March 8th marks International Women’s Day 2026. This year we’re proud to spotlight Beckie Barlow, a longstanding Sage X3 Sales and Business Development Manager at CPiO. With many years of experience in business technology and ERP, Beckie has built a reputation as a strategic thinker, trusted by colleagues and clients alike and delivers consistent results in a traditionally male dominated industry.
The technology and ERP sector has historically seen fewer women in commercial and leadership roles. That’s why celebrating women like Beckie matters.
By celebrating women’s contributions in tech, we acknowledge how far the industry has come while reinforcing the importance of continuing to break barriers and expand opportunities for future generations.
For International Women’s Day, we interviewed Beckie. Here she shares her thoughts on the ERP industry, the changes she has seen over the years and advice to women looking to enter the technology sector.
1. What first drew you into the world of ERP and technology sales, and what has kept you passionate about it?
I was initially drawn to ERP because of the impact it has on businesses. Solutions like Sage X3 don’t just improve one department - they transform entire organisations. I’ve always enjoyed working with people and solving problems, so combining technology with relationship-building felt like a natural fit.
What’s kept me passionate is seeing the tangible difference these systems make. When a client moves from frustration and inefficiency to clarity and control, it’s incredibly rewarding. The technology continues to evolve, which means there’s always something new to learn. That keeps it exciting.
2. As a woman in tech, particularly in ERP and business development, what challenges have you faced and how have they shaped your leadership style?
Earlier in my career, I quite often found myself being the only woman in the room. That can feel intimidating, especially in a technical sales environment. I had to build confidence in my knowledge and trust my expertise.
It was those experiences that shaped my leadership style. I lead with preparation, empathy and collaboration. You don’t have to be the loudest voice to be influential, you just need to be credible, consistent and most importantly authentic.
Those early challenges ultimately strengthened my resilience and self-belief.
The ERP landscape has shifted from purely operational efficiency to strategic enablement. Today, businesses expect real-time insights, mobility, cloud flexibility and integration across a number of platforms. Sage ERP solutions have evolved to meet those demands.
To stay ahead, I focus on continuous learning. It’s not just about the product. In this environment it's vital to understand industries, business trends and client challenges. Technology moves quickly so adaptability is essential and being curious and open to change has been key to staying relevant.
4. What changes have you seen for women in tech during your career, and where do we still need progress?
There’s definitely been progress. There are more women in leadership roles, more mentorship opportunities and more conversations about inclusion. We are showing younger women that there is space for them here.
That said, we still need to encourage more women into technical and commercial roles within tech. Female representation at senior decision-making level is increasing, but there’s more to do. Creating environments where women feel confident contributing and leading is the next important step.
5. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in ERP or technology sales?
Don’t underestimate your ability to succeed in this space. You don’t need to come from a deeply technical background to thrive in ERP sales. Curiosity, problem-solving skills, the desire to help your customers and strong communication are just as valuable.
Find mentors, ask questions and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Confidence grows through experience. But most importantly - back yourself! The tech industry needs diverse perspectives, and your voice can add value.
6. What achievement are you most proud of at CPiO and what continues to motivate you today?
I’m most proud of the long-term relationships I’ve built with clients and colleagues. In business development, trust is everything. Knowing that clients see me as a strategic partner rather than just a salesperson is incredibly fulfilling.
As for what motivates me today, I think that would be growth - both personal and organisational. Seeing CPiO continue to innovate, watching clients succeed and mentoring others keeps me inspired. Technology is always moving forward, and I’m excited to continue on that journey.
Celebrating expertise, passion and individuality at CPiO
While International Women’s Day presents us with the opportunity to spotlight inspiring stories like Beckie’s, our pride extends across our entire team.
We are proud of every colleague who contributes their expertise, passion and individuality to CPiO.
A workplace where everyone feels valued and included isn’t just something we celebrate on a special occasion. It’s something we strive for every day.
Got a question for Beckie? Contact us and we’ll put you in touch.