Edge360 will highlight female leaders who promote equality, inclusion, and excellence within the industry to recognize Women’s History Month. Our team met Sue Kozak as CEO and co-founder of MNJ Technologies. MNJ Technologies is a SYNNEX Comstor Partner. Kozak didn’t anticipate her long-standing career in technology. Nor did she expect to co-found a technology company employing 120+ people.

Kozak had a master’s in teaching and administration, and she wanted to pursue a career as an educator. Kozak discovered that she was a natural at the job after working as a technology sales representative with a friend. The friend who later founded a distribution business wanted Kozak to join their sales team full-time. That job would be hers for ten years. She described how she took a leap of faith when she became the distributor’s first employee. MNJ Technologies still has strong relationships with this distributor to this day.

Kozak, who was working in the company’s top ranks, had two children with Paul. She decided to leave the office to spend more time raising them. After a decade-long hiatus, Kozak found herself back in the saddle, starting MNJ Technologies along with Paul. The company was named after their three sons, Max, Nick, and Jake.

Kozak acknowledged that it was difficult to start a business from scratch after reflecting on her difficulties. It isn’t easy to start from scratch. This includes finding credit, working out a space, and putting together systems. We always succeeded with the idea that we only needed to complete the most challenging task and hope for the best the next day. It sounds so easy, but it was that simple for us.

Kozak’s unique perspective on technology results from her administration and teaching training. This has undoubtedly contributed to her success in this field. She explained that both my teaching degree as well as raising my children taught me patience. Kozak is known for being approachable and taking the time to get to know her colleagues. This is crucial to the family-oriented culture MNJ Technologies promotes. She stated that MNJ Technologies is a sales organization. Therefore, they make it a priority to give their sales team the tools and support they need. This year, MNJ Technologies saw 2020 as its biggest year in revenue, despite the challenges that COVID-19 presented.

Kozak also makes it a priority to ensure women are represented at all levels of the company, including executive and management positions. This acknowledges that diversity in technology is still a problem. She stated, “I’m really proud of the diversity we’ve been able to create within our company.”

MNJ Technologies’ team works hard to create an environment where female employees feel connected. This includes initiatives such as the bi-annual Women in IT event or simple Workplace group. Kozak creates a space where female colleagues can feel connected to one another, particularly in a time of such difficulty.

Kozak highlighted the attraction of the technology industry for the next generation leaders, who may have not considered a career in the tech industry. She noted that there is constant innovation and it provides stimulating challenges for all types of careers. But you shouldn’t be afraid to change. It’s possible that what was right yesterday might not be right today. What’s right today might not be right tomorrow. You must be prepared to adapt.”

Read the original article here.