Ruth has been CEO of TalkTalk Business since March 2023, and joined TalkTalk Group in 2011 as a Services Carrier Manager.
Prior to this, Ruth was in the Army as part of the Royal Signals, where she gained valuable experience and learnt the importance of motivation, discipline, and organisation – which she brought into the telecoms industry.
Since being at TalkTalk Business, she’s led the business in its demerger from TalkTalk Group and its growth as an independent business. It has a proud history as a challenger brand, dedicated to ensuring customers benefit from more value-led solutions and better service. Building on this heritage, TalkTalk Business now focuses on providing more choice and flexibility for organisations to adapt to changing business needs.
You might think the tech industry is moving forward at the speed of light, but when it comes to making space for women to participate and thrive, we’re a few steps behind.
Despite the progress we’ve made, women represent just 16.9% of the UK tech and engineering workforce in 2025. To build truly inclusive workplaces, we must tackle the gender gap with an intersectional mindset. When we do that, we create environments where everyone’s strengths can shine. This isn’t only about diversity, it’s an opportunity to unlock talent too.
Businesses have a responsibility to provide the tools, support, and opportunities for women to build sustainable careers. But there are also meaningful steps we can take together to support each other and build networks to shape a stronger future.
Whether you’re just starting out or already paving the way, these tips will help you take ownership of your journey, uplift others along the way, and build a fulfilling career that lasts.
Build and lean on supportive networks
Connection is more than a luxury, it’s a lifeline. In a male-dominated industry, it can be easy to feel isolated, so building supportive networks is essential. These communities can be invaluable sources of professional advice, but they also help to create a sense of belonging, boost confidence, and provide a space for shared experiences.
As leaders and businesses, we have a crucial role to play in providing a community which encourages inclusivity and support. Research has shown that, within two years 57% of women in technology plan to leave their jobs due to a poor work and life balance. By supporting each other, building strong, long-term networks, and fostering inclusive cultures, we can make sure everybody thrives in their workplace.
Encourage transparency
Building networks is just the start. We also need honest conversations that challenge the status quo to drive real change. For too long, many women have felt pressured to stay silent about the challenges we face in the workplace, from unequal pay to limited progression opportunities. But speaking openly with managers and peers can help identify and remove barriers and ensure the right support systems are in place.
Still, the numbers speak volumes: only 8% of women in the UK tech sector believe they receive equal pay for equal work. This has to change. Creating cultures rooted in honesty, integrity, and respect is crucial, not just for personal growth but for shifting outdated systems that hold women back.
Empower and support each other along the way
Championing our colleagues in their goals will help to build a community of support. A long-term, successful career cannot be built overnight, and empowering other women in their pursuits will help lower barriers across whole companies. By working in silos, we risk isolating potential help and other women unintentionally.
For those of us in leadership positions, it’s important to think back to where we started, and what support we might have benefited from earlier on in our career journeys. Creating development pathways can provide footholds for other women to achieve senior positions, building more achievable and visible milestones ahead of them. In turn, businesses with at least 30% women in leadership positions are likely to be 15% more profitable, benefitting the entire workforce.
The power of problem-solving and thinking outside of the box
A business lacking in fulfilled, empowered women will also be lacking in the diverse ideas that take businesses above and beyond their competitors. This is something we’ve benefitted from at TalkTalk Business, with women bringing creativity, boldness, and innovation to the table. Advocating for your voice to be heard will ensure your ideas get the recognition they deserve.
Problem solving is a powerful skill for levelling up and breaking barriers, which you might not have even been aware of. Anyone with a long-term, successful career can list the many challenges they faced along the way. Being able to think outside the box to navigate them is an essential step. The more we practise, the more we turn barriers into stepping stones to support us in achieving our goals.
Grow your technical and soft skills
It’s easy to focus on technical skills when thinking of how to build a successful career. Whilst these are essential, climbing the career ladder requires a diverse skillset. Communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are just as important, especially when stepping into a leadership position.
Balancing soft and technical skills provides the foundations for an excellent long-term career in tech. Be brave and put yourself in positions where you might not always be comfortable, but you have the opportunity to build on your soft skills.
There is a wealth of organisations and training courses out there which support you in building a range of skills. For example, LinkedIn’s training courses are a great place to start, and Google’s Developer Groups provide the opportunity to learn new skills within a community. Your own company might also offer formal programmes which can help you level up your technical skills, such as coding certificates or training on security systems. Taking advantage of all these opportunities to diversify your capabilities will give you the skills for everything a career in tech can throw at you.
Building a future together
While there is space for us to build long and successful tech careers, there is still an urgent need to shift systems and cultures towards inclusivity. This doesn’t imply an absence of opportunity, but instead highlights the need for intentional action and cultural change to ensure women aren’t just entering the industry, but thriving in it.
By fostering a strong sense of community, advocating for one another, and leveraging practical strategies, we’re able to actively shape our own success and that of others. Collective support and visible role models play a crucial role in breaking down those barriers. Together, we can create a tech industry where we can all thrive.
