Did you enjoy school?
I really enjoyed secondary school, although my primary school years were more challenging. I was developing and growing quickly, but I didn’t find a particular subject that truly engaged me and found the whole “growing up” phase quite difficult. Towards the end of primary school, I spent some time in Australia, where my family live, and attended school there. It was a great experience, and my handwriting and knowledge of the Australian national anthem were radically improved as a result!
Secondary school, however, was where things really clicked. I got stuck into learning and loved being able to explore subjects in more depth. Even the daily routine – walking to the station, getting the train, and travelling independently – felt like a journey towards becoming my own person. It also helped me find a more like‑minded group of people and experience much greater diversity.
Looking back, I now understand that the variety of subjects and constant stimulation really suited the way my brain likes to learn. I realised I loved science and languages, alongside creative subjects like music and art, and was happiest when I could focus on those. Secondary school gave me space to thrive, with so many extracurricular opportunities, from playing the trumpet and singing in the choir to art club, netball, and school productions. I threw myself into all of it and loved it.
What qualifications do you have?
I was really lucky to do well at GCSEs, but A‑levels were more difficult. Looking back, that was partly because I chose the wrong subjects for what my brain is actually good at and enjoys. I focused heavily on maths and physics because I wanted to study veterinary science, even though they weren’t subjects I loved. I was also very easily distracted – something I now understand as part of having ADHD, but didn’t have awareness of at the time.
I changed direction and was awarded a scholarship with an unconditional offer to study Environmental Biology at Aberystwyth University, despite my A‑level results. I absolutely loved it and found myself particularly drawn to the research side of my degree. I went on to complete a funded master’s degree and then successfully secured a PhD studentship in Biological Control, funded by Kew Gardens and delivered in partnership with a university.
That experience involved working across organisations and disciplines, much like the work I do today. I also collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, including working with an artist exploring seed ageing through paint, and spent time in Australia again, learning a great deal about collaboration and different ways of working.
Since then, I’ve gained further professional qualifications related to project delivery, been awarded a professorship at Cranfield University to support leadership and security programmes and been invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. All of these experiences are highly relevant to my current work, particularly in leadership, data, and statistics. I’m a qualified mentor and coach, which I aim to use every day if possible as I love supporting and developing colleagues.
Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?
It has definitely been a combination, but it’s largely been driven by opportunities. I’ve always been drawn to roles that I find interesting, fun, and challenging – particularly those that push me to think about what I don’t do well and how I can collaborate more effectively.
My career path hasn’t been traditional. I moved from science into consulting, then into government, into senior leadership roles, into academia, and back to government. Each transition has stretched me and helped me build a broader perspective, rather than following a single, linear route.
What is the best career advice you can give to others?
The most important thing is knowing what you’re good at and spending your time and energy on things you genuinely enjoy. I originally wanted to be a vet because I loved animals and the outdoors, but it’s also important to ask whether a role truly sets you up for success. Being pushed outside your comfort zone is essential, but it needs to be in a positive way, not one that undermines you. I love roles that offer breadth, challenge, and teamwork, because that’s where I thrive.
I’d also say: always ask for feedback. Having people who can hold up a mirror and be honest with you is incredibly important for growth.
If you had to pick one mentor, that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?
I have benefited from both coaches and mentors in different ways. Coaches help you become more effective in how you do your job and especially where you are interacting with people in complex cultures and through change. Mentors, for me have been people I’ve worked closely with over many years. During periods of self‑doubt, they’ve reminded me that certain roles or challenges are “within my gift”. One person in particular encouraged me to go for a role I wasn’t sure I was ready for in the Senior Civil Service. That idea of having a mirror held up to you, especially when your confidence dips, has been incredibly influential.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my children. Seeing the world through their eyes, what they’re exposed to through the news and social media really reinforces why our work in government matters. I’m also inspired by my team: people who grab hold of challenges, step up, love what they do, and actively seek insight and support. And finally, I’m inspired by the mission itself. Hearing how our work genuinely improves lives, particularly through charities and public services, has a real impact on me and my family.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
Balancing everything at once has been my biggest challenge. Managing a demanding role alongside family life, including children and a very lively household with 11 puppies just before and during Christmas, while also taking on responsibility for another team pushed me beyond my limits. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day. I felt a lack of control, I wasn’t getting enough sleep, and I found it difficult to function properly. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of boundaries and support.
What qualities do you feel makes a good leader?
A good leader is willing to admit when things aren’t going well and to ask for help. Setting a clear direction that inspires people and then empowering them to take it further than you could alone is essential. Collaboration is often under‑used. Bringing people together, enabling them to enjoy their work, and allowing them to be human with each other really matters. Delivery is important, but you can’t achieve it without your team. Listening, seeking feedback, and acting on it are critical leadership qualities.
From a work viewpoint what has the last 12 months been like?
The last 12 months have been a real rollercoaster. There has been constant change across government, including personally for me, multiple changes in line management, significant uncertainty around staffing, and the need to re‑compete contracts under new legislation. Alongside that, I inherited a new team, began working with new stakeholders and a new private‑sector partner, and navigated a major transition into a new directorate – all within a relatively short period of time. The best bit in all this has been working with a brilliant team who are there for each other and for me.
What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?
One of the biggest challenges is bandwidth – keeping up with rapidly evolving technology while still doing your day job can feel overwhelming, particularly when it’s hard to know where to start. Social media and access to information also raise significant questions for both society and the workplace. As tools like Copilot become more common, there’s a risk that differences in adoption could affect how capability is perceived. Finally, access to technology in government can lag behind what’s available elsewhere, which makes staying ahead of emerging challenges harder. Strong partnerships help bridge that gap.
What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?
More outreach at school level is essential, alongside creating genuinely inclusive workplaces. Women need to feel able to speak up, particularly when balancing work and home life, which can place additional pressure on them. Coaching and mentoring play a vital role in building confidence, as does flexible working, including the option of working from home and ensuring the right support structures are in place.
Give us a fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.
Last year, I competed in the Riding Club Dressage to Music Championships at grassroots level, riding as a pair with a friend. It was about putting myself first, progressing a hobby, staying fit, and having something completely different to switch off from work and family life. We made it through to the championships, and regardless of whether I do it again, it was a real achievement. I especially love the time at weekends and during summer evenings when I get to ride Benji, my New Forest pony.
