Asia Sharif
Software Engineer at NatWest and Founder ChainVerse
Manchester, United Kingdom
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Asia is a multi-award-winning Software Engineer, DE&I Advocate, founder, and mentor. Despite facing obstacles such as battling Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma during the peak of her career, Asia has dedicated her life to proving that adversity does not define a person—how they rise above it does.
Her journey into technology was non-traditional. Coming from a non-technical background, she taught herself to code while navigating homelessness and systemic barriers. Within just a few years, she became an award-winning engineer, inspiring thousands with her story and mentoring over 100 individuals from underrepresented backgrounds into roles at leading organisations.
Asia is a powerful voice for diversity in STEM, delivering keynotes, workshops, and training on mindset, imposter syndrome, and confidence-building. Her influence extends to education, where she has equipped teachers across the UK to better support neurodivergent and low-income students, reshaping how diversity is approached in schools.
Even while undergoing intense cancer treatments, Asia continued to deliver speeches, mentor others, and advocate for equity in tech. She also campaigns for greater stem cell donor registration among ethnic minority communities, partnering with DKMS and Anthony Nolan to raise awareness and save lives.
Asia is the founder of ChainVerse, a startup aimed at revolutionising communication for incarcerated individuals and their families, reflecting her belief in technology as a force for social good.
Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and action—an unbreakable commitment to lifting others while fighting her own battles.
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From Tech Newbie to Trailblazer: A Journey of Success in Software Engineering and Entrepreneurship
Session Overview:
Embark on a transformative journey of growth, resilience, and achievement in the tech industry. This session will delve into the inspiring story of transitioning from a newcomer to a multi-award-winning software engineer and founder. Participants will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable tips to navigate their own path to success in software engineering and entrepreneurship.
Key Topics Covered:
1. The Newbie Experience: Reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned as a newcomer in the tech industry.
2. Resilience and Adaptability: Overcoming setbacks, imposter syndrome, and navigating career transitions with resilience and determination.
3. Winning with Skills and Expertise: Developing technical skills, staying abreast of industry trends, and continuously upskilling to excel in software engineering.
4. Entrepreneurial Journey: From ideation to execution, learn how to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures as a tech entrepreneur.
5. Building a Strong Personal Brand: Leveraging personal branding and networking to enhance visibility, credibility, and career opportunities in the tech ecosystem.
6. Leadership and Mentorship: Cultivating leadership skills, fostering a culture of mentorship, and empowering the next generation of tech talent.
Expected Outcomes:
Attendees will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable tips to navigate their own journey of success in software engineering and entrepreneurship. By learning from real-world experiences and best practices, participants will be equipped with the tools and mindset to thrive in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the tech industry.
Crafting Your Personal Brand: A Blueprint for Success in Tech
In today's competitive tech landscape, building a strong personal brand is essential for career success. This session will provide attendees with practical strategies and actionable insights on how to effectively develop and leverage their personal brand to thrive in the tech industry. From defining your unique value proposition to establishing a compelling online presence, participants will learn key steps to differentiate themselves, attract opportunities, and unlock their full potential.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Defining Your Brand Identity: Discovering your strengths, passions, and values to craft a distinct personal brand that resonates with the tech industry.
2. Building an Online Presence: Leveraging social media platforms, professional networking sites, and personal websites to showcase expertise, accomplishments, and thought leadership.
3. Communicating Your Brand Story: Crafting a compelling narrative that communicates your professional journey, accomplishments, and aspirations to engage and inspire others.
4. Networking and Relationship Building: Cultivating meaningful connections within the tech community through networking events, mentorship opportunities, and online communities.
5. Brand Consistency and Authenticity: Ensuring consistency across all touchpoints while staying true to your authentic self to build trust and credibility among peers and industry professionals.
Attendees will leave this session equipped with practical strategies and actionable insights to develop and elevate their personal brand in the tech industry. By implementing these strategies, participants will enhance their visibility, credibility, and influence, positioning themselves for greater career success and opportunities in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
From Self-Taught to Fintech Engineer: Building Inclusive and Intelligent Financial Systems
This session explores my unconventional journey from being self-taught—navigating poverty, foster care, and a non-traditional path—through to becoming a multi-award-winning engineer working at the intersection of fintech, data, and inclusion.
We’ll uncover how modern data and cloud engineering practices are transforming financial services, from fraud detection and customer insights to credit scoring and social impact solutions. At the same time, we’ll examine how building inclusive technologies can bridge inequalities, reduce bias, and create financial systems that serve everyone.
Key Topics Covered:
1. My journey into fintech and why inclusion matters.
2. Modern tech shaping finance—cloud, AI, and data-driven innovation.
3. Reducing bias and designing accessible, inclusive financial systems.
4. Social impact projects like ChainVerse and the ethics of fintech.
5. Lessons in resilience, adaptability, and using tech as a force for good.
Expected Outcomes:
Attendees will leave with an understanding of how fintech innovation and inclusion can go hand in hand—leveraging modern technology while ensuring fairness, accessibility, and impact.
Manchester Tech Festival Sessionize Event
Asia Sharif
Software Engineer at NatWest and Founder ChainVerse
Manchester, United Kingdom
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