Women in Digital: Karen Wheeler

Did you enjoy school?

I loved it – especially secondary school and subjects like art and history. I have known two of my very best friends since we were 11!

What qualifications do you have?

I have a Masters in Leadership and Management in Public Services and a BA (Hons) Degree in Social and Economic History.

Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?

Pretty smooth overall with lots of opportunities to progress and take on new things including creating a shared strategy function across two councils and transforming customer services.

I was made redundant last year following a senior management restructure which gave me an opportunity to take a break, hang out with my teenage sons and reflect on what I wanted to do next. This resulted in a renewed confidence and the interim role I’ve been doing in Cheshire East for the last six months.

What specific challenges do you see women facing in the industry?

The undertone that it is still predominantly a male game and assumption women are less likely to have the detailed technical know-how. This can result in women feeling they need to behave more forcefully or work twice as hard to be taken seriously and succeed, putting pressure on themselves rather than being confident in their own experience and natural style.

I’m not afraid to ask the ‘stupid’ questions in order to fulfil my role as digital programme sponsor – I’m definitely not the expert but am accountable.

What is the best career advice you can give to others?

Believe in yourself and trust your professional instincts. It can be hard to speak truth to power but good leaders will value it even if they don’t agree with you.

If you had to pick one mentor that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?

If I had to pick two mentors, they would be Daniel and James from early on in my local government career. As senior leaders, they both actively encouraged me, giving me opportunities to develop including my first taste of managing people which I loved, helping solidify what I wanted from my career and the confidence to pursue it. They didn’t bat an eyelid when I went on maternity leave and could not have been more supportive when I returned. They were role models with their own collaborative leadership styles and always made time for me – even now, for which I am eternally grateful.

From where do you draw inspiration?

All around me – family, friends, colleagues, sport, entertainment. I am pretty practical and like to be super organised so I’m always looking for ideas and solutions, ways to stay ahead at work and at home. As one of my friends once said, “always thinking”!

What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?

Loss. I have lost family and friends including my Dad when I was 21. It has made me resilient and determined, frivolous at times (YOLO), but gives me perspective especially at work. Nothing is as bad as how that feels.

What qualities do you feel makes a good leader?

Listening – making time to really hear what residents, colleagues, politicians, partners, other stakeholders are saying.

Having listened, act. Be proactive and collaborative – the more you progress in your career, you see the bigger strategic picture and have less detailed knowledge and operational experience. Draw on others to find solutions together, and not always the usual suspects.

From a work viewpoint, what has the last 12 months been like?

A bit of a rollercoaster. The last six months have been both demanding and rewarding. There is a huge agenda to be delivered to transform Cheshire East Council which is relentless at times but we have clear plans in place and can now feel the progress we’re making. I’m working with great people which always makes it easier.

What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?

Keeping up with advances in digital solutions and keeping pace with the cybersecurity threat.

For local government, balancing the cost of investing in the right digital solutions to support service transformation to better support and empower our residents and communities, with the need to provide value for money and realise the benefits from that investment.

What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?

Things like this. Having female role models for everyone to learn from and aspire to emanate. Encouraging girls to explore science and technology subjects at school supported by an understanding of the type of career opportunities and paths that are available.

Give us a fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.

Most people will know this about me, but I am huge Arsenal fan. Arsene Wenger is my leadership hero!