Women in Technology: Ann Jenkins

Liquid Web Customer Support Manager on how she came to tech, the importance of adaptability, and the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Ann Jenkins was born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. “My childhood was filled with experiences that were unique to the city, such as exploring the medieval streets of the old town and visiting the many museums and galleries that showcase Croatia’s rich cultural heritage,” she says.

One of her favorite things about growing up in Zagreb was the sense of community surrounding her. “My parents were both hard-working professionals, and they instilled in me a strong work ethic and a love of learning from a young age. My father had a construction company, and I always begged him to take me to the construction site. I was fascinated by how they build buildings out of nothing.”

Even before choosing her career path, Jenkins found she was happiest when she could help people navigate complex issues and solve their problems. “I love the feeling of being able to make a difference and provide assistance where it’s needed,” she says. “Just making a positive impact in people’s lives, that’s the point of everything. My upbringing and personal interests have played a key role in shaping my passion for finding solutions.”

When it came time to choose a career path, Jenkins knew she wanted to find a way to use her natural talents and interests to help others organize and manage their work and teams. “I am passionate about finding new and innovative ways to improve,” she says. During her studies and after completing a bachelor’s degree in business management and economics, she primarily worked in hospitality management, tourism, and different types of sales, always directly communicating with clients. Although she didn’t know much about the industry then, Jenkins passionately and quickly learned the ins and outs of web hosting technology.

She has recently celebrated her fifth anniversary at Liquid Web, where she started as a customer service representative and progressed to her current position as a Senior Customer Support manager.

“As the customer support manager, ultimately, my role is to ensure that our customers receive the best possible experience when they reach out to us,” she says. “I’m leading and developing a team of customer service specialists — an amazing group of people — and ensuring that our teams provide high-quality customer service to meet and exceed customer needs and expectations. In the end, we are the Heroic support!”

Jenkins loves that technology is a field constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility. “This means that you can use your creativity and innovation to help develop new products, services, and solutions that have the effect to change the situation, business, or in the end, somebody’s life,” she says.

She also loves the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world. “Our customers come from diverse backgrounds and have unique stories and experiences to share. I’m always impressed by their resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. I’m honored to be able to help them navigate these challenges and find solutions,” she says.

For Jenkins, one of the keys to success in tech is adaptability. “In today’s rapidly changing work environment, it’s essential to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. This may involve being open to new experiences and willing to take on new challenges.
Always stay positive and solution-focused!”

In Jenkins’ opinion, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of women in tech. “I have inspiring, amazing, smart, hard-working female colleagues, and I am extremely proud of their achievements. Women in technology have the potential to impact and drive innovation in the industry significantly,” she says. “If you enjoy problem-solving, learning, collaborating, and innovating, this is the best place for you. It is an amazing field that is constantly pushing your professional development.”

Jenkins also emphasizes the joys of participating in a collaborative and inclusive work culture. “Here at Liquid Web, employees are encouraged to share ideas, work together, and support one another,” she says.

Her most significant advice is to believe in yourself and your abilities. “Building confidence and resilience is essential for success in any career, but especially in technology, where change is constant, and challenges are common,” she says. “It’s important to take responsibility for your own career development, set goals, and work towards achieving them. This includes learning new skills, staying current with industry trends, and seeking new challenges and opportunities. Don’t let imposter syndrome or other limiting beliefs keep you from pursuing your goals.”