What does it mean for you to be recognised as part of the 20 in Data & Tech?
As a sole Director running my own business, I constantly feel I am trying to punch above my weight to develop bespoke large–scale training and coaching programmes for some of the biggest brands out there, so this award is a nice recognition from the industry that what I offer to the data and tech sector is providing real tangible value to the people on the ground that I aim to help.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
From a career perspective, it was a former boss that I was lucky to work with for a few years early on in my career. She is sadly no longer with us, but she was a phenomenal female role model. A tiny, chain smoking, designer clothes wearing, single mum, who was respected by all (male and female) for her knowledge of the drinks market, our customers and the inner workings of the operation. She had worked in China years before it became feasible to really do so. She had carved her department and roll out to be exactly what she felt the business needed and where we could add real value, rather than following the model of more traditional Insight Teams. Janet Hull was a legend!
What was your breakthrough moment?
Deciding to set up my own brand, rather than freelance. This enabled me to focus on working with a range of clients on the areas where I could add most value and was most passionate about, rather than doing a similar role under a different model for one client at a time.
What is your superpower?
From a work perspective it is the ability to translate complex concepts and ideas into practical solutions that others can access, understand, contribute to and work with. From a life perspective, my kids reckon I have eyes in the back of my head!
What has been the most significant barrier in your career?
Like a lot of females across a lot of sectors, trying to get a balance between career progression and having children. Whilst I was lucky enough to be working for organisations that were happy to discuss options, most of the options were unattractive and took me away from the parts of the job that I enjoyed. To the point that working for myself became the most logical career choice to enable me to do both.
What is some of the advice you’d share with your younger self?
Having it all and all at once is a myth and fallacy. You might be able to achieve anything you want with hard work, luck, opportunity, and persistence. but it is not possible to have everything you want all at once. Something will naturally give! Choose wisely and trust your intuition.
What was your career ambition when you were a teenager?
I wanted to be an architect. I loved (and still love) design and architecture and liked the idea of the mix between the practical and the artistic side of the role.
What needs to change in the next 10 years for women in data and tech?
- More visibility of women at a senior level from a range of diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
- Greater opportunities to access breath of experience from senior female role models by encouraging women from other disciplines to enter data leadership roles.
- Keeping a constant eye on the pipeline of young people coming into the sector and how all can be nurtured, developed and retained.
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