Tech’s Female Power Surge in the UK
Last year, 31% of UK tech jobs were held by women—a tidy headline from the Office of National Statistics. Yet this already‑impressive figure hides the fact that women are still dramatically under‑represented in senior roles and boardrooms. It’s a paradox: more women in science, engineering and data, but still no breakthrough leaders when you ask for a woman CEO.
Meet Samantha Famulare
Hailing from New Jersey, Samantha landed a basketball scholarship in the UK, earned a Master’s in Management and International Business at Nottingham Trent University, and then—talk about a curveball—co‑founded Groubook. The idea? A social‑booking app for groups, perfect for nights out, with awesome discounts and loyalty rewards.
Why Groubook? Why now?
- We spotted a gap: people wanted a one‑stop plan for pub nights, but hadn’t found it.
- COVID‑19 stopped the hospitality sector in its tracks, but also opened the door for a pre‑booking solution.
- Launch in Nottingham (August 2020) saw a 250% spike in users within six weeks—a testament to timing and timing.
From a student visa-to‑startup‑journey to a pandemic‑era launch, Samantha’s story is a whirlwind. Here are the lessons she’s distilled from this roller‑coaster:
Three Quick Wins for Women in Tech
- Own Your Voice – Push yourself to speak up; your idea may be the next big thing.
- Micro‑Productivity Hacks – Batch tasks, use the Pomodoro technique, and never underestimate the power of a coffee break.
- Shout It Louder – When you want a raise or a promotion, don’t be shy—it’s not bragging, it’s stating the facts.
samantha’s‑guidance heat up your startup instincts with a mix of pep talk and practical do‑it‑routes. She even jokes:
“Starting a company while the world is in lockdown was less ‘panic‑starting’ and more ‘pause‑and‑plan’.”
Her mission? To usher in a more innovative, inclusive tech scene in the UK—one gathering at a time. If you’re a woman ready to launch your own venture, Samantha’s story is proof that the best time is now.
If you have an idea, speak up and make your voice heard!
Why Speaking Up Makes the Difference
Ideas are like seeds. They stay barren if nobody gives them a chance to sprout. If you don’t chat about them, the world will keep looking at the ground and think you’re just daydreaming.
Don’t Let the “Dreamer” Label Stop You
- People will say “you’re a dreamer” when your vision sounds bigger than their coffee cup.
- Just because a few folks don’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
- The best ideas start as whispers, but become roaring truths when you speak them up.
My Early Days at Groubook
In the very first meetings, I tossed a handful of ideas into the mix. Thankfully, my co‑founders listened, and that simple “yes” paved the way to our early wins.
If I had stayed silent, Groubook might look very different today – or I might still be stuck in the U.S. balky‑cloak office, dreaming instead of doing.
Takeaway
Speak up early. Your voice can turn invisible plots into tangible milestones. The rest of the team doesn’t always have the same sparkle, but their listening can launch you out of the dream zone into the launchpad.
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone
Why Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Is the Ultimate Business Hack
Starting a business is no stroll through the park. It’s a rollercoaster that tests every ounce of courage you’ve got. And if you’re chasing your dreams, you’ve got to be ready to ride the wildest loops.
The Leap That Turned a Basketball Dream into a New Life
I decided to trade the familiarity of New Jersey for a bucket of sweat‑toughness in Nottingham, UK. Think: a city that laughs at your Amtrak card, yet you’re still shouting “Can you believe that back with the blackberries?!” The curbside mash and the stories from locals turned a strange corner into a second home.
The Inside Scoop on Comfort Zone Breathing
- Voluntary “outside” moves. Move yourself into unfamiliar spots on purpose—nothing about survival. This practice becomes the backstage pass for unplanned adventures.
- New experiences = Strength. Let each weird day widen your web of knowledge; the more you’ve tried, the stronger you feel.
- Mistakes? They’re the best teachers. They highlight gaps, and you can tame them with a grin.
Why This Matters for the Next Big Hustle
Every time you Mr. “I can’t do this” in the first place, you’re actually laying a foundation that’s ready for the unexpected. And in the world of startups, the workplace is mostly strangers, new tech, and the occasional “just one more coffee” that leads to networking gold.
And That’s it! Keep the hustle, keep the daring – and the world is yours.
No substitute for working hard
Surviving the Startup Rollercoaster
The first rule? Expect to trip, then keep climbing. In a fast‑moving start‑up, mistakes are baked into the daily menu, but the difference between those who stick it out and those who quit is energy, drive, and relentless hustle.
Crunch Time Is a Secret
People see the headlines and think it’s a breeze. They ignore the early‑morning caffeine rituals, the midnight screen‑glows, and the countless notes scrawled on any surface that reminds you that hard work is invisible outside the spotlight.
My Personal Playbook
- Block the noise – focus only on the mission at hand.
- Stay true to own vision – let it light your path, not the expectations of others.
- Believe in yourself – a lesson my parents drilled in, telling me that with the right effort, anything is possible.
Why It Matters
Those who think it’s easy are looking only at the surface. The real magic happens when you’re the only person in the room doing the heavy lifting, when nobody is watching. It’s that unseen sweat that differentiates the winners.
Going Against the Grain
Sure, some peers might have more knowledge or talent. But unless they’re willing to outwork you, they’ll never surpass your momentum. I guarantee I’ll work a full ten times harder than anyone else. Therefore, when the competition comes, I’ll bet on myself each time.
Collective Hustle at Groubook
My co‑founders share the same grit I do; we all carry that chip on our shoulders that fuels continuous grind. Because of that shared fire, I’m committed to championing Groubook every single time, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Have a strong team around you
How Groubook Turns Ideas Into Action
Picture this: You’re brainstorming at the coffee machine, and your startup buddies Bradley and Ollie actually stop and listen. They say, “Go for it!”—and you’re free to run with the concept. That’s the vibe we’re cultivating at Groubook.
The Core of the Culture
- Everyone’s Voice Matters – Whether you’re a board member or the newbie intern, your ideas get a shot at the table.
- Innovative Spirit Owed from the Jump‑Start – From day one, we’ve placed a premium on fresh thinking.
- Open‑Mindedness Is the Secret Sauce – We’re always ready to pivot when a brilliant idea pops up.
Why the Founding Team Rocks
The magic lies in the mix of perspectives we bring. Each founder adds a unique flavor—from tech wizardry to design flair to business‑savvy grit—making our decision‑making as spicy as a barbecue sauce.
A Few Quick Takeaways
- Speak up—your idea could be the next big thing.
- Support each other—give backstage passes to the genius ideas.
- Create a space where being bold feels like a daily routine.
In short, at Groubook, we’re turning creative sparks into kaleidoscopic realities. And trust us, it’s not just a buzzword—it’s the living, breathing heart of our startup.
Embrace your situation and celebrate the wins
Being the Only Woman in the Room: Lessons from the Court to the Boardroom
It’s a double‑whammy every time I step into a room full of guys or sit down for a team call: I’m the only woman, but I treat it like a gold‑mine. I never shrank from the spotlight; I flexed it.
From Hoops to Hard Work
Growing up, I was the lone girl on the basketball court with the boys. That wasn’t a “fight club” thing—it was a motivation. I went in with the same drive and came out 10× stronger, proving I belonged not just on the court, but in every arena.
Tracking Growth: The Tiny Wins That Make It All Worth It
Seeing how far I’ve come is like finding a secret level in a video game. Hours of sweat, endless practice, and new skills—every small milestone feels like a win. And those wins stick around: doubling my fanbase on socials, landing fresh partners, and creating content that actually gets people talking.
- 2‑fold follower surge: Doubling my Instagram following in just a month.
- New partnership star: Securing a collaboration with a brand that complements my values.
- Engagement boost: Posts that go from “meh” to “wow” (likes & comments soaring).
Every tiny victory keeps the momentum roaring toward the big win. Don’t wait for the big thing—celebrate the little ones.
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