Did you enjoy school?
I’ve always had a love for learning. School was a place where I could lose myself in artistic activities a good book or a challenging problem. My mother, who was a headteacher by profession, instilled in me a passion for knowledge and creativity. However, being naturally introverted, I often found social situations daunting. While I thrived in quiet, solitary pursuits, speaking up in class or impromptu discussions filled me with anxiety. It’s a challenge I’ve worked on over the years, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have helped me grow in this area.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic and Medical Science, and I’m a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP). I have also undertaken several IT delivery management related certifications like Agile PM, PRINCE2, Managing Successful Programmes.
Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?
I wouldn’t say that my career path was a smooth transition, it wasn’t curated or mapped out like some people have done, and there have been a few rocky roads along the way!
I’ve always been interested in STEM subjects, the sciences in particular. Whilst I initially leaned towards a career in Forensic Science, working in roles within the Criminal Justice area to help enhance my knowledge and understanding, life took an unexpected turn and I felt I needed to identify roles with greater stability and flexibility for when I wanted to start a family and support other caring responsibilities I had. I found myself exploring various roles in both the public and private sectors, whilst I didn’t home in on a particular “profession” I was still gaining a diverse skillset that would prove invaluable for future roles.
It was during my time at HM Revenue & Customs, that I truly discovered my interest in technology and all aspects of how to ensure successful delivery and implementation of IT withing a complex IT infrastructure (including people, processes, and tools). My first role was a digital product delivery support manager in the Software Developer Collaboration team, working on the delivery and implementation of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), leading on secure data transfers between other government departments. I would never have thought that my love for problem-solving, strategic planning and organisational management would lead me to a career in IT.I, like many, fell for the myth that you have to be a “techie” to work in tech, however, this is quite the contrary, as there is a diverse spectrum of professions within IT.
Throughout my career, I found that my core skills like utilising emotional intelligence to build effective working partnerships, being pragmatic and methodical were pivotal in my next roles which were IT delivery based in Cyber Security and Enterprise Integration.
These skills have been instrumental in my transition from Project and IT Delivery Management to Product Management. I’m excited to continue learning and growing, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and the wonderful people I have met along my journey that have shaped me into the person I am today.
What is the best career advice you can give to others?
The best career advice I can offer is to embrace curiosity and a growth mindset. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore new opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, it’s essential to stay curious and keep learning.
Focus on your transferable skills and passions. What are you good at? What excites you? What are your non-negotiables? These insights can help you identify potential career paths. Don’t worry if you don’t have a specific degree; many roles value practical experience and a willingness to learn on the job and work towards certifications.
One of my favourite mottos is “your vibe attracts your tribe”. Identify ways to connect with like-minded individuals, attend industry events, and join face-to-face or online communities. These connections can provide invaluable support, mentorship, and experiential / job opportunities.
Remember, every journey is unique. Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace challenges. With perseverance and a positive attitude, you can achieve your goals and build a fulfilling career in tech.
If you had to pick one mentor, that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?
It’s a tough question because I’ve been so lucky to have incredible mentors throughout my life. Some have come and gone, leaving a lasting impact, while others have remained constant sources of support.
However, if I had to pick one person who has shaped me most, it would undoubtedly be my mother. She embodies empathy, kindness, and an unwavering belief in our faith and the power of education.
Her influence has been profound, inspiring me to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in all my endeavours. Beyond her professional role, my mother has always been passionate about supporting others in our community. She’s a strong female role model who has shown me the importance of giving back and making a positive impact. Her guidance and encouragement have helped me to develop the confidence and resilience I need to succeed. I hope to one day be as inspiring a role model to my own daughters as she has been to me.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I find inspiration in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a creative spark ignited by a conversation with a colleague, reading a thought-provoking article, or simply a quiet moment of reflection, I’m always eager to explore new ideas and perspectives.
I’m blessed to come from family of very strong women and allies (my father and grandfather were incredibly supportive of female empowerment and education).
My family, especially my mother, has always been a source of inspiration, instilling in me a love of learning and a passion for creativity. My elder sister is also an amazing source of inspiration, she’s incredibly intelligent, strategic, and politically astute. She’s an academic doctor (as well as being a fashionista) and I’m able to bounce ideas off her and have incredibly stimulating discussions (that often result in laugh out loud moments). Her vibrant energy and unwavering support have pushed me to strive for excellence. My daughters with their high-spirited personalities allow me to pause and enjoy the moment, whether that’s a comedic moment that happened at home with our Ragdoll cat or spotting beautiful wildlife in our Yorkshire countryside surroundings. It’s these diverse influences that fuel my imagination and drive me to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
Whilst I can draw a long list of work-related challenges (like huge IT migration and decommissioning projects), or the continued challenges of juggling being a working woman and mother. One of my biggest challenges has been overcoming my lack of personal confidence and embracing my authentic self. As an introvert, I’ve often struggled to find my voice in social situations. However, I’ve come to realise that my introverted nature and emotional intelligence are strengths, not weaknesses. By embracing these qualities and working on building my self-confidence, I’ve been able to connect more deeply with others and approach challenges with empathy and understanding. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and happily share my learnings with others through mentorship.
What qualities do you feel makes a good leader?
I believe effective leadership is more than just managing tasks and achieving goals. It’s about inspiring and empowering people. To me, strong leadership involves a blend of emotional intelligence, authenticity, empathy, and humility. For me this has been instilled from a home, religious and cultural life that has been grounded in respect, empathy and placing value on people. By fostering a positive work culture that prioritises kindness and support, we can create a space where people feel valued, heard, and motivated. When people feel empowered and have autonomy, they’re more likely to be productive, innovative, and committed to a leaders’ vision and the overall organisation’s success.
From a work viewpoint what has the last 12 months been like?
The past year has been a whirlwind of growth and transformation. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to pivot my career from IT delivery management to product management, working on a dynamic enterprise integration platform with a diverse and talented team. It’s been inspiring to collaborate with such skilled individuals and contribute to its current and future direction, as well as the development of innovative solutions.
As the chair of a Women in Tech Network, I’ve been focused on expanding our personal and professional development provision. Working alongside inspiring women within our internal steering group and from across government departments, we’ve been able to create a supportive community and facilitate valuable learning opportunities. Despite the busy pace, I’m incredibly proud of the recognition we’ve received for our work, both as a network and as individuals. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.
What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?
While technology has revolutionised our lives, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges it presents. One significant issue is the rapid pace of technological advancement, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI continues to evolve, it raises questions about job displacement, ethical implications, and the potential for misuse.
Another concern is the impact of technology on social interactions, particularly among young people. Excessive screen time can hinder social development and mental health. Additionally, the rise of cyberbullying and online harassment has become a serious issue. As a parent, I’m acutely aware of the need to balance the benefits of technology with the potential risks.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to use technology as an enabler and tool for good, rather than allowing it to control us. By fostering digital literacy, promoting responsible online behaviour, and prioritising human connection, we can mitigate the negative impacts and harness the full potential of technology.
What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?
To truly encourage more women into tech, we need to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. This involves creating spaces where women feel valued, respected, and empowered. Initiatives like Women in Tech networks are crucial in providing a psychologically safe platform for women to connect, learn, and grow. I’ve learned that it’s we need to not only focus on recruiting more women and girls into Tech, but we also need to retain them and help them progress into senior leadership roles.
By sharing experiences, knowledge, and mentorship, we can inspire the next generation of female tech leaders. As role models and allies, we have a responsibility to challenge gender and racial stereotypes and advocate for equity. By sharing our stories of success and resilience, we can encourage other women to pursue their passions and break down barriers.
Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. By working together, we can build a more equitable future for women in tech.
Give us fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.
While I may seem like a serious and focused individual, I have a secret passion for creative outlets. From the intricate folds of origami to the delicate artistry of sugar craft, I find solace and joy in these pursuits. Previously being part of a clandestine cake club (that went global!) was a delightful experience, where I could share my passion of baking (and of course eating cake, alongside a good cup of tea or coffee) with like-minded individuals. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that two of my recipes made it into a published cookbook, a testament to the supportive and inspiring community that I was a part of.
To balance my creative side, I’ve always been drawn to physical challenges like Yoga. However, Kickboxing was a transformative experience, pushing me beyond my limits and teaching me invaluable lessons about discipline, focus, and resilience. This was important during very demanding and highly pressurised work peaks. It’s been incredible to train alongside supportive Senseis/ allies who have helped me to grow both physically and mentally. High impact sparring bouts forced me out of my comfort zone and instilled a sense of confidence that I’ve carried into other areas of my life.
