Olivia Robinson is Head of UK and EU at VoCoVo, a leading voice technology company transforming how retailers communicate and operate.
Building on a strong foundation of hands-on experience in retail operations, Olivia has spent more than six years driving significant growth at VoCoVo. She works with major retail brands across the UK, Europe and North America to implement scalable, connected communication solutions. Using her in-depth retail knowledge and in-store expertise, she helps retailers unlock the real-world impact of connected communications, improving efficiency, empowering teams, and enhancing the customer experience.
I’ve always believed in carving out my own path, even when it meant going against the norm.
At 18, while many of my peers pursued university degrees, I made a different choice – one that would shape the rest of my career. I quickly realised higher education wasn’t the right route for me. Instead, I threw myself into the working world, joining the management scheme at Marks & Spencer and started training to become a store manager. By the time I turned 20, I’d made that ambition a reality.
Fast-forward to today, and I’m the Head of UK and EU at VoCoVo, where I draw on my experiences from the shop floor and in the boardroom to help retailers unlock new levels of efficiency through smart communication. My journey from managing stores to leading international sales teams is proof that there’s more than one avenue to success, and that retail expertise can be a powerful foundation in the world of tech.
Now, I’m passionate about helping others carve their own paths, especially young people and women looking to make their mark in retail technology. To succeed, it takes a strong mindset, determination, the right support and the courage to aim high.
The power of mentoring
If there’s one thing that’s defined my journey, it’s drive. I hold myself to high standards and believe in giving 100% to everything I do. One of my proudest achievements was helping to transform VoCoVo’s sales approach in the early days, combining time and motion studies with clear business impact data to show retailers how communication tech delivers real ROI.
As the business grew across the UK, Europe, and the US, I was fortunate to build a team of high performers – people with either deep experience or incredible potential. My priority has always been to create an environment where they can thrive, and mentorship plays a big part in that.
I’ve had brilliant mentors throughout my own career, senior leaders who empowered me to develop the confidence and skillset to sit at the table with major retailers and lead strategic conversations. Their belief in me shaped my career, and it’s a privilege to now do the same for others.
I actively mentor emerging talent, especially women starting out in tech and retail. Mentorship isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s a game-changer. It gives people the confidence to challenge the status quo, grow their voice and realise their potential.
Writing your own rules
While mentoring is powerful, mindset is everything. I strongly believe that no one should settle, especially young women who may feel pressure to follow a conventional route or limit their ambitions. You don’t have to wait for permission.
I’ve always followed my own timeline. Education wasn’t the right starting point for me, but that didn’t mean it was off the table forever. After gaining years of hands-on experience, I later earned a Business Management degree while working full-time, and am now completing a Senior Management Programme at Cambridge Judge Business School alongside several inspiring senior leaders from all over the globe.
Everyone’s journey looks different, and that’s exactly how it should be. What matters is continuing to grow, pushing boundaries and backing yourself.
And when those big milestones come around, take a moment to celebrate them. It’s easy to move on to the next challenge, but recognition is important. Being shortlisted for Young Business Woman of the Year 2025at the National Business Women’s Awards was one of those moments for me. It was a reminder to pause, reflect and recognise how far I’ve come.
Keep the door open for others
A career in retail tech doesn’t need to follow a set formula. My story began on the shop floor and took me to boardrooms across Europe, but it could have gone many different ways. What’s consistent is my belief in myself, the support of mentors and the drive to bring others along with me.
As women in leadership, we have a responsibility to hold the door open for the next generation, showing them that their ideas, voices and ambitions have a rightful place in this industry.
The future of retail and technology will be stronger, more diverse and more innovative when we champion each other, one career at a time.
