Meet a Woman in Tech Who's Also a Writer (And Her Books Are Out!)

Kyla, you wrote three books in the past four years, yet in one of your interviews, you mentioned that you’re not planning to pursue a full-time author career anytime soon. Right now, you’re working in the data space with one of the companies here in San Francisco. How does your background in writing bring a unique perspective to your tech career?

My writing career has made me more appreciative of my tech job. As a writer, I’m often grappling with subjectivity — what resonates deeply with one reader might be met with indifference by another. And it’s often the case that a hundred positive comments from readers can be overshadowed by a single negative critique. In contrast, my full-time job offers clear-cut measures of success: for instance, a piece of code either functions or it doesn’t. While I cherish the flexibility of writing, I also value the structure and measurable outcomes of my corporate role in tech. The two offer a nice balance that allows me to leverage my creative side while honing my problem-solving abilities.

Valley Verified” felt incredibly personal. I could relate to the protagonist’s journey — from feeling a lack of direction in my late 20s to quickly transitioning into the fast-paced world of tech in San Francisco. The sense of joining this new, strange, and somehow uncaring but well-rehearsed world of Silicon Valley was palpable. Did you draw the main character from your personal experience of moving to the Bay Area, or did you research and engage with the women in tech community for a richer portrayal?

I’m glad Valley Verified resonated with you because the story came from a very personal place. My main character’s imposter syndrome and fish-out-of-water insecurities were directly drawn from my own. After I made a career switch from high fashion to high tech, I found myself in a role unlike anything I’ve done before, and it felt like I was struggling just to stay afloat in this fast-paced, competitive industry. It also wasn’t an easy adjustment to the Bay Area after I left my hometown of Singapore to work here. Writing Valley Verified helped me sort through the complicated feelings I had about starting over in a new industry and a new country, which I poured into crafting my main character Zoe Zeng.

I also spoke to other women in the tech community, of different ethnicities and career stages. I wanted to hear their stories and understand what it was like for them, especially women whose backgrounds are the least like mine. In addition, non-fiction books like Emily Chang’s Brotopia, Ellen Pao’s Reset, and Anna Weiner’s Uncanny Valley also gave me richer insights into the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

It’s fascinating how tech and writing might seem like worlds apart, yet both require a deep sense of storytelling and creativity. How do you see these skills intersecting in your work today? Can you share an example where your writing expertise directly impacted a tech project or product with your current employer in a meaningful way?

Both writing and tech need a good story. In my tech job, I often have to explain very technical information to people who don’t know anything about coding or data. That’s where my writing skills come in handy — I can take something complicated and break it down into simple terms that anyone can understand.

Recently, I worked on launching a product that no one really cared about. It was like pulling teeth to get people excited. So I decided to try a different approach. Drawing upon my storytelling skills, I weaved a narrative around how this new product fit into the bigger picture for our company. Suddenly, a lot more people from different teams started paying attention! That helped me realize how powerful it is to craft a compelling story and hook, even in the world of tech.

Asian representation is a central theme in your novels, and your work in Silicon Valley gives you a nuanced perspective on the Asian experience within the tech industry. Despite Asians comprising around 57% of the workforce here (according to Axios), a recent report reveals that Asian women often face more significant challenges and barriers compared to their white peers. What strategies would you recommend to improve their experiences and opportunities in the tech sector?

Firstly, don’t discount yourself. People of color, women, and immigrants are more prone to getting caught up in imposter syndrome. Often, even when an opportunity comes our way, we might close the door on it because we don’t think we’re ready. But believe in yourself and your abilities — even if others don’t. Especially if others don’t. You must be your own cheerleader first.

Secondly, a rising tide lifts all boats. Industries dominated by white men, like tech and publishing, can feel like a really competitive, zero-sum place, especially for Asian women. But instead of seeing each other as competition, we should be supporting one another. Helping out others, sharing our networks, and mentoring the next generation is how we can create a stronger community and open more doors for everyone.

One of the prevailing currents in the tech world lately has been the wave of layoffs. Are you considering weaving this trend into your narrative? I imagine many women in tech would find such a storyline compelling and reflective of their own experiences.

When I started writing this book in 2022, the tech industry was booming. It felt like everyone was jumping ship for a higher-paying job within the industry. The atmosphere was electric, filled with optimism and endless possibilities. But fast forward two years, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. Layoffs and economic uncertainty have become the new normal.

Looking back, I think this rapid change has actually made my book more relevant. The immense pressure my main character, Zoe, faces to succeed in her startup now feels even more relevant. Readers can really relate to her career uncertainty, fear of job insecurity, and the high stakes of her role.

With your third book on the horizon, do you have any insights or messages you’d like to share specifically with the women in tech community?

The same advice from Q4 also applies. :)

And meticulously document everything. Unfortunately, in many cases, women are at a disadvantage when caught in a ‘he said, she said’ situation. It’s a frustrating reality, but having a clear paper trail can be essential for protecting yourself.

Thank you, Kyla! We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.

Valley Verified is available as a print book, eBook, and audiobook at major bookstores and online retailers.