Championing diversity in tech: Beckie Barlow’s journey at CPiO

Written by CPiO

Following International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re reflecting on the achievements of women across the technology sector and the ongoing importance of building more inclusive industries for the future.

At CPiO, we’re proud to recognise colleagues who are helping to shape the future of business technology.

One of those individuals is Beckie Barlow (pictured), our Sage X3 sales and business development manager.

With extensive experience in ERP and business technology, Beckie has built a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated sector and is known for her strategic approach and strong client relationships.

In this interview, Beckie shares her journey into ERP and technology sales, the changes she has seen across the industry, and her advice for women considering a career in the technology sector.

1 What first drew you into the world of ERP and technology sales, and what has kept you passionate about it? 

I was initially drawn to ERP because of the impact it has on businesses.

Solutions like Sage X3 don’t just improve one department - they transform entire organisations. 

I’ve always enjoyed working with people and solving problems, so combining technology with relationship-building felt like a natural fit. 

What’s kept me passionate is seeing the tangible difference these systems make.

When a client moves from frustration and inefficiency to clarity and control, it’s incredibly rewarding.

The technology continues to evolve, which means there’s always something new to learn. That keeps it exciting. 

2 As a woman in tech, particularly in ERP and business development, what challenges have you faced and how have they shaped your leadership style? 

Earlier in my career, I quite often found myself being the only woman in the room.

That can feel intimidating, especially in a technical sales environment. I had to build confidence in my knowledge and trust my expertise. 

It was those experiences that shaped my leadership style. I lead with preparation, empathy and collaboration. 

You don’t have to be the loudest voice to be influential, you just need to be credible, consistent and most importantly authentic.  

Those early challenges ultimately strengthened my resilience and self-belief. 

3 How have you seen the Sage ERP landscape change, and how have you adapted to stay ahead? 

The ERP landscape has shifted from purely operational efficiency to strategic enablement.

Today, businesses expect real-time insights, mobility, cloud flexibility and integration across a number of platforms. Sage ERP solutions have evolved to meet those demands. 

To stay ahead, I focus on continuous learning. It’s not just about the product. In this environment it’s vital to understand industries, business trends and client challenges.

Technology moves quickly so adaptability is essential and being curious and open to change has been key to staying relevant. 

4 What changes have you seen for women in tech during your career, and where do we still need progress? 

There’s definitely been progress. There are more women in leadership roles, more mentorship opportunities and more conversations about inclusion. We are showing younger women that there is space for them here. 

That said, we still need to encourage more women into technical and commercial roles within tech. Female representation at senior decision-making level is increasing, but there’s more to do.

Creating environments where women feel confident contributing and leading is the next important step. 

5 What advice would you give to young women considering a career in ERP or technology sales? 

Don’t underestimate your ability to succeed in this space. You don’t need to come from a deeply technical background to thrive in ERP sales. Curiosity, problem-solving skills, the desire to help your customers and strong communication are just as valuable. 

Find mentors, ask questions and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Confidence grows through experience. But most importantly - back yourself! The tech industry needs diverse perspectives, and your voice can add value. 

6 What achievement are you most proud of at CPiO and what continues to motivate you today? 

I’m most proud of the long-term relationships I’ve built with clients and colleagues. In business development, trust is everything.

Knowing that clients see me as a strategic partner rather than just a salesperson is incredibly fulfilling. 

As for what motivates me today, I think that would be growth - both personal and organisational.

Seeing CPiO continue to innovate, watching clients succeed and mentoring others keeps me inspired. Technology is always moving forward, and I’m excited to continue on that journey. 

Reflecting on progress in the technology sector

International Women’s Day encourages businesses to reflect on progress while continuing to champion greater inclusion across all sectors.

Beckie’s story highlights the value of confidence, adaptability and strong communication in building a successful career in technology. By sharing experiences like hers, the West Midlands business community can help inspire more women to pursue opportunities in tech, leadership and innovation — strengthening the region’s economy in the process.

At CPiO, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where talent, expertise and individuality are recognised and supported.

By continuing to champion diverse voices across our team and the wider industry, we hope to play our part in encouraging the next generation of women to explore careers in technology and business.