Data researcher ‘kicking goals’ challenging gender imbalance

Dr Ida Asadi Someh has several passions in life – data research and foosball.

It may sound like a strange combination but her competitive skills as a foosball, or table football player, have equipped her to “tackle” her way not only through a male dominated sport but also a male dominated career.

“When I was growing up, foosball was one of those games that was somehow exclusive for the boys,” she said.

“In my family, we played it together and now I am good at it and can get very competitive.”

Dr Asadi Someh is a senior lecturer in Business Information Systems at The University of Queensland’s School of Business and it was that competitive nature and upbringing that contributed, in part, to her professional success.

“One of the very early decisions I made during my PhD, was to have a really narrow focus on data,” she said.

“I knew doing what I cared about would help me succeed.”

The leader of UQ’s Master of Business Analytics Program said it has been hard to ignore the gender biases she’s encountered in a male-dominated industry.

“One of the earliest experiences I had in my home country was that a job was advertised as male-only and my father looked at the ad and said, ‘Oh Ida could do all of these things.’”

“He called them on my behalf, they asked me for an interview, and I got the position.”

“That is a very extreme example of gender bias, but many industries still lack diversity.

“I believe breaking the bias starts at home.”

Dr Asadi Someh grew up in Iran.

Her father championed her, realising education had the power to change his daughter’s life.

“My dad really believed in me and set me up in a way as nothing was unachievable,” she said.

“Choosing to progress my education was a good way to challenge our existing cultural expectations and for me to know that someday I can make positive change for the world.”

Dr Asadi Someh stressed the importance of not only personal but professional mentors in helping to break down the barriers of gender bias.

“Women question themselves all the time and that’s where a mentor can really guide you,” she said.

“I am a really big fan of having the space and a person to be able to reflect, learn and grow with.

“Most women I see professionally are so diligent in the work they do, but they question themselves all the time.

“Many women don’t think they’re good enough and they work harder and harder and harder, then miss out on other things in life – the good stuff.

“I would tell women, trust yourself, you are good, you can do this and have as much fun as you can along the way.”

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