“I saw too many brilliant, visionary women being held back—not by a lack of talent or ideas, but by uncertainty.”
Gry Stene started her business because she saw too many brilliant, visionary women being held back—not by a lack of talent or ideas, but by uncertainty around technology, strategy, and how to position themselves for the opportunities they deserved. After almost 40 years in tech, often as the only woman or neurodivergent person in the room, Gry knew first hand how isolating it could feel to navigate spaces not designed with her in mind.
Gry created IT Girls Rock and her coaching programs to change that—to equip women with the mindset, skills, and confidence to step into visibility, make technology work for them, and build businesses that amplify their impact. Gry’s ability to see hidden patterns, simplify complexity, and pull out the brilliance in others allows her to help women not just solve the challenges they think they have, but uncover the real barriers—and break through them.
The idea wasn’t a single moment of inspiration; it was the result of a lifetime of experience, seeing what was missing and knowing she had the tools to make a difference.
What Gry loves most about running her own business is the freedom to create, innovate, and make a real impact—on her own terms. Gry gets to work with brilliant women, helping them see their own potential, shift their mindset, and develop the skills to build businesses that truly align with their vision.
Gry thrives on those “aha” moments when someone realises they’re more capable than they thought—that technology isn’t a barrier, but a tool for growth and freedom. Seeing women step into their confidence, attract the right opportunities, and create businesses that reflect their brilliance is what drives her every day.
Being a member of the HerBusiness Network solves one of the biggest challenges in business according to Gry — having the right people in your corner. As someone who has spent almost 40 years in tech and over a decade as an entrepreneur, Gry knows that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you connect with, learn from, and grow alongside.
Gry says “HerBusiness provides a space where I can build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate with like-minded women who understand both the rewards and the challenges of running a business. It also gives me practical tools, processes, and strategies that help me stay focused, work smarter, and take action in a way that aligns with my values and vision.”
Gry shares that most importantly, it reminds her that she doesn’t have to do it all alone. Having a community of inspiring, driven women who offer support, insights, and opportunities is invaluable—and makes the journey of growing a business that much more rewarding.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
My favourite entrepreneur—though she may not call herself one—is Mel Robbins. I admire her vulnerability, authenticity, and the way she openly shares her journey, making personal growth and confidence-building accessible to so many. Her practical tools and processes, like the 5-Second Rule, have been game-changers in my own life and work. As someone who helps women step out of hiding and into their full brilliance, I deeply connect with her approach to breaking through fear, taking action, and creating lasting impact.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I started my business because I saw too many brilliant, visionary women being held back—not by a lack of talent or ideas, but by uncertainty around technology, strategy, and how to position themselves for the opportunities they deserved. After almost 40 years in tech, often as the only woman or neurodivergent person in the room, I knew first hand how isolating it could feel to navigate spaces not designed with us in mind.
I created IT Girls Rock and my coaching programs to change that—to equip women with the mindset, skills, and confidence to step into visibility, make technology work for them, and build businesses that amplify their impact. My ability to see hidden patterns, simplify complexity, and pull out the brilliance in others allows me to help women not just solve the challenges they think they have, but uncover the real barriers—and break through them.
The idea wasn’t a single moment of inspiration; it was the result of a lifetime of experience, seeing what was missing and knowing I had the tools to make a difference.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
What I love most about running my own business is the freedom to create, innovate, and make a real impact—on my own terms. I get to work with brilliant women, helping them see their own potential, shift their mindset, and develop the skills to build businesses that truly align with their vision.
I thrive on those “aha” moments when someone realises they’re more capable than they thought—that technology isn’t a barrier, but a tool for growth and freedom. Seeing women step into their confidence, attract the right opportunities, and create businesses that reflect their brilliance is what drives me every day.
Plus, as a neurospicy entrepreneur, I love that I get to design my work in a way that fits my brain—leaning into my strengths, following my curiosity, and constantly evolving. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly how I like it!
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
1. You can’t change the world alone—connections matter.
I wish someone had told me that COVID would hit just a month after starting my business—and that all my connections would disappear for 18 months! I thought enthusiasm, empathy, and drive would be enough, but the truth is, impact happens through relationships. You need the right people in your corner—mentors, collaborators, and a community that lifts you up. Business isn’t a solo sport, and trying to do it alone is a much harder road.
2. If you don’t believe in your offer, no one else will.
I used to think success was about practical skills and sheer determination, but I’ve learned that mindset is everything. If you don’t fully believe that people want—and need—what you offer, they won’t buy it. Confidence in your value isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Your energy, belief, and clarity around your offer make all the difference.
3. Clarity is key—one customer at a time (which is really hard with a neurospicy brain!).
Staying focused is tough for anyone, but with a neurospicy brain, it can feel impossible. I’ve had to learn that success isn’t about chasing every great idea—it’s about being clear on who you are and who you serve, one step at a time. Finding focus when your brain loves to explore all the possibilities is a challenge, but clarity is what turns vision into real momentum
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
1. Network strategically—connections are your greatest asset.
Business isn’t built in isolation. Be intentional about who you surround yourself with—mentors, collaborators, and potential clients. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn, grow, and open doors. The right connections can accelerate your success in ways you never imagined. Make time for networking, build relationships with purpose, and don’t be afraid to reach out.
2. Mindset matters more than you think.
Your biggest challenges in business won’t be about strategy or skills—they’ll be about what’s happening between your ears. Understand what’s holding you back, whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or perfectionism. Join a community, hire a coach (the right one!), and do the inner work. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Make self-reflection a habit and actively work on shifting limiting beliefs.
3. Know who you serve—and never stop learning.
Clarity is everything. If you’re speaking to everyone, you’re reaching no one. Get laser-focused on who you help and how you solve their challenges. Make learning part of your business strategy—stay curious, adapt, and embrace growth. Hire a mentor or coach who challenges and supports you, so you keep moving forward.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
1. Get clear on your numbers.
You don’t have to be an accountant, but you must understand cash flow, pricing, and profitability. Learn how to budget, set financial goals, and track your income and expenses—because if you don’t know your numbers, you don’t have a business, you have a hobby.
2. Master the art of clear messaging.
Being great at what you do isn’t enough—you need to communicate it in a way that resonates with your ideal customers. Learn how to articulate who you serve, what problem you solve, and why they should choose you. If people don’t understand what you do in seconds, you’ll lose them.
3. Understand the role of technology in your business.
You don’t need to be a tech expert, but knowing how to leverage technology for marketing, automation, and customer experience will save you time and help you scale. Start with the basics—email marketing, social media, and simple automation—so tech works for you, not against you.
4. Develop a resilient mindset.
Business is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. You will have setbacks—but how you respond to them makes all the difference. Learn to manage fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. Find a mentor, join a community, and surround yourself with people who will help you stay the course.
5. Learn how to sell with confidence.
If you don’t sell, you don’t have a business. Sales isn’t about being pushy—it’s about building relationships, understanding your customers’ needs, and making it easy for them to say yes. Get comfortable with talking about your offer and asking for the sale.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
My ideal business is a profitable, thriving ecosystem of impact, innovation, and freedom—where I get to do what I love, while empowering others to do the same.
I see IT Girls Rock as a global movement, supporting thousands of women leaders, changemakers, and entrepreneurs to step into their brilliance, master the right tech and strategy, and build businesses that give them more freedom and impact. Through coaching, community, and collaboration, we create a ripple effect—where more women feel seen, supported, and successful on their own terms.
At its core, my business runs without me needing to be in the weeds every day. I have a strong team who aligns with my values, and we’ve built scalable programs, partnerships, and resources that deliver real transformation. I’m focused on speaking, writing, and creating—leading conversations around diversity, inclusion, and the future of tech for women. I get to travel, host events, and connect with inspiring people globally.
And most importantly? I have the time and space to enjoy life beyond business. More adventures, more creativity, and more freedom to explore what’s next.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Being a member of the HerBusiness Network solves one of the biggest challenges in business—having the right people in your corner. As someone who has spent almost 40 years in tech and over a decade as an entrepreneur, I know that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you connect with, learn from, and grow alongside.
HerBusiness provides a space where I can build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate with like-minded women who understand both the rewards and the challenges of running a business. It also gives me practical tools, processes, and strategies that help me stay focused, work smarter, and take action in a way that aligns with my values and vision.
Most importantly, it reminds me that I don’t have to do it all alone. Having a community of inspiring, driven women who offer support, insights, and opportunities is invaluable—and makes the journey of growing a business that much more rewarding.
Learn more about Gry and IT Girls Rock.
