At SHARE Pittsburgh, the Women in IT community will spotlight leadership in action with “Rebels With a Cause: Everyday Acts of Leadership.” In this interactive session, Anna Murray, product management director at Rocket Software, will share how small but courageous moments (e.g., speaking up, asking questions, and challenging assumptions) can shape careers in mainframe, enterprise IT, and beyond.

We spoke with Murray ahead of the event to preview the stories, lessons, and practical strategies she’ll bring to SHARE attendees.

Embracing Both Courage and Quiet

Murray describes herself as both rebellious and naturally shy — a combination that has deeply influenced her leadership journey. “The rebel in me keeps me curious and thinking critically. My shy nature meant I had to learn to be brave enough to speak up,” she says.

Early in her career, that balance wasn’t easy. Like many professionals in IT, she sometimes held back. But experience quickly showed that silence has consequences. “When not speaking up led to problems, it helped me resolve to speak up the next time,” Murray explains.

That mindset shift — learning from missed opportunities — resonates strongly with SHARE attendees navigating complex IT organizations.

The “Big Red Bow” Moment

One of the defining stories Murray will relate at SHARE Pittsburgh is what she calls her “big red bow” moment, a turning point in how she approached communication and leadership.

Before stepping fully into product management, she had worked across much of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Murray was excited to present a new release to a vice president of sales, but she recalls that her response caused Murray to reframe her thinking. The sales leader said, “That’s nice. But can you please go wrap it up in a big red bow for me?”

At the time, the meaning wasn’t immediately clear. But it sparked an important realization for Murray. “Delivering value isn’t just about features, it’s about communicating impact in a way your audience understands,” she says.

This lesson is especially relevant in mainframe modernization, DevOps, and cross-functional IT teams, where technical and business alignment is critical.

Practical Ways to Speak Up in Meetings

For professionals attending SHARE, Murray’s session offers simple, actionable ways to build confidence and contribute more actively in meetings:

• Start by asking questions
• Frame ideas as requests for clarification or feedback
• Use tools like the virtual “raise hand” feature to create space to contribute

“Your point of view may be unique. Ask for help validating your thinking. It’s a great way to join the conversation,” she says. These small steps can make a big difference, especially in large technical meetings or global enterprise discussions.

Challenging Assumptions Without Conflict

Leadership often requires questioning the status quo, but doing so effectively is key.

Murray emphasizes that the most productive approach is rooted in curiosity, not confrontation. Ask questions, including:

• “What do you think about this idea?”
• “Has anyone explored this approach?”

This question-driven strategy encourages collaboration while still driving innovation, essential in mainframe transformation and digital evolution initiatives.

Why Authenticity Builds Influence in IT

A core theme of Murray’s session is the importance of authentic leadership in IT organizations. “Authenticity is essential to building trust. Do what you say and always come through,” she says. Consistency and follow-through establish credibility over time. And importantly, authenticity also means acknowledging what you don’t know. “It’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know — but I’ll find out.’ But then, you have to find out,” she explains.

For professionals working in IBM Z environments, hybrid cloud, or enterprise software, this kind of transparency strengthens both individual reputation and team trust.

Shifting Your Mindset and Trusting Yourself

One of the most common barriers to using your voice is a lack of self-confidence. To build confidence, she advises mainframers to ask one question in every meeting, volunteer for tasks just beyond their comfort zone, and speak up consistently. Murray adds, “Sometimes you have to ‘fake it till you make it.’ The more you practice pushing your boundaries, the easier it becomes.” These incremental steps help break down the hesitation that can hold back even highly skilled professionals.

If there’s one takeaway Murray hopes attendees leave with, it’s this: “Trust yourself.”

Every individual brings a unique perspective to their team and organization. “If you have a thought or a question, trust that someone else is probably thinking the same thing and speak up,” she says. And when self-doubt creeps in? “Focus on what you bring to the table — not the imposter syndrome argument in your head,” Murray adds.

Leadership Starts at SHARE — and Wherever You Are

“Rebels With a Cause: Everyday Acts of Leadership” is a call to action for SHARE Pittsburgh attendees. Through personal storytelling and practical guidance, Murray demonstrates that leadership in enterprise IT, mainframe careers, and technology teams is defined by everyday choices.

Whether you’re a developer, system programmer, architect, or emerging leader, this session offers actionable insights to help you build confidence, influence decisions, elevate your voice, and lead from exactly where you are. Murray’s message comes back to the moments that shape your career — they are often the ones where you choose to speak up.

If you’re ready to grow your influence, connect with peers, and take the next step in your career, don’t miss this session — or everything SHARE Pittsburgh has to offer.

Register today to secure your spot and be part of the conversations, ideas, and moments that will shape what comes next for the mainframe community and you.

Anna Murray is a visionary product leader with 15+ years driving enterprise software strategy, innovation, and growth. Proven ability to transform legacy portfolios, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver market-leading solutions that exceed revenue targets. Recognized for building high-performing teams, influencing C-suite decisions, and shaping product roadmaps aligned with corporate objectives.