IWD 2026, The Women Who Move Us: Deborah Overdeput

Deborah Overdeput is the Chief Operating Officer at Innovative Systems, Inc.

Please tell us about yourself and your journey in the tech/startup world.

I began my career as a rocket scientist, designing fault-tolerant systems for space applications. From there, I moved into fintech at SWIFT, where I learned how to translate complex engineering into business value. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve led and scaled enterprise technology businesses across product, marketing and operations.

Today, as COO of Innovative Systems, I oversee global product strategy, growth and customer experience across our compliance and data platforms, including FinScan. My journey has never been linear. It has included global moves, career breaks, reinvention and moments where I questioned whether I belonged. Each experience shaped how I lead today: clarity over ego, resilience over perfection, and culture as the true foundation of sustainable growth.

What has been one defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape the way you lead or build today?

Early in my career, I challenged a PhD engineer on a complex equation and uncovered a major error. I was the youngest person in the room and the only woman. That moment taught me two things: competence earns credibility, and courage earns respect.

Later in my career, I experienced leadership environments built on intimidation rather than trust. Walking away from those roles was just as defining as staying. Today, I lead by creating space for others to contribute. Growth happens when people feel safe to speak up and strong enough to challenge ideas. The strongest organisations are built on trust and clarity, not fear.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech/startup landscape, and how did you navigate them?

I have often been the only woman in the room. Early on, I experienced moments where my ideas were overlooked until repeated by male colleagues. I also navigated cultures where inclusion was more rhetoric than reality. Rather than retreat, I focused on measurable results.

I refined how I communicated, built influence through impact, and aligned myself with leaders who valued contribution over politics. Over time, I learned belonging is not something granted by others; it comes from aligning your values with your environment. When that alignment was absent, I made the decision to move on.

What’s something you think the tech world/startup industry is getting right when it comes to supporting women?

There is far greater visibility now. Conversations around inclusion, pay equity and representation are now central rather than peripheral. Mentorship networks, women-in-tech forums and board-level attention to diversity have meaningfully expanded access and opportunity.

I also see more women stepping into operational and product leadership roles, not just support functions. That shift matters. Representation at the decision-making table changes how resources are allocated, and that is where structural change begins.

Conversely, where is there still work to be done in supporting women in tech and startups?

We still need to address subtle bias in how leadership potential is evaluated. Women are often assessed on past performance; men are often assessed on perceived potential. Compensation transparency remains inconsistent and informal networks continue to influence opportunity in exclusionary ways. True progress requires structural accountability, not just mentorship programs. Culture must reinforce inclusion daily, not only when it’s convenient.

Looking ahead, what change would you most like to see for women in tech over the next five years?

I would like to see more women in end-to-end leadership roles with full P&L responsibility. When women oversee product, revenue, operations and strategy simultaneously, influence compounds.

I would also like to see less pressure for women to conform to legacy leadership styles. The future of tech demands empathy, collaboration and resilience. Those qualities are not trade-offs, they are strengths.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in tech or considering founding their own company?

Trust your instincts. Build technical credibility and understand the commercial engine behind the business. Seek mentors who both support and challenge you. Do not confuse title with influence; real leadership comes from impact. And if you find yourself shrinking to fit an environment, pause. Growth requires alignment. The right culture will amplify you, not diminish you.

Wins and Wisdom: A Quick Q&A

Here are a few quick questions that helped us understand a little more about who Deborah Overdeput really is.

1. Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you the most and why?

Barbara Walters. She broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and proved that intellectual rigor and empathy are not opposites, but strategic advantages at the highest levels of leadership.

2. What’s a book, podcast or resource that has helped shape your career?

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins. His Level 5 Leadership principle – humility paired with fierce resolve – deeply resonates with how I lead.

3. Can you share a quote or mantra that motivates you when things get tough?

“Belonging begins when you stop asking for permission to lead.”

4. What’s one win or achievement from your career that you’re especially proud of?

Driving the marketing strategy that enabled divisional revenue growth from $250 million to $500 million, while fostering a high-performance culture grounded in trust and development.

What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you motivated and inspired every day?

Physical activity anchors my day. Whether it’s yoga, strength training or a walk with my dog, movement helps me focus, process decisions and lead with greater clarity.

Would you like to participate in our 2026 International Women’s Day Interview series? Contact us