Connecting innovation with business impact

Zeina Haggag, EMEA Marketing Director at OPSWAT shares how curiosity, collaboration, and a people-focused leadership approach continue to shape how she drives marketing impact across global markets.

What initially drew you to a career in the technology industry? Has that early motivation sustained over the years?

What drew me in was how dynamic and constantly evolving the technology industry is. Technology plays such a critical role in shaping how businesses operate and protect themselves in a digital world. Early in my career, I was fascinated by the idea that innovation could solve real problems and create meaningful impact. That curiosity has stayed with me throughout the years. Even today, what motivates me most is being part of an industry that is always moving forward and continuously challenging us to learn and grow.

Looking back, what defining moments shaped your leadership approach in sales and marketing?

One of the biggest realizations in my career was that leadership is not really about titles — it’s about influence, trust, and how you support the people around you. Some of the most defining moments in my career have come from working with diverse teams and seeing how collaboration and open communication lead to the best results. Those experiences shaped my leadership approach to be more people-focused; encouraging ideas, and empowering others to contribute confidently.

As the industry has shifted from legacy systems to cloud and AI-driven models, how have you evolved your own role to stay ahead?

The pace of change in technology makes continuous learning essential. I’ve always tried to stay curious and open to understanding new technologies, industry shifts, and evolving customer expectations. As the industry moves toward cloud and AI-driven solutions, marketing plays an important role in translating complex technologies into clear value for customers. That ability to connect innovation with real business impact has become a key focus in my role.

Beyond the obvious challenges, do subtle structural barriers still exist for women in commercial technology roles?

While there has been significant progress, subtle barriers can still exist, particularly when it comes to representation in leadership roles or access to mentorship early in a career. However, I also see many organizations becoming more intentional about creating inclusive environments and supporting women in technology.

As I often say, progress happens when women not only succeed individually but also support and uplift each other along the way.

What strengths do you believe are particularly important for women to succeed in technology sales and marketing leadership?

Adaptability, resilience, and strong communication skills are incredibly important. The technology industry evolves quickly, so being able to learn continuously and remain confident in your perspective is key. Building relationships and collaborating across teams also plays a major role in successful leadership within sales and marketing.

In high-value enterprise engagements, how critical is emotional intelligence alongside technical expertise?

Emotional intelligence is extremely important. While technical expertise builds credibility, strong relationships are what truly drive successful partnerships. Being able to listen carefully, understand different perspectives, and communicate with empathy often makes a significant difference in complex enterprise engagements.

When you look back on your career, what kind of legacy would you like to leave — professionally and personally?

When I look back on my career, I hope to have contributed to building strong teams and meaningful collaborations. Professionally, I would like to be remembered as someone who helped communicate the value of technology in a way that truly resonates with people and businesses. Personally, I hope to inspire more women to pursue opportunities in the technology industry with confidence and curiosity.

While technical expertise builds credibility, strong relationships are what truly drive successful partnerships. Being able to listen carefully, understand different perspectives, and communicate with empathy often makes a significant difference in complex enterprise engagements.