Finding My Voice: Farah’s Journey at Speechmatics

What aspects of our mission or culture resonated with you when you decided to join Speechmatics?

The mission of Speechmatics, focused on inclusion with the ethos of 'understand every voice,' deeply resonated with me. I dedicated much of my academic journey to improving language models for better performance in my native language, Arabic, so this mission aligns perfectly with my values. From the very first interview, I saw how inclusion and flexibility are at the core of Speechmatics. Whether accommodating time zone differences, providing support for my move to the UK, or helping with onboarding, the company's commitment to my integration—both professionally and socially—has been exceptional.

How did you feel during the interview process, and what made you realize this was the right place for your next job?

The interview felt more like pair programming. What really stood out to me was the openness to different approaches in problem-solving.

What flexibility were you provided during the interview process?

I was given a lot of flexibility in terms of dates and accommodating time zone differences. There was also openness during the technical interview to explore different approaches.

How have you felt supported since joining the team by both leadership and peers?

My team lead has dedicated time every day to ensure I’m settling in well and has introduced me to various workstreams.

How does our company foster collaboration and inclusivity among team members from diverse backgrounds?

There’s a strong sense of openness here. Everyone, from seniors to directors, is approachable and eager to chat. They actively include me in key discussions and genuinely value my feedback.

How have you been supported in terms of professional development and growth since joining?

Starting a new job can be overwhelming, but my line manager has been proactive in ensuring I feel supported. I’ve received clear guidance on my responsibilities and the different workstreams within the project. Being included in important conversations has accelerated my learning and helped me get up to speed much faster than I expected.

What opportunities have you found to share your perspective or ideas as a new team member?

Within a week of joining, multiple people, both within and outside of my team, encouraged me to explore new technologies. I’ve also been asked for feedback on our latest project, showing that everyone’s input, even from new team members, is highly valued—even by seniors.

How do you see the company fostering an inclusive environment for women in tech roles like yours?

There’s a really positive environment here for women. We have our own channel and regular meetings where we support and encourage each other. Even beyond those meetings, this supportive environment is clear through daily interactions.

What advice would you give to engineers or anyone considering joining our team?

Go for it, and don’t doubt yourself.