Meet the PROS: Ayan Bihi

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, our PROS are sharing how they #InspireInclusion. ✨

A traveler and holistic wellness enthusiast, meet Ayan Bihi, UX Design Manager at PROS. Ayan has lived in five different countries all around the world (Somalia, USA, Canada, Sint Maarten and France) and has been with PROS for nearly five years. Outside of supporting the UX team to formalize our customers’ needs, you’ll find her lost in a good book, spending time with friends and family, or mixing up essential oil blends for her self-care routine.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Ayan to talk more about inclusion, empowerment and growth.

Let’s get to know Ayan!

Tell us about your journey to PROS.

While I enjoyed the variety of projects as a Design Consultant, I craved the chance to see projects through to implementation. Joining PROS as a Lead Designer allowed me to step into my first leadership role and ultimately evolve into my current position as UX Design Manager, supporting a diverse range of products all the while supporting my team to grow and create impact by aligning our users’ needs and our customers’ business objectives.

How do you actively ensure that all voices, including women’s, are heard and valued in the workplace?

I try to understand that not everyone communicates in the same format and try to provide space for people to share their feedback or thoughts in a way that is authentic to them. I also try to consciously not be the first person to speak in my team meetings to make sure that honest conversations can be had that are not biased by my opinion. Lastly, I try to allow my curiosity to lead and ask questions either to get to know someone on a human level or to dig deeper to understanding their thoughts or decisions in a business context.

How do you balance work and personal life, and what support systems should organizations provide for working women?

Working remotely has helped me find more balance between my personal and professional life. Having a structured to-do list helps me prioritize and find moments to step back and reflect. I feel that organizations that actively prioritize flexibility empower employees to find ways to balance work and personal lives, acknowledging the impact of post-Covid realities.

What practical steps can women take to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones for personal and professional growth?  

First, define your ‘why’ and allow that to guide you as you take steps to grow. This way, when facing challenges or your own fears, you can remind yourself of your intentions. Second, surround yourself with supportive individuals who can encourage you as you grow. Third, give yourself grace and compassion. Sometimes things won’t work out exactly as planned, but be kind to yourself, as that’s part of the journey.

What are you a PRO at?

I maintain a positive attitude and strive to bring that into my personal and professional relationships. This includes understanding the importance of things while not taking them too seriously and incorporating a bit of fun even in the mundane. I would also say I have a knack for finding opportunities to make a cat pun.

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Learn more about our inclusive PROS culture on our Careers page and become a part of our growing team by applying to our open roles. Follow #LifeatPROS on LinkedIn and Instagram for more stories from the bright minds powering PROS around the globe.