Paula Hof-Rubner & Namrata Sen: The meeting of minds

Interview with Paula Hof-Rubner, Head of Networks & Datacentre, and Namrata Sen, IT Lead, Credits, at ABN AMRO.

Since its launch in 2014, the RightBrains Digital Leadership Programme (DLP) has supported more than 135 women on their journeys toward digital leadership. The programme is designed for talented women with several years of management experience in industries that rely on digital technology. We caught up with alumni from within the same companies to explore how the programme impacted their leadership journeys… and what they are up to nowadays.

Why do you think it is an exciting time to be within the sphere of digital technology in the banking industry?

Namrata: Banking used to be very transactional. The biggest change brought about by digitalisation is that it’s become much more interactive and intentional. Banks connect people and play a role in making their lives easier and building wealth. I’m passionate about playing a role through my area of specialisation and the role that IT has to play in this process.

Paula: The impact and the scope of IT infrastructure have always fascinated me, and the banking industry is crucial to society. In the network and datacentre space we have an immense responsibility of 24/7 availability since the impact of a single incident is far-reaching. I like the complexity and the legacy of the IT infrastructure and the challenges that come with bringing it into the future.

How did the insights from the DLP help you to broaden your perspective and how has this supported you in your career journeys?

Namrata: I have been in IT all my life and have been working at ABN AMRO for fifteen years. Before my current role, I was a release manager for internet banking, intranet banking, business process management teams and later a chapter lead, so I have an extensive technical background. In the year I completed the RightBrains Digital Leadership Programme, I did not necessarily get the most value from the technical content, but from meeting interesting women from other leading companies. I learned that certain challenges are shared across the industry, and it helped me to broaden my professional network. I think it’s an advantage of the programme that each year’s group has its own dynamic and that the content is revised on an annual basis.

Paula: I had a similar experience! I was actually in one of the first groups a few years ago, so the technical content is tough to recall in detail. But I specifically remember being inspired, and I found a kinship with many women there. It was a meeting of minds of sorts – to this day, I still have contact with the ladies I met. It also helped shape my fundamental understanding about diversity, and what it means to have a diverse team that functions optimally.

How can women maximise the gains of trainings, programmes and knowledge sharing into their everyday tasks?

Namrata: Continuous learning should be embedded in your DNA, regardless of your gender. Technology is not a discipline where you can excel with a ‘fake-it-till-you make it’ approach. You should be totally immersed in the technical content if this is your chosen focus – and the more you learn, ask, and explore, the more you will refine your skills. If you approach upskilling opportunities with a curious mindset, it will translate into your everyday tasks in covert as well as subconscious ways, and momentum will build over time.

Paula: I think it’s important to get to know yourself to the point where you are conscious of where your strengths lie. That could be in content, process, organisation, or even leadership. Once you know this, focus on maximising your capabilities in that area, and don’t lose sleep over the things that don’t come naturally. I’ve learned that the things I’m good at give me the most energy, and that usually has a positive effect on how I apply learnings in practice.

This article was originally published in the RightBrains DIGIDIVA Magazine 2025. Check out this year's issue for more inspiration!