I am a Principal Software Engineer and Data & AI Service Line Lead. Over my career, I have had a handful of jobs but worn many hats from graduate to tech lead across both small and large companies.
Through these varied experiences, I found my true specialism in large-scale data solutions and, more recently, the evolving world of AI. Today, I am passionate about architecting robust, impactful solutions and leading high-performing teams with a focus on empathy, authenticity, and continuous learning.
How did you land your current role?, Was it planned?
It definitely wasn’t a planned, straight path! Back in school, I had a natural ability for computing, and coding just clicked for me. However, I didn’t see how it could translate into an actual career because I didn’t consider myself “creative.”
When I left school, I initially went down a business-focused route – studying marketing, accountancy, and law mostly because people told me I would be good at it. But I didn’t love it, and I quickly learned that struggling to find the energy to get up and study something I wasn’t passionate about was a real problem for me.
Eventually, I found my way to a technical college to study software engineering, and that is where everything fell into place. It accelerated my path through university, I graduated with a First in Software Engineering, and I landed my first job in the field. It has been over 10 exciting, challenging years since then, and I haven’t looked back. I absolutely love what I do, and that drive has led me to my current leadership roles and my passion for the complex world of Data and AI.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
I am most proud that I haven’t sacrificed who I am on my way to a leadership role. Throughout my career, I have leaned heavily into empathy, people-focused skills, and a deep passion for learning. I’ve found that allowing myself to be vulnerable actually builds much stronger rapport and creates optimal, high-performing teams. There have certainly been tough, self-doubting moments, but I have come out of them understanding the unique difference I bring to the table.
Equally, I am proud that I have never lost my core passion for engineering. I love creating robust, well-architected solutions that deliver a genuine, positive impact. Over the years, I have built a reputation as someone my teams can count on to lead them through complex challenges, and someone clients can trust to consistently deliver.
Reaching the level of Principal Engineer and Service Line Lead while staying authentic, putting people first, and still loving the technical work I do every day is my greatest achievement.
Any advice for women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Keep track of your achievements – both the small and the big. Note down the day you stood up for something in a meeting and it had a good outcome. Note the time you completely revolutionised a platform and the client loved it, or the day you finally fixed all the bugs in a difficult piece of code.
Because in the moments where you feel like you are alone in a busy room, or where your voice isn’t being heard, you have to be your own biggest cheerleader. You have to remember that you belong at that table and you’ve earned your seat. Look back on those achievements, and let them fuel your next move.
