Did you enjoy school?
This is a tough one. In some ways, yes – but I was often bored. I really enjoyed history and the science subjects I took, particularly human biology. I did classics in my final year as a “crash higher” and that was really enjoyable too.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a law degree from the University of Edinburgh and a Postgraduate qualification in legal practice from the same institute.
Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?
A bit of a combination. There was no set plan. I went into property law as a practitioner as that was the focus of my traineeship, and really the traineeship was with whichever firm would employ you. There was not much careers advice. I did briefly flirt with accountancy and auditing, but they were not for me. In the end, neither was property law (my Honours at uni had been about intellectual property, tax – yes, tax – and the EU as well as the impact of gender on justice). I knew fairly early on that I was not cut out for private practice, I did not enjoy what was often a toxic atmosphere. I moved into the public sector and never looked back. And my skills and knowledge grew, first developing into projects and administrative law areas, then using these in latter stages of my law career to support practical implementation of legislative duties. I then moved away from law completely with my first senior role.
What is the best career advice you can give to others?
There is more out there you can do than you think you can, either with your current experience or your degree.
If you had to pick one mentor, that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?
My first boss in the NHS. I still see him. He gave me many of the management and leadership words and practices that I still use today. And we worked together over a decade ago.
From where do you draw inspiration?
Friends who are doing incredible jobs as mums and leaders, my husband, my daughter, my adopted city.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
There are two. My first line management role – I was managing very competent women who were older than me and who had vast experience in their roles. They must have thought: “What on earth?!”. Secondly the Covid pandemic – for the mental challenge and the sheer volume of work while keeping your own morale and that of your team going. I worked in the NHS at the time.
What qualities do you feel makes a good leader?
Authenticity. Showing you listen and care, even when the message is hard. I consider it a success if a member of my team can tell me something they think I may not want to hear but they tell me it anyway. Finally, there is no substitute for being kind and just nice to everyone.
From a work viewpoint what has the last 12 months been like?
It is never quiet, we have had new teams join my area, which is full on for them and for me. I’ve had work to deliver, personally and with the team, and there is always something political going on just for fun!
What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?
Legacy tech – even when we implement new tech we should start with the end in mind. This is really holding us back too and costs so much money. AI is just tech, so I don’t view this as a challenge, more part of the toolkit.
What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?
I jokingly call it “tech bro chique” when I am dressed for the office, but there is something in that. I once did an interview on the panel where, as the only woman, the person assumed I was from HR. It was for a tech role. It is not just the women who need to change their thoughts on tech.
Give us a fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.
About me? Or a random one? Me: I have a hoptimist on my desk. He makes me smile every day. Random: We use the word “Gait” or “Gate” to mean an opening, but in fact, it means a “way” or, in modern parlance, a street or lane.
