Dr Egbe Manners graduated from University of Leicester with an MSc in Geographical Information Systems and a PhD in GIS and remote sensing.
She has worked at Ordnance Survey (OS) for 16 years, having started out as a GI (geographic information) developer before expanding into technical consultancy. She is currently the sector product manager for both the Health & National Security & Resilience sectors. The latter involves supporting the emergency services with the critical location data they need, understanding their requirements and helping to develop new products such as the OS Emergency Services Gazetteer (OS ESG) and Vernacular Names Tool.
Egbe was recently awarded Geospatial Professional of the Year (2024) for her work in creating and launching the OS ESG.
Egbe has a keen interest in supporting mental health wellbeing, participating in activities such as RED January whilst inspiring others to join. She lives in Hampshire with her husband and 11 year old daughter.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I wouldn’t say it was a strict, linear path, but these things never are. After completing my PhD, I got a job as a GI Developer in the Consultancy team at OS, which gave me a solid technical foundation, but over time, I realised I was most energised by helping to build products that solve real customer problems. So, I actively sought out opportunities to bridge the gap between technical teams and customer-facing roles, and I was fortunate enough to land a position as a product manager that aligned with my passions for innovation, impact and customer engagement.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
I accidentally became a product manager, in a good way of course, as I was given a development opportunity to work in the team. As a product manager, I get to work closely with both technical teams and customers. It is a role that blends my technical background with my interest in delivering products/data and customer engagement.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
Yes, I’ve been inspired by a few people, especially colleagues. However there are a couple worth calling out. First is Sheryl Sandberg. Her leadership at Facebook, her focus on empowering women, and her willingness to speak openly about the challenges she’s faced in the workplace have been incredibly motivating for me. She’s a great example of how you can blend strong leadership with empathy and a commitment to making an impact.
The second is Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon who promotes and inspires women and non-binary people in STEM.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
This is a tough question as I am proud of every little win I’ve accomplished, especially as a woman and a mother. More recently, I am proud to have been given the Geospatial Professional of the Year award. I am also proud of the products I’ve helped launch, alongside an amazing team of experts here at Ordnance Survey.
One of my favourite projects was leading the development of the OS Emergency Services Gazetteer, a product which helps the emergency services respond to and manage incidents, which in turn helps to create a more resilient and safe nation. Seeing a product go from concept to launch and knowing it has a tangible impact is incredibly rewarding. But most of all, being given the opportunity to work with talented colleagues at OS made this all the more rewarding.
What does an average work day look like for you?
Now this is a difficult question to answer, as no two days are the same. Typically, I am in meetings with cross-functional teams—data architects, data management specialists, engineers, project managers—to align on product vision, priorities, and timelines. I spend a lot of time speaking to customers, reviewing customer feedback, analysing data, and ensuring our product roadmap is on track.
The rest of my day is filled with responding to emails, Teams messages, troubleshooting, and preparing for upcoming presentations or pitches to internal and external stakeholders. In between all these activities, I’m also a mother, making sure my daughter’s needs are met, especially helping her with her homework.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
As a young girl from Nigeria wanting to study for a PhD, I initially faced some discouragement, but I was lucky to have a father like mine who encouraged me to chase my dreams no matter what – he’s my biggest cheerleader.
I have been fortunate to work in environments that are supportive of growth. That said, like many women in tech, I’ve had moments where my ideas or contributions were initially overlooked or dismissed. Over time, I have learned how to navigate these situations by being more assertive, building strong allies, and continuing to push myself to stay informed and keep learning.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Oh absolutely! I think every woman, especially in tech, faces something akin to imposter syndrome at some point. I’ve had moments where I doubted my abilities (and to be honest on the odd occasion I still do), especially when I returned from maternity leave and also when I was new to product management and interacting with more experienced colleagues.
What helped me was remembering what I could contribute, trusting in my skills, and seeking feedback from more experienced colleagues to continuously improve. I also learned to embrace those moments of discomfort—they’re often when I grow the most. One of my favourite quotes is ’Be comfortable being uncomfortable’ by Peter McWilliams.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when starting out. First thing is to remember is that you would never be expected to know it all and have all the answers, so please don’t feel pressurised. My advice is to break things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Never hesitate to ask for help or clarification— I’ve found out that people are usually happy to assist. Also, find a community, network, colleagues or even a mentor who can guide you. And always remember that every mistake is a learning opportunity, and over time, things will start to click.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
My advice would be to stay confident in your abilities, even when you and others may not immediately see your potential. Find mentors and champions who believe in you and will advocate for you. Don’t be afraid to step into leadership roles, even if it feels daunting at first. Make sure you’re always learning – it’s good if every day feels like a school day. The tech field evolves quickly, and staying curious is key to long-term success. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.
