In this Tech Ladies Talk interview, we spoke with Alex Swift, Director of Analytics Engineering and Data Science at HubSpot, about her unique career journey, the importance of mentorship, and how intentional leadership can create better workplaces. With experience spanning SaaS, affordable housing, and data science, Alex’s insights offer valuable lessons for navigating both personal and professional growth.
A Boomerang Journey
Alex’s career began at HubSpot through a marketing rotational program, where she explored customer success and marketing operations. Her passion for data analytics took root when she built HubSpot’s first Looker instance. "It was the perfect mix of math and problem-solving," she shared.
Eager to make a difference outside the tech world, Alex joined the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) in Boston, where she gained critical leadership experience. "Working closely with the COO-turned-CEO gave me executive insights I hadn't had before," Alex explained. However, she missed the scale of SaaS and the collaborative team she left behind at HubSpot. "Returning to HubSpot felt like the right fit—joining a team I trusted and missed was key to continuing my career growth."
Staying Grounded by Knowing Your "Why"
One of the most valuable lessons Alex has learned throughout her career is the importance of staying grounded in your purpose. "Whether you’re optimizing SQL architecture or running an AI model, always ask yourself: ‘Why am I doing this, and how does it support the broader business?’" Alex explained.
She shared how focusing on the "why" has helped her team stay aligned and motivated: "At the start of every sprint, we always explain why each task matters. Knowing your ‘why’ keeps you focused, helps cut through the noise, and makes it easier to execute and deliver results." This practice has helped Alex cut through distractions and keep her team aligned, especially when tackling complex data science projects.
Mentorship and Advocacy: Key to Career Success
For Alex, mentorship and advocacy are essential to professional growth. "You need two key people: an advocate—ideally your manager—and a peer outside your team to be your confidant," she advised. "If your manager isn’t advocating for you in rooms you’re not in, it’s time to find another advocate—or a new role."
Alex also emphasized the challenges of leadership, noting that people management can feel isolating. "It’s important to have a peer in another department or domain where you can exchange candid feedback and support each other. Leadership can be lonely, and having that relationship makes all the difference."
Driving Cultural Change: Advocating for Balance at Work and Home
Reflecting on trends in the tech industry, Alex expressed gratitude for the progress she’s seen, particularly with men stepping up both at work and at home. "In successful partnerships, men share the load equally with their partners —both the physical tasks and the mental load. I want to see that same energy carried into the workplace," she explained.
However, Alex noted that tasks such as planning team events or managing office culture often still fall disproportionately on women. She stated, "I’ve noticed more of my male colleagues stepping up in these areas recently, and it makes a huge difference. But the fact that it stands out means it’s not yet the norm. We need to normalize everyone sharing these responsibilities."
Final Thoughts: Embrace Transferable Skills
Alex’s parting advice is a reminder that skills from non-technical roles can be invaluable in tech: "You don’t have to be a woman in tech today to be one tomorrow. Many of the leadership skills I rely on were developed outside of traditional tech roles. Those experiences are often more transferable than you think."
Alex’s journey is a reminder that leadership is about purpose, mentorship, and balance—whether in tech or beyond. Her story encourages us to seek out advocates, embrace change, and build inclusive workplaces!
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