Did you enjoy school?
On the whole I did, I discovered a love of a wide variety of subjects including art and physics! I also really enjoyed sports, music and drama.
What qualifications do you have?
I have two MScs and a BA(Hons), and I am both a Chartered Consultant and a Chartered Marketer.
Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?
As my qualifications indicate, it’s been a wiggly and at times rocky road as I’ve navigated three changes in profession! However, it’s all generally been in the same direction of emerging technology, data, IT and cybersecurity. My first role was working out what data services could be delivered on mobile phones and I am now leading design and implementation of organisation-wide AI transformation.
What is the best career advice you can give to others?
Do what you enjoy and find interesting; that passion can take you in all sorts of unexpected directions.
If you had to pick one mentor, that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?
It would be an individual who encouraged me to return to work and keep up with my career after my first maternity leave. I was unsure if I should keep working and full of new mum guilt about leaving my baby. Although it’s been hard to juggle the demands of motherhood, caring for aged parents, house renovations, and a full-time career, I’m glad I did as it’s been so interesting, and I’ve been able to follow my passions.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I draw inspiration from things I read, discussions with a wide variety of people, long runs and being in nature. I enjoy putting diverse ideas together to problem solve complex issues in novel and innovative ways.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
My team at AtkinsRealis covers many different disciplines; data architecture, governance, strategy are all represented, as are data analytics from GIS to AI. My role has been to bring these capabilities together but also bring the people together! Balancing individuals’ passion areas and the variety of thought and toolsets between disciplines has been a hugely rewarding but tough challenge. Now that we’re able to present a unified value offering, I’m very proud of my team and delighted to see them achieving powerful things for clients.
What qualities do you feel makes a good leader?
As women we are generally great at collaboration, community, working together to find the best solution, and looking after our people. I have felt in the past that I needed to act like most of my fellow male leaders, very competitive, leading from the front, results driven, and confident that only I know the answer. It was only really when I had some coaching and realised that ‘soft power’ could be just as effective, that I really started to see results.
From a work viewpoint what has the last 12 months been like?
A promotion and a new role has resulted in challenging but exciting year at the forefront of emerging technology within complex and heavily regulated environments. Comparing the current position of my passion area, AI, with where it was last year, gives a stunning demonstration of how fast we’re seeing progression. I am relishing the challenge of reacting (and pre-empting!) to make the most of this incredible capacity. And as I mentioned, much of the year was about setting up the foundations for success for the team and I can’t wait to see what this year brings!
What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?
I would say adopting AI in ways that realise value but also remain responsible, ethical and sustainable is the biggest challenge we face. AI has moved from a technology that was used by just a few deeply technical early adopters, to something that’s now in the hands of everyone. One of the key tasks that my team and I undertake is to help organisations with getting the most out of AI, while not opening themselves up to risk or bias. Our strategy enables their implementation, which our AI developers are also at the heart of, so I get to see the full AI value chain, and that’s incredible rewarding.
What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?
All backgrounds should be welcome, and we should consider non-STEM subjects as great areas to include; diversity of thought is needed to really deliver the best results. Employers offering more flexible working patterns and holistic support to women as they face unique life challenges and milestones, from motherhood to menopause, which cannot be just left at the door to the office.
I am also a believer in championing transparency in pay and promotions, and a psychologically safe environment.
Give us a fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.
I was part of an attempt on the West Ridge of Everest, a route that so few people have managed to do that there are more people who’ve been to the moon!
