Australia’s tech sector is evolving quickly, and women are playing a bigger role than ever in shaping what comes next. One of those leading the way is Jordana Desmyth, Commercial Channel Sales Manager at HP Australia. With more than 20 years of experience across various roles, she now oversees the Northern region, Western Australia, and Papua New Guinea, working closely with HP’s partners and resellers.
We recently sat down with Jordana to talk about her career path, her perspective on women in tech, and what she sees on the horizon for the industry.
From Collections to a Career in Tech
Jordana’s journey into tech wasn’t planned, but it’s a path she’s proud of. “I didn’t initially set out to pursue a career in tech,” she says. “I worked in credit and collections straight out of high school and eventually landed a role in internal sales at HP.”
That role sparked her interest in technology, and she’s been growing within the industry ever since. Moving from sales into management, she credits the dynamic nature of the sector for keeping her inspired. “The constant evolution of the industry. There’s always something new to learn and challenge yourself with.”
The Changing Landscape for Women
Jordana has seen a lot of progress over the years when it comes to women in the workplace. “It has changed significantly for the better,” she says, but adds that challenges remain—particularly for women returning to work after having children.
“Returning to work after becoming a mother was tough,” she recalls. “You feel like you have to prove yourself all over again. But I know so many returning mothers who are the hardest workers out there. They should never be underestimated.”
While companies have made improvements in flexibility and support, Jordana believes there’s still room to grow in how women are championed and promoted within tech.
The Power of Partnership
At HP, channel partnerships are a big part of the business, and Jordana is deeply involved in supporting and growing these relationships. “Our resellers and partners are critical to our success. They bring market insight and allow us to reach a diverse customer base,” she says.
These partnerships are also helping to drive innovation. “We offer training programs in areas like sustainability and AI that partners can tap into. It’s that combination of HP’s resources and their expertise that creates real impact.”
A Career Highlight That Hit Home
When asked about a moment that stood out in her career, Jordana points to an experience that connected her passion for leadership with a cause she believes in.
“It was an opportunity to speak to a room full of business leaders about the value of sustainable practices in attracting and retaining talent,” she says. Representing HP on a sustainability panel, she shared the work being done through the Amplify Impact Program. “That experience reinforced my belief in the importance of what we do.”
People First, Always
Leadership, for Jordana, is rooted in empathy. “In a high-performance environment, leading with empathy is a strength,” she says. “I try to bring my team into decisions where possible. My aim is to empower, not micromanage.”
She’s also committed to helping young women find their footing in tech. Her advice is simple but powerful: “Speak up. Know your strengths. Know your values. And don’t be afraid to take up space.”
Why Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
HP’s leadership in sustainability is something Jordana speaks about with pride. “Since 2019, we’ve cut energy use by 21%, eliminated 86% of single-use plastics, and moved to 100% recycled packaging materials,” she says.
But with rapid advances like generative AI pushing tech infrastructure to its limits, she believes the sector has a responsibility to lead wisely. “We need greener data centres, clean energy, and circular design built into every device. Australia can be a leader in responsible tech if we commit to it.”
Looking to the Future
Jordana Desmyth’s story reflects the kind of change taking place in Australia’s tech industry: thoughtful, driven, and inclusive. From her early days in collections to her leadership at HP, she’s been helping shape not just how tech is sold and supported—but how the industry itself evolves.
As more women step into leadership roles, and as companies invest in sustainability and diversity, the future of tech in Australia is starting to look a lot more balanced—and a lot more promising.
For another technology industry perspective, read our interview with Fujifilm’s Shaun Mah about AI and innovation in photography.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
