The Drum 30 under 30 #6: Safiyya Riyadh, head of technical services UK, Affiliate Window

The Drum 30 under 30 women in digital 2013 highlights the top 30 women under the age of 30 making an impact in digital. Here, The Drum catches up with Safiyya Riyadh, head of technical services UK, Affiliate Window.

The Drum 30 under 30 women in digital is an annual platform recognising the next generation of digital talent. Over the course of 30 days we will be running interviews with each of the women profiled, to give more insight into their careers so far, professional achievements, and what they see as the next big game changers in digital.Today's profiled individual is Safiyya Riyadh, head of technical services UK, Affiliate Window What is your biggest professional achievement so far? Becoming the head of technical services for the UK's No.1 Affiliate Network. I have personally overseen the integration of all of Affiliate Window's major clients onto our network. These clients are worth tens of millions of pounds in publisher revenue. I handle all technical related issues for both publishers as well as advertisers. What is the biggest challenge you've overcome in your career?The biggest challenge to date is most likely being a female (and head of department) in a male dominated industry. I have had to work twice as hard to gain the respect of colleagues and clients alike. What's the next game changer in digital? Mobile has been massive this year and I think it'll only get bigger, along with that would be the advancement in tracking across devices and closing that gap between offline and online, as this is a new area for most, it's also the most interesting. What would you like to be remembered for? I would like to be remembered as a very efficient, organised, no-nonsense manager. The key to success in my role is to understand my different team members and aim to develop and get the best out of each one of them. I am very protective of my team, view them each as individuals and pride myself on knowing each of their strengths and weaknesses. This way, I know how to manage and get the most from each person. Who inspires you most professionally or personally? Professionally it has to be my good friend Michelle Boxall, lead generation director. Not only did she come into Affiliate Window with guns blazing, she's helped to shape the entire business and generate a new revenue with Lead Generation. Personally I'd have to say it's my Mum (original I know!). She's been with me through thick and thin, provided advice when difficult work situations have sprung up and has helped look after my son whilst I've come back to work full-time. I couldn't have done any of the amazing work to date without her help, assistance and guidance. What would you be doing if you weren't doing this? Before getting into the world of online I had enlisted to become a teacher, so most likely an IT teacher. How do you relax?I mainly relax at home with my husband and son, spending quality time with family is incredibly important to me. Describe your career to date in five words.Exciting, challenging, interesting, dynamic, stressfulThis series will run for the duration of October. Yesterday's featured individual was Freia Muehlenbein, head of content and online PR, Search Laboratory.