.
“Investing in our leadership is important to me and the firm. A recent conference I co-chaired, entitled “Your Passport to Success,” drew over 400 women. It was amazing to look around and see the power there.”
She continued, “Additionally, I’m an executive sponsor for the Working Parents’ Network, which provides a forum for moms and dads to discuss the challenges they are facing. We organize events that include our children, and do outreach in the community such as park cleanup so our kids can understand the impact they can have. This network enables me to bring work and family together in a positive way.”
In Her Personal Time
Outside of work, Bozzella and her husband, who works in the fashion industry, spend their weekends on the sidelines cheering on their three children (ages thirteen, ten, and eight). “We’re heavily into sports. While we work a lot, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with our children and connect with the folks in the community. My other passions and hobbies are cooking, music and running. I’m teaching my 3 children the piano and I am enjoying every minute of it.”
Interesting that there are fewer women majoring in STEM fields today than there were in the past. It’s great that there are people like Kim Bozzella are reaching out, so young women are not intimidated by the lack of diversity in these programs.
Congrats on your efforts and those of UBS to help women succeed in a “man’s world”. Finding the women, I would assume, is not easy. However, once found, if we educate and encourage these women to take the challenge then the Glass Hammer will shatter the ceiling and breakthroughs will occur.
Welcome Kim. It is great to meet you, and find your talent and experience here at UBS. You have validated yourself through action and example, and your accomplishment earns respect among a great audience. Know that there are other like-minded leaders that include my direct report, Eric Schroeder, Director of Service Engineering. From my first day forward, he introduced me to the diversity-supporting programs at UBS, including Women in IT and CAN, and enabled me to grow professionally through high collaboration; ideal for leveraging skills, and avoiding professional ruts that limit us. Eric has fostered some truly inspiring work and education that includes the Service Engineering Usability Assurance Program to benefit IT transformation. In brief, this is a resourceful program that puts increased focus on the early design stage to get to a usable, intuitive system while it aims to reduce development rework. Our deliberation and analysis of usability aligns us, and gives us the lift and exposure timely with how UBS is changing. It’s empowering, not only women, but people who instill empowerment in others.