Welcome back to our Women in Tech series where we continue to highlight the incredible journeys of women making a difference in the tech world. Today, we feature Shanice Goulbourne, a leader in women in tech, who joined Yardi in 2019 as an Associate Technical Account Manager and has since risen to become a Team Lead for Yardi Breeze Premier Canada. From her strong focus on customer service to her dedication to mentoring her team, Shanice brings a refreshing perspective on leadership in the tech industry.
Shanice, can you tell us a bit about your journey to Yardi and what led you here?
My journey to Yardi was an adventure. It began with an interview with Ian Robinson and Corey Hawkes, and from there, things took off! My accounting background gave me an edge, helping me quickly grasp Breeze Premier’s functionality and better support my team and clients. While learning the platform was important, having a strong grasp of accounting principles was key to excelling in this role.
What’s your current role like as a Team Lead?
As a Team Lead, my focus is on supporting my team to achieve their goals because when they succeed, I succeed. My goal is to guide each team member toward their ambitions, whether it’s moving to a new role or advancing within the team. I’m here to map out the path and ensure they have the tools and knowledge to succeed. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.
With your diverse background in accounting, admin and sales, how have those experiences shaped your leadership style?
Customer service has been the common thread in all my roles. Whether in retail, a warehouse, or accounting, it’s about delivering exceptional service. It goes beyond answering questions; it’s about anticipating needs, being proactive and leaving a positive impression. This mindset is something I instill in my team because it sets us apart and helps build strong relationships with clients.
Do you have any mentors who’ve made a big impact on you?
Absolutely! My biggest mentor is Ian Robinson. He helped me see that even as an associate, I was already in a management role. This mindset shift made a huge difference in how I approached my work, and it’s something I pass on to my team. I want them to take ownership of their roles from day one and see themselves as leaders.
How do you approach mentoring your team, similar to how Ian mentored you?
I see myself as a mentor, here to help my team reach their goals. I believe in being direct, sharing knowledge and offering support. Flexibility is key — I adapt to their needs while keeping things on track. My role is to guide, support and empower them every step of the way.
How do you adapt your leadership style to meet the expectations of new generations entering the workforce?
I actually feel like I’m part of that new generation! I’m very vocal and sensitive to my team’s needs. Transparency and flexibility are crucial in today’s work environment. My goal is to create a supportive environment where my team feels confident in their ability to achieve their goals. This new generation values open communication, and I make it a priority to listen and adapt to their needs.
As we look to the future, how do you see the role of women in tech evolving?
I see it growing! It’s inspiring to see more women stepping into roles in development, technical analysis and cloud computing. My advice: keep pushing forward. Even in predominantly male environments, remember you belong there just as much as anyone else. Women bring a unique perspective to tech and their contributions are invaluable. The road might not always be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
Congratulations on your recent engagement! How do you manage to balance work and personal life?
Thank you! It’s definitely a balancing act. Setting boundaries is essential — sometimes I work late for clients in different time zones, but I also make sure to disconnect and focus on personal time. It’s all about knowing when to recharge and making time for things that matter, like planning my wedding or spending time with my partner.
Lastly, what do you do to refresh and recharge on your days off?
I’m big into bodybuilding, so you’ll find me at the gym almost every day. Sundays are family time. Working out is how I decompress and recharge. It keeps me focused and Sundays with family help me reset before the workweek.
Leading with authenticity
Shanice Goulbourne’s journey is a powerful example of how dedication to customer service, mentorship, and personal growth can lead to success in the tech industry. Her story highlights the impact of Shanice Goulbourne women in tech and reminds us of the importance of authenticity, leadership and diversity in the workplace.
Inspired by Shanice’s story? Check out our website to learn more about Breeze Premier and the amazing work being done by women in tech. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more inspiring stories and updates.
