Meet the Team: Ling Chin - Vendor Product Manager

Like many in the IT industry, Ling Chin didn’t set out to build a career in tech, she stumbled into it by chance but stayed by choice. Fast forward 15 years, and Ling is now a seasoned Product Manager in our Cybersecurity team, balancing her professional ambitions with the joys and challenges of motherhood. At Dicker Data, she’s found the work/life balance that so many strive for. 

“It wasn’t a planned career move. I started in IT Distribution with a competitor over 20 years ago, I saw an ad for a Cisco product manager role, applied, went through three interviews and surprisingly, got the job. That kicked off a niche journey through the channel, which helped me get my next job at Express Data which was acquired by Dicker Data. I’ve now been here for over a decade!” 

Ling’s story is one of adaptability and resilience. After welcoming her first child, she briefly stepped away from the company but the culture at Dicker Data soon drew her back.

 “15 months later, Pennie called and said, “We’ve got a great team culture, and you can work flexibly, even contractually.” So, I did. I worked remotely, filled out timesheets, and fit my hours around being a new mum. That flexibility made all the difference, and it’s been the arrangement ever since.  The culture here supports working parents, remote teams, and flexible hours. I never felt chained to a desk or pressured to be in by 8:30. That freedom allowed me to balance work and life in a way that worked for me.” 

Adaptability, Ling believes, is the key to a fulfilling career, no matter your industry. 

“My background is in software, Microsoft specifically which I managed for over a decade across Express Data and Dicker Data. After my second maternity leave, I opted for a three-day work week, which meant stepping back from larger roles. I focused on software and filled in wherever a product manager was needed. Cybersecurity wasn’t something I chose, it landed on me as maternity cover two years ago, and I’ve continued in the role since.” 

When asked what makes Dicker Data special, Ling points to the people and the culture. 

“There’s no single reason I can pinpoint, but the culture here is incredible. My manager is understanding, the team is tight-knit, and many of us have been here for 10, 15, or even 20 years. That longevity speaks volumes."

Ling’s advice is simple, yet powerful, wisdom that’s guided her throughout her career. 

“One of my former managers once told me, "If you don’t understand something, don’t just sit there. Get up and talk to people.” That face-to-face connection teaches you more than any email ever could. I still live by that.” 

Want to meet more of our Dicker Data team? Read more here.