Ahead of the Leeds Digital Festival 2024, AND Digital spoke to women tech leaders in Leeds, to get a more local take on national findings from their ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report. Here, Nic Turner, Client Partnerships Lead at AND Digital, shares her thoughts.
The headline takeaway of the report is that women can build incredibly rewarding careers in tech, but to do that they need to show a resilience that isn’t required of men. How does your own experience compare with that?
N: I started my career in a large organisation, primarily working on SAP implementation projects. At that time only 18% of people working in this specialism were women, and I very much saw that in practice on most of the engagements I took on.
I was lucky in those early days to receive a wealth of support through the company and through mentors, but even as I grew in confidence I certainly encountered challenges in making my voice heard. A subsequent, more senior role I was put forward for by one of these mentors was challenged by senior leadership, as was my capability to manage the project in comparison to a male colleague. I had to fight hard to be empowered to take this on, and certainly started to question my own capability in doing so. In the end I was asked to appear in the company’s annual report as the engagement had gone so well.
I do feel that women generally need a huge amount of resilience as they progress through their careers, given other responsibilities they often acquire such as having children, or taking on a caring role for parents or relatives. Showing up and doing a fantastic job alongside these commitments is no easy task, and there are so many women in my network doing this incredibly well that I really admire.
The women in our report found tech an incredibly rewarding career. Almost no one wanted to leave. Does that resonate with you?
N: Absolutely, yes! The amount of variety in tech and the pace of ongoing change and innovation makes it a difficult industry to leave. You can almost take on several different careers as the landscape is evolving so fast. The scope to learn new things and change, adapt, and even reinvent yourself are endless.
Are there opportunities for women in tech in Leeds?
N: There is a huge amount of opportunity for women in tech in Leeds – both for those already in the industry, and those who aren’t and are considering making a change. Some really big brands such as Channel 4 and the Bank of England have recently relocated key activities to Leeds, which reflects the amount of growing opportunity.
The tech community in particular is filled with people passionate about what they do, and who are happy to share their experiences. There is always something happening in and around the city to get involved in. Leeds Digital Festival, for example, is a great opportunity to hear from industry leaders in the technology space, and create new contacts.
Imposter syndrome was a common feature of the stories of the women we spoke to. Have you experienced that in your career? How do you overcome it?
N: I have always struggled with imposter syndrome, and have had to work hard to increase my professional confidence over time. It’s still an evolving process for me, but in applying a growth mindset and being consistently curious I aim to continuously acquire knowledge and learning. Applying this in more practical terms can increase self-belief and create forward momentum over time.
I’d also say that acknowledging the potential of making a mistake in trying something new or asserting your view is more of an opportunity to grow, rather than failure. This can really help to reframe the mind and to see things in a positive light.
Our survey found almost six out of ten women felt their organisation supported work-life balance for women and men. In the wider industry, though, we know work flexibility is a problem. What’s your experience?
N: The pandemic really changed a lot of organisations’ attitudes towards work-life balance. When I first started my career, working from home on a Friday was a real luxury. In my first ever role I was working with a client in Glasgow, having just relocated from Leeds to London. I was on a 7am flight every Monday morning returning home at 7pm on a Friday night. I found it exhausting, and the lack of balance made it much harder to be productive throughout the working week.
In my view, a workplace supportive of flexible working, and one which provides trust in its people in order to get things done enables individuals to feel better in control of their responsibilities in their personal lives, and in turn do their best work.
The women leaders in our report showed a massive desire to support the next generation of women leaders. How do you feel about the strength of the women in tech community in Leeds?
N: I think Leeds is a really special city, and I feel privileged to be working here. Many events I’ve been to in recent years have featured speakers who have talked about how unique Leeds is in the way it champions community in the tech industry, rather than competition.
There’s a feeling of everyone coming together for the greater good and the overall progression of Leeds, which in turn breeds true collaboration, space for growth, and offers a great place for all of us to make new connections. I would encourage anyone looking for a woman mentor to reach out to someone you admire – I am sure they would be open to a conversation and will genuinely want to help.
Have you had a role model or mentor who significantly impacted your career?
N: I’ve had a number of mentors throughout my career, both men and women, and internal to the organisations I’ve worked for and external. I generally go to different people for different things depending on what I’m looking to achieve. External perspective in particular is really helpful in challenging perceptions and acquiring an alternative point of view.
What advice would you give to women entering the tech industry today?
N: As I was told very early on in my career and have come to realise, building a strong network is hugely important. It can take time, but starting off small and nurturing the relationships you create can be really beneficial. It will also help people new to the industry identify things they can do to help them progress, and find new opportunities along the way.
You can download the full ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report here.
On the 18th September 2024, AND Digital will be hosting a Senior Women in Tech Lunch. Places are limited, but if you are interested please register your interest here and the team will be in touch.
