Profile

Read Elena's inspiring story below!

Expertise
What is your role, job title, and field of expertise?

My name is Elena Georgiou Strouthos, and I am the Co-Founder & Chief Technical Officer of Cocoon Creations. I have an academic background in Computer Science from the University of Cyprus and the University of Manchester and I am leading the creation of tailored made digital solutions, including complex mobile applications and web systems emphasizing performance, quality, and user experience​.

Inspiration
What sparked your interest in this technology field and what path led you here?

As a young teenager I have always been really good with math but programming got my interest because it gives you the ability to create something new from scratch. I’ve always loved how technology can solve real problems and bring ideas to life. 
Along the way, I also got really interested in the stories we don’t hear in tech, especially about women’s contributions. That’s what led me to start Breaking the 20% (breaking20.eu), my podcast about the forgotten women who helped shape the digital world.

Career Growth
What skills and strategies have helped you succeed in tech?

In tech, it’s essential to constantly adapt and keep learning. The ability to learn, unlearn, and evolve your skills as the field changes has been key for me.
I’ve also learned that trying to control everything leads to burnout and stifles creativity. Delegation is crucial — it empowers your team, builds ownership, and frees you up to focus on higher-level work. Trusting your team not only makes you more effective but also creates a more innovative and productive environment.

Memorable Achievements
Share a project or moment that reflects the impact of your work.

I am very proud to be one of the founders of hack {cyprus}. I am a founding member of the non profit organisation Cypriot Enterprise Link (https://projectcel.com/). Through CEL we created the initiative called hack{cyprus}  https://hackcyprus.com/), which was the first initiative that has been organising hackathons in Cyprus since 2012. I led hack{cyprus} along with its members and volunteers between 2013 to 2018, during which time we organized, among other things, we organised code schools for young students and we took special care to include as many girls as possible as well as organized hack {cyprus} summit in 2017 a 2 day tech conference with international speakers.

Challenges
How do you stay ahead in a competitive field, and what obstacles have you overcome?

While I've been fortunate to collaborate with colleagues who've consistently respected and acknowledged my contributions, I've faced initial judgments based on my gender by people first meeting me. Even now, despite my established reputation, I sometimes find myself in client meetings where technical questions are automatically directed to the male members of my team, even if their primary roles are in sales. 
Furthermore, I've encountered comments that perpetuate the stereotype that women are the exception in the tech field, often hearing remarks like, "You're an exception, as women are generally not as proficient in this domain." These experiences underline the persistent challenges that women continue to face in the tech industry, where gender biases and preconceived notions can still influence how we are perceived and treated. 

Work-Life Balance
How do you manage the demands of career and personal life?

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge that I often struggle with. My commitments at work and being a parent to two kids consume a significant amount of my time and energy, leaving little space for personal downtime. Despite these challenges, I make a conscious effort to separate work from my personal life, especially on weekends. I prioritize spending quality time with my children through various activities, which helps us bond and create lasting memories together. While I don’t always achieve the perfect balance, these moments with my family are invaluable and provide a much-needed break from the demands of my professional life.

Personal motive
What’s your motto?

“Embrace Uncertainty, Pursue Learning.” In a rapidly evolving world, the acknowledgement that we don’t know everything is not just a sign of humility but a powerful catalyst for growth. Embracing the continuous journey of learning new things is essential for personal and professional development. This mindset helps us stay adaptable, responsive, and innovative.

Future
How do you envision the future of technology and what role can gender diversity and inclusion play?

As a woman with almost 20 years of experience in the tech industry and an active participant in various tech-related initiatives, I have a strong vision for the future of women in tech. My perspective is firmly rooted in the belief that achieving gender parity in technology is not just a matter of equity but also a strategic necessity for the industry's growth and innovation. 

Even with the rise of generative AI we still face a significant shortage of specialized professionals in the tech industry. The critical aspect of this issue is that, by and large, women have been historically underrepresented in tech. However, as we look forward, it's essential to recognize that women make up approximately 50 percent of the global population. By actively including this substantial talent pool, we significantly increase our chances of addressing the current skills gap and filling all the open positions in the tech industry. In other words, gender diversity isn't just about social progress; it's about addressing a workforce shortage and ensuring the sector remains robust and sustainable. 

Ultimately, I see a future where women are not only equal participants in the tech industry but also integral to its success. Through initiatives, mentorship programs, and educational outreach, we can continue to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue tech careers. As a podcaster with a focus on the history of women in tech, I'm committed to sharing their stories and contributions, inspiring the next generation of female tech leaders. The future of women in tech is not just a matter of equality; it's a catalyst for greater innovation and excellence in the industry as a whole. 
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