From curiosity to confidence: Kim and Jasmin on building meaningful careers in tech 

Careers in technology don’t always begin with code, and they rarely follow a straight line.

In a recent conversation, Kim Oosthuizen, who leads AI initiatives at Bupa, and Jasmin Krapf, a leader in security and risk culture, shared the real stories behind their careers. From retail floors and business consulting to AI and cyber security, their journeys show how curiosity, courage and supportive environments can shape fulfilling careers in tech.

There’s no “right” way to get into tech

Neither Kim nor Jasmin started their careers in technology.

Kim began in retail, working in operational leadership, planning and buying roles for nearly two decades. It wasn’t until she led an early machine‑learning initiative – before “AI” was even a common term – that something clicked.

“I never thought I’d be leading AI,” Kim says. “I didn’t come into tech intending to work in tech. I fell into it by becoming fascinated with how technology could help people make better decisions.”

That curiosity eventually led her to further study, including a PhD focused on the human side of AI adoption – a path that brought together her operational experience, academic research and passion for people‑centred technology.

Jasmin’s journey was equally non‑linear. She studied business administration before starting her career in consulting with Deloitte in London, building foundational skills in transformation, stakeholder management and problem‑solving.

“Those early years gave me confidence,” she reflects. “Not because I knew everything, but because I learned how to navigate complex situations and work with different kinds of people.”

Her first step into security came unexpectedly, through a project role that required her to quickly learn about secure development and technical risk. That experience opened the door to a long‑term career in security – one that blends technical understanding with human behaviour and culture.

Growth happens when you’re willing to try

A common thread in both stories is a willingness to step into opportunities before feeling fully “ready”.

“If you wait until you tick every box, you’ll never move,” Kim says. “You have to trust that curiosity and willingness to learn matter just as much as experience.”

Jasmin agrees, acknowledging that some of her most defining moments came from taking on roles where she didn’t have every answer.

“There were times I felt uncomfortable or doubted myself,” she says. “But those moments forced me to build resilience and find support – and I always came out stronger.”

At Bupa, both leaders point to a culture that encourages this kind of growth: leaders who back people, opportunities to learn on the job, and environments where asking questions is welcomed rather than penalised.

Navigating confidence, bias and self‑doubt

Working in male‑dominated spaces can come with subtle challenges.

For Kim, those moments often showed up as assumptions – about her age, her experience, or whether she truly belonged in the room.

“It’s rarely overt,” she says. “It’s the small comments, the raised eyebrows – and the pressure to constantly prove yourself.”

Her approach over time has been to stay anchored in her expertise, call out bias when needed, and choose environments where she feels valued.

“At some point, you give yourself permission to trust what you know,” she says. “And you stop shrinking yourself to fit the room.”

Jasmin’s experience has been different, though she notes that life stages – particularly returning to work after having children – highlighted challenges that her male colleagues simply couldn’t relate to.

“That was the only time I really felt a difference,” she reflects. “Balancing ambition with motherhood is complex, but it also taught me a lot about resilience and perspective.”

The power of mentors, sponsors and allies

Neither Kim nor Jasmin credits their success to doing it alone.

Both speak openly about the impact of mentors, sponsors and allies – often people who spoke up for them when they weren’t in the room.

“Sometimes it’s just someone saying, ‘She’d be great for that,’” Jasmin says. “Those moments can change careers.”

Kim echoes this, encouraging leaders to actively support others – especially women – by creating visibility, offering stretch opportunities, and normalising conversations about pay, progression and ambition.

“If you don’t ask, you don’t know,” she says. “And asking doesn’t mean you’re not grateful – it means you believe in your value.”

Why culture matters

When asked what has made Bupa stand out, both leaders point to culture.

They describe an environment where diverse leadership is visible, learning is supported, and people are encouraged to grow skills beyond their job titles – whether in AI, security, or entirely new domains.

“There’s a genuine opportunity here to make a difference,” Kim says. “The work connects to real people and real outcomes – and that gives meaning to what we do.”

Jasmin adds that leadership support, learning programs and inclusive communities play a critical role in building confidence and capability over time.

Advice for anyone considering a career in tech

Their advice is refreshingly simple:

• You don’t need a linear career
• You don’t need to know everything
• You do need curiosity, courage and support

“You can have everything you want,” Jasmin says, “just not always at the same time.”

Kim adds:

“Work out what you enjoy doing – not just the job title. Skills open doors. Confidence comes from trying.”

Looking ahead

Kim and Jasmin’s stories reflect a broader truth about careers in tech: they’re shaped by people, not perfection.

For those exploring what’s next – whether entering tech for the first time, stepping into leadership, or navigating change – their journeys show that growth is possible when learning is encouraged, individuality is valued, and support is real.