Richard Seidl
Software testing has more women than most tech fields, yet female testers still face the challenge of being the only woman in a developer-heavy team. The key to thriving in that role lies in being assertive but kind – firm about quality, empathic in delivery. Curiosity and communication skills matter far more than formal qualifications, but speaking up about your work and ambitions is what actually moves careers forward. The biggest obstacle isn't external resistance – it's the internal voice that tells you to hold back.
Podcast Episode: Empowering Women in Software Testing
In this episode, I talk with Line Ebtrup Thomsen, quality engineering manager, about why software testing attracts more women than other tech roles – and why that's still not enough. Line shares how she coaches testers to be assertive but kind, especially when they're the only woman or the only tester in a team of developers. We discuss what prevents women from speaking up, how curiosity and communication skills matter more than your degree, and why the next generation of leaders might still need a wake-up call.
"It doesn't matter what degree you have." - Line Ebtrup Thomsen
Line Ebdrup Thomsen is a driving force in modern quality engineering in Denmark, known for transforming how teams think about testing, leadership, and value delivery. As a Quality Engineering Manager at Accenture, she leads clients and teams through complex digital transformations, ensuring that quality becomes a strategic advantage, never an afterthought.
She plays an active role in shaping the future of the profession through her role as a board member in the Danish Software Testing Board (DSTB), where she helps elevate standards, disseminate knowledge and strengthen the testing community.
Line is also a co‑author of the ISTQB® Agile Test Leadership at Scale syllabus, bringing clarity and guidance to organizations navigating the challenges of scaling agile practices.
With a passion for people, quality culture, and practical excellence, she empowers teams to build better products and stronger collaboration - one iteration at a time.
Highlights der Episode
- Testing backgrounds vary wildly—geology, music, cultural studies—because curiosity and communication matter more than degree.
- Be assertive but kind: firm critique without attacking people makes uncomfortable truths land successfully.
- Talk openly about your work and ambitions so managers know your skills and goals.
- Women in tech must advocate loudly for themselves and quality, especially as solo testers.
- Testing spans technology, people skills, and business domains—diversity that attracts non-traditional candidates.
Women in Testing: Progress, Challenges, and Empowerment in Software Quality Roles
Shifting Demographics: A Look at Women in IT and Testing
The landscape of women in the technology sector is shifting. In a recent episode of "Software Testing Unleashed," recorded at the Quality Beacon conference in Copenhagen, Richie interviewed Line Ebdrup Thomsen, a quality engineering manager driven by a passion for building truly customer-centric software. Their discussion focused on the presence, challenges, and triumphs of women in testing—a topic that deserves ongoing attention.
Line Ebdrup Thomsen reflected on her early career, noting how few women there were in her first roles—sometimes just three women in a team of thirty. Over time, though, she’s observed a positive trend: more women choosing careers in IT and, specifically, in software testing. Interestingly, she pointed out that women are often better represented in testing than in development, especially in Denmark, citing that the division can sometimes approach 25% women or more in testing roles, which is already a step in the right direction.
Why Testing? The Skills and Stories Behind Women Choosing Quality Roles
One recurring theme was the diverse backgrounds testers often bring. Line Ebdrup Thomsen explained that software testing in Denmark isn’t typically a career people choose directly—there’s no dedicated testing degree. Instead, professionals often arrive from various educational paths, including geology, music, and cultural studies, united by a common mindset of curiosity and the desire to understand and communicate complex ideas.
She shared that being a tester is much more about mindset and skills than about formal education. Curiosity, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills—attributes often cited as strengths among women in the field—are essential. The tester’s day-to-day often includes connecting with stakeholders from all parts of the business, asking tough questions, and approaching people with empathy and assertiveness. Line Ebdrup Thomsen and Richie both highlighted how these relational skills are crucial, sometimes leading women to gravitate towards and excel in testing roles in ways that set them apart.
Overcoming Barriers: Advocacy, Bias, and the Importance of Allies
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Line Ebdrup Thomsen candidly discussed how women—and sometimes testers in general—are occasionally underestimated, particularly if they’re the only woman or tester on a team. She stressed the importance of advocating for oneself and for quality, whether that means correcting misconceptions about technical skills or simply ensuring that one’s contributions are visible.
Leadership plays a huge role in shaping workplace dynamics. While newer generations of leaders are sometimes more conscious of gender balance, Line Ebdrup Thomsen observed that there are still those who believe the work of achieving equity is "done," and there’s continual need for awareness. She pointed to positive examples where male allies have made a significant difference, often without realizing they were going above and beyond—simply committing to fairness made an outsized impact on the team.
Empowering Female Testers: Advice for Navigating and Thriving
For women considering a career in software testing, what does Line Ebdrup Thomsen recommend? She underlined the value of silencing self-doubt and embracing opportunities, even if they seem daunting. Speaking up in meetings, sharing career aspirations with managers, and taking chances are critical steps—sometimes it starts by just talking about what excites you at work.
She encourages testers to blend kindness and assertiveness—being firm and clear in communication, but always respectful and empathetic. This approach not only fosters better teams but also helps in navigating the inevitable critiques and feedback cycles that come with the territory.
For the introverts, she acknowledges that self-promotion doesn’t have to feel like bragging: it's about ensuring your skills, interests, and achievements are understood by those who can support your career growth.
Looking Ahead: The Future Skills and Joy of Testing
As technology rapidly evolves, curiosity and continual learning will remain the cornerstones for success in testing—regardless of gender. Line Ebdrup Thomsen believes that female testers don’t need skills drastically different from their male counterparts; instead, both benefit from an enduring willingness to learn, adapt, and communicate.
When asked what she’d say to a young girl interested in software testing, Line Ebdrup Thomsen emphasized the creativity, diversity, and impact that the profession offers. Testing sits at the intersection of technology, people, and business—a unique blend for anyone curious and driven.
The path for women in testing may not be straightforward, but the field is ripe with opportunity. Through advocacy, embracing diverse skills, and a willingness to be visible, women in testing are shaping the future of software quality—one project at a time.