Denise Payne is a former nurse turned cloud engineer.
She now leads the UK Cloud Support team at Trusted Tech Team, a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Provider. Denise is passionate about encouraging women to consider careers in tech – especially those from non-traditional backgrounds – and credits soft skills like empathy, resilience, and adaptability with fuelling her rapid progression from tech newcomer to team leader in just 11 months.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
It was definitely not planned. I started out in nursing, so a career in tech felt like a distant world at first. But as I became more curious about the technology shaping healthcare, I started exploring IT in my spare time – watching tutorials, taking online courses, and slowly building my confidence. I took a risk by stepping back from full-time nursing and dedicated time to upskilling. That decision paid off. I landed a role at Trusted Tech Team, and just 11 months later, I was promoted to UK Lead Cloud Support Engineer. It wasn’t a linear path, but it was one driven by curiosity and a willingness to learn.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
In cloud engineering, roles range from support engineers and solutions architects to DevOps specialists and cloud security experts. I was drawn to cloud support because it blended my love for problem-solving with helping people – just like nursing, but with different tools. Every day brings a new challenge, and I thrive on troubleshooting technical issues while mentoring others. The human side of tech is what drew me in and what keeps me motivated.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Honestly, I’m proud of taking the leap. It’s not easy to walk away from a career you’ve invested in for years, especially to start over in a field as fast-paced as tech. But even more than that, I’m proud of proving to myself that the soft skills I gained in nursing – empathy, adaptability, teamwork – are just as valuable in engineering. Being promoted to Lead Cloud Support Engineer within my first year in tech was a huge milestone, but the pride comes from the journey, not just the title.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Absolutely, especially early on. I constantly asked myself, Am I technical enough? Did I make a mistake leaving nursing? Imposter syndrome crept in more than once. What helped me push through was action. I didn’t wait until I felt “ready” – I started applying for roles, joined a mentorship programme, and focused on small, daily wins. Surrounding myself with people who believed in me was a game-changer. Over time, the voice of self-doubt got quieter, and the confidence grew louder.
What does an average work day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same, which I love. My role involves supporting customers through technical challenges with Microsoft cloud platforms, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve our processes. A big part of my day is spent problem-solving, whether that’s debugging an issue or working through a customer’s cloud migration plan. I also carve out time each week for continuous learning, whether it’s a new certification or brushing up on industry trends.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when hiring in your field?
Definitely! Beyond technical skills, companies really value problem-solving, clear communication, and resilience. Cloud issues can be complex, and being able to break them down and explain them clearly is essential. I’ve also found that empathy goes a long way – understanding a customer’s stress when something isn’t working and handling that with patience can make a huge difference. Technical knowledge can be taught, but those core soft skills are what set people apart.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Start before you feel ready. If you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll be waiting forever. Focus on what you bring to the table – your unique experiences, soft skills, and perspective are your strength. Find a mentor, join a supportive community, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tech isn’t just about coding – it’s about curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving. If you meet 60% of the job criteria, apply. You are more capable than you think, and the industry needs your voice.
Have you found the tech sector supportive?
I was genuinely surprised by how welcoming and supportive the tech community can be, especially for career changers. From online forums and Slack groups to mentoring programmes, there are so many people out there willing to share advice and help you grow. Trusted Tech Team in particular has been incredibly supportive – championing diversity, encouraging upskilling, and recognising the value of different career backgrounds. It’s not perfect, but things are moving in the right direction.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed – especially in a field that evolves as quickly as tech. But remember: no one knows everything. Focus on learning one skill at a time. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. And don’t compare your journey to others: everyone’s path looks different. The most important thing is consistency. Keep showing up, keep learning, and lean on your support network when you need a boost.
