Heya all,    Thanks for being here and welcome to Women Rock – a voice for diversity in tech!  I’m Alicia, founder of Women Rock, co-founder of SR2, founder of Technology Volunteers organiser of Codebar (phewwww) I’m a positive vibe advocate, lover of constant learning, mushrooms and anything pickled, dislikes pigeons, bad manners and baked beans! Outside of all of that, I’m probably best known for my handstand ability and my almost 10-year tenure as a Tech recruiter in the UK, born and bred in Bristol!    Over the last 10 years I have been a huge supporter of diversity in Tech but always felt I could do so much more, Women Rock is the start of my more. In the early part of my career, it was rare that I spoke or represented women in the industry. Technology wasn’t offered to me as a career when I was leaving school, and my family or friends weren’t interested in Tech so probably naively I didn’t know women were in tech and that makes me sad and we all know we still have so much more to do but not just for women, we’re talking about diversity as a whole.    I love to build relationships every day and in starting this blog, being supported by our awesome Women Rock ambassadors and some of the best companies who are committed to talking about and improving ED&I across our industry I really hope we can make the world a better place!  Women Rock isn’t just for women, we have, and will, continue to hear stories from folk from ethnic minorities, folk who have physical and hidden disabilities. We have incredible stories from trans and gender-diverse peeps and we have spoken to many allies who are committed to live, work and support diversity in their workplace, careers and lives.    Included are conversations about successes, people's struggles, frustrations and commitment from their perspective. We have seen so much improvement when it comes to ED&I but I just don’t think we are sharing and shouting about it enough so that others can follow suit.  I want to create an incredible community and Women Rock to be the place to go to that celebrates diversity.   I’ll leave you with my favourite quote ‘’No matter where you are in life, inspire and empower the women around you. Success is never reached alone. And wisdom and wealth are sweeter shared.’’  Be kind, get enough sleep and don’t change for anyone.  Smiles,  Alicia x 

"Stay curious and keep learning." Meet Neha, Senior Data Scientist. In this inspiring interview with Finlay, she shares her journey into data science, the hurdles she’s overcome as a woman in tech, and her vision for fostering diversity in the industry. Neha opens up about the valuable lessons she’s learned, offering insights for aspiring tech professionals and emphasising the need for inclusive environments to support underrepresented talent in the tech space. A lifelong advocate for continuous learning, she believes that determination and curiosity are key to success: “With the right mindset, anyone can carve their path in this dynamic field.” Her passion for growth shines through as she actively pursues opportunities to expand her knowledge—whether through online courses, workshops, or industry conferences. This interview is packed with inspiration, whether you're just starting your tech journey or looking for ways to diversify your team and create meaningful change in the industry. Hey Neha, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear about your story so far. Can you tell us about yourself and your journey into the field of data science and what inspired you to pursue a career in this area? My journey into data science began while writing my thesis in Cambridge. Surrounded by a vibrant academic community, I attended numerous open sessions at the university, captivated by discussions on the transformative power of data. These conversations, combined with my own need to analyse data from my research, ignited a curiosity that would shape my future. Eager to dive deeper into this emerging field, I committed the following year to learning about data science through online courses and classroom instruction. I immersed myself in statistics and programming languages like Python and R, discovering the joy of working with data and uncovering patterns that could lead to meaningful insights. I pursued a few internships to bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining hands-on experience in applying my newfound skills in real-world contexts. After moving to Germany, I joined Blue Yonder, marking a significant turning point in my career. Here, I’ve spent the past five years working alongside some of the best minds in the industry. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, and I’m constantly inspired by the impact that data can have on decision-making and innovation. Transitioning to data science was not without its challenges, especially coming from a non-computer science background. However, my passion and perseverance have propelled me forward. I believe that with determination and a willingness to learn, anyone can carve their own path in this dynamic field. Data science is not just a career for me; it’s a journey of discovery and endless possibilities. What is your role and responsibilities in your current company? As a Senior Data Scientist at my current company, I play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining our state-of-the-art products, which are utilised by over 50 Global customers.  Data Analysis and Interpretation: I analyse complex datasets to extract meaningful insights that drive product enhancements and inform strategic decision-making. This involves leveraging statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to identify trends and patterns. Model Development: Design, develop, and validate predictive models that enhance our product offerings. By applying advanced analytics, I help optimise customer operations and improve overall performance. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: I work closely with product managers, software engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure that our data-driven solutions align with business goals and customer needs. This collaboration is crucial for translating technical findings into actionable product features. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: As a senior member of the team, I mentor junior data scientists and contribute to their professional development. I also share insights and best practices to foster a culture of continuous learning within the team. Performance Monitoring: Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor the performance of products in real-time. This helps ensure that we deliver reliable and impactful solutions to our customers. Customer Engagement: Engaging with customers to understand their needs and challenges is essential. I gather feedback and insights that inform our product development processes, ensuring that we are responsive to the evolving demands of our client base. Through these responsibilities, I contribute to the company's mission of delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that empower our customers to achieve their operational goals. Each project presents an opportunity to leverage the power of data, making a tangible impact on businesses around the globe. What specific areas of data science and machine learning are you most passionate about, and how have you developed your expertise in those areas? I am particularly passionate about data modelling and creating robust data pipelines, as I believe these areas are crucial for developing features that enhance the responsiveness of our products. Effective data modelling allows us to structure data in a way that maximizes its usability, while well-designed data pipelines ensure that our systems can efficiently process and integrate data for future feature development. My interest in these areas has deepened through hands-on experience. I’ve learned that success in data science doesn’t happen overnight; it requires patience and dedication. I’ve invested time in collaborating with experts in the field, which has been invaluable. Working alongside seasoned professionals has not only helped me grasp the foundational concepts but also exposed me to best practices in feature engineering and data pipeline architecture. To further develop my expertise, I continually seek out learning opportunities, whether through online courses, workshops, or industry conferences. Engaging with the data science community has also allowed me to stay updated on emerging trends and technologies, ensuring that I can apply the latest techniques in my work. Ultimately, my goal is to harness the power of data to create innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients. By focusing on data modelling and pipeline development, I aim to lay the groundwork for future enhancements that will elevate our products and deliver exceptional value. As a female data scientist, have you faced any unique challenges or obstacles in your career? How have you navigated and overcome them? Throughout my career as a data scientist, I’ve faced various challenges, but I prefer to view my journey through a lens of resilience and support rather than gender bias. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside cooperative colleagues who were always willing to share their knowledge and help me grasp complex concepts. Their support played a significant role in my development. One of the key challenges I encountered was balancing work with family responsibilities, especially as someone transitioning from a non-computer science background. Juggling the demands of home life and raising kids while learning coding and data science skills was certainly challenging. However, I approached this balance with determination and a commitment to my goals. By creating a structured schedule and leveraging the support of my colleagues, I managed to navigate these hurdles. I focused on continuous learning and sought out resources that fit into my lifestyle, making the most of both my professional and personal commitments. Ultimately, perseverance and a strong support network helped me succeed. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and excited about the opportunities ahead, and I believe that everyone’s journey is unique, and shaped by their own challenges and triumphs. In your opinion, what are some key steps organisations can take to promote and increase diversity in the tech industry, specifically within data science and machine learning roles? Here are key steps organisations can take: Inclusive Hiring Practices: Implementing hiring practices that actively seek to reduce bais.  Outreach and Partnerships: Building relationships with women’s organisations, universities, and community programs can enhance recruitment efforts. Engaging with initiatives that focus on empowering women in STEM can create a wider pipeline of female talent ready to enter data science and machine learning fields. Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs specifically for women can provide the guidance and support they need to navigate their careers. Pairing junior women with experienced female leaders can help foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. Flexible Work Policies: Offering flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours, can significantly support women who are caregivers, making it easier for them to thrive in their roles. Career Support Programs: Implementing “back to work” initiatives are essential for women who have taken career breaks, whether due to family responsibilities or relocation with spouses. Career re-entry workshops and training programs tailored for these women can help them refresh their skills and confidently re-enter the workforce. Creating an Inclusive Culture: Fostering a culture that values diverse voices is critical. This can be achieved through diversity training focused on gender equity, encouraging open discussions about the challenges women face, and creating forums for women to share their experiences and insights. Tracking and Accountability: Setting measurable diversity goals related to female representation in tech roles and regularly reporting on progress is vital. These are my personal views and is nothing to do with any organization. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the tech industry? Here’s some basic advice for those looking to enter the tech industry: Start with the Basics: Build a strong foundation in core concepts. Whether it's programming, data analysis, or machine learning, understanding the fundamentals will serve you well. Online courses and tutorials can be great resources. Embrace Continuous Learning: The tech field is always evolving. Stay curious and keep learning. Follow industry trends, read relevant articles, and consider pursuing certifications that align with your interests. Hands-On Experience: Practical experience is invaluable. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives or take on internships. These experiences not only enhance your skills but also help build a portfolio that showcases your work. Network Actively: Connect with others in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, and conferences to meet professionals and peers. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and potential job openings. Don’t Fear Failure: Mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Resilience is key in the tech industry. Find a Mentor: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and insights based on their own experiences. A mentor can help you navigate your career path and offer valuable advice. Cultivate Soft Skills: While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. Being able to collaborate effectively with others can set you apart. Stay Diverse in Your Learning: Explore different areas of tech. Whether it’s data science, software development, cybersecurity, or UX design, gaining exposure to various fields can help you find your passion. Focus on Impact: Consider how you can make a difference through technology. Whether it’s developing solutions that improve lives or contributing to social good, having a purpose can motivate you in your career. Be Patient and Persistent: Breaking into the tech industry can take time, and the path may not be linear. Stay focused on your goals, be persistent, and keep pushing forward. Entering the tech industry can be a rewarding journey, and with dedication and the right mindset, you can thrive and make a meaningful impact. What is your favourite song? My favourite song is Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin What book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  The Fountainhead Ayn Rand Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new centre of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.” -Oprah Winfrey Interviewed by Finaly Bright

“There’s no such thing as a stupid question” Meet Helen, a Senior Software Engineer at Sopheon with over 25 years of experience in the web industry Beya recently caught up with her to discuss how her role has evolved over the years, climbing the ladder as a woman in tech, her challenges, and her advice for women looking to start their own tech journey. Helen is a remarkable woman who has navigated her career across diverse roles, from Client Service Management to Software Engineering. With six years as both a Senior Software Engineer and Team Lead, she has been an invaluable asset to her team, driving collaboration and product growth. She’s also an active tech community member, regularly attending meetups and participating in various community initiatives. Helen is a wonderful individual, and we’re excited to share her story with you! Hey Helen, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear about your story so far, and how you got into the world of tech. I attended a classic Bootcamp in Central London in the late '90s and have worked in the industry ever since. Starting as an HTML coder, I progressed to roles like Client Services Manager, Project Manager, and Software Engineer. I've built hundreds of websites, created custom themes in WordPress and Drupal, and advised and managed clients. My work has recently focused on “Product”, modern JavaScript, React, Agile methodologies, and the software development lifecycle. With 25 years as a developer, how has your journey been as a woman in tech? and how have you found climbing the career ladder throughout this time? Before having children, I navigated a significant gap between programming languages like PHP and ASP and basic HTML. There were very few women in the programming space, so I decided to take a more client-facing route whilst continuing to code both at work and freelance. After returning from maternity leave in 2007 and again in 2009, I found it challenging to be taken seriously as a part-timer working three days a week. I managed on very low pay for 10 years while also caring for my children. I believe part-time workers who balance caregiving responsibilities are taken more seriously now, though I may be wrong. Six years ago, I made the deliberate decision to return to coding full-time, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, especially the late Tim Marsh, to whom I owe so much. I strive to carry forward his kindness, inclusivity, and remarkable intellect. What advice would you give to Women wanting to start a career in tech? Start coding and building things The vast majority of people in tech are friendly and helpful, it’s a wonderful community, try going to some meetups There are no stupid questions Do you believe a University Degree is essential for individuals wanting to get into the tech world? No, although there are more companies asking for a computing degree. I have never been asked or needed any qualifications. How have you found the female/ men diversity split in varying workplaces across your career? The general statistic for 2024, is that only 13% of females work in specifically the php sector. Recently, we successfully built and recruited a team consisting of 75% female JavaScript and PHP engineers, which is quite rare. I have never been interviewed by a woman, but I have had the opportunity to recruit engineers myself. We weren’t practising positive discrimination—just hiring the best candidates. In most teams I've worked with, there have been significantly fewer women. The 13% figure sounds about right. What is your proudest achievement in tech? Successfully moving back to full-time coding in my mid-40s and being promoted to a Senior Software Engineer. Have you faced any challenges or barriers as a Woman in Tech in your career? I don’t know if it’s being a woman or working part-time but yes. You mentioned when we previously spoke that diversity is something you are passionate about, therefore, what do you think can be done to help attract a more diverse mix of people in tech? Ensure there is more diversity within the hiring team and give opportunities to people who may not look or sound like the rest of the team. Create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. What is the next step for you in your career? Stay in a dev role, or move into a team leader role. I love watching and encouraging others to develop and grow and would like to use my people skills again. What do you do outside work to relax? Walk my dog, spend time with friends and family, pottery and yoga. Who have been the most influential people in your life? For life in general my wonderful family and friends and in my professional life; my friend and colleague (Tim) who sadly passed away. If there is a song that would describe you, which song would this be? I don’t have a song, but my favourite animals and probably what describes me best are Goats. What book would you recommend? It's a tricky one. Although it's incredibly traumatic, it is by a woman, so "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara made me cry more than once. Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “There’s no such thing as a stupid question” Interviewed by Beya Durante

"I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to ensure we could have fun at work and be respected." Meet Sara, an Engineering Enablement Specialist at Cognigy. In this inspiring conversation with Esther, Sara discusses diversity, the importance of hiring beyond just ticking a box, and her remarkable journey from clinical psychology to the tech world. With a background in psychology and a knack for technology, Sara brings a unique and powerful blend of skills to the table. Her passion for understanding people and team dynamics has led her to a career in tech, where she’s making a tangible impact on communication, collaboration, and performance. She's been a driving force behind creating work environments that foster respect and enjoyment. When she’s not elevating teams and boosting morale, Sara is busy exploring the world—collecting incredible stories and diverse experiences along the way. She’s always eager to share her wisdom, whether it’s about career, culture, or life, so don’t hesitate to reach out. We ended the interview with a few personal questions: What is your favourite song?  "Here Comes the Sun" – The Beatles What book would you recommend?  "Give and Take" by Adam Grant Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek” – Joseph Campbell Her energy throughout this interview is contagious! Get ready to walk away inspired and with a list of insightful learnings.Dive into the full interview below. Interviewed by Esther Bareham

"Empowering others to reach their best while navigating challenges along the way." Meet Hannah, Engineering Manager at Mobile.de and a true inspiration. Cameron Daniel recently caught up with her to discuss her journey into tech, her experiences as a woman in the field, and her advice on improving ED&I within the tech industry. After noticing a significant gap in Engineering Managers with a solid background in Mobile Applications Development, She was inspired to step into the role, determined to bridge that gap and bring a fresh perspective to leadership. Hannah is dedicated to fostering growth in the tech community. Whether through mentoring, technical writing, or speaking at conferences, she’s making her mark. She’s also incredibly proud to hold the title of Google Developer Expert for Android – a recognition of her expertise and impact in the field. Hey Hannah, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear a bit about you. I’m an engineering manager at Mobile.de in Berlin and previously an Associate Engineering Manager at Taxfix. My career has generally been centred on software development, recently focusing on building dynamic and user-friendly mobile applications for Android and sometimes iOS. I’m also a Google Developer Expert for Android which is a title that greatly highlights my expertise in this domain. Beyond my professional work, I’m deeply committed to fostering growth in the tech community, through mentoring, technical writing, or speaking at tech conferences. Outside work, I enjoy baking, hosting friends for meals and reading books to unwind. Can you tell us about your journey into the tech industry and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? I started coding during my teenage years in high school, although I didn’t see it as a career path. However, soon after graduating with an Actuarial Science Degree, I realised that my passion was in programming. I pursued certificate courses in computer programming while working in roles that allowed me to apply my tech skills. I took up roles in Web Development, DevOps and Mobile Development. The tech community was incredibly supportive, and finding mentors and collaborators was crucial to my early growth. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in tech, and how have you overcome them? As a woman in tech, one of the challenges has been navigating an industry that traditionally has fewer women, which can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. The isolation can intensify the imposter syndrome that affects us all from time to time. However, I’ve overcome this by actively seeking out and contributing to communities that support women in tech. Mentorship has played a huge role in my journey, both as a mentee and a mentor, helping me build resilience and confidence in my abilities at the same time inspiring and motivating other women in tech. What has been your proudest achievement in your career so far, and what impact do you believe it has had on your team or the industry? One of my proudest achievements has been earning the title of ‘Google Developer Expert for Android.’ This recognition not only validates my expertise but also allows me to give back to the community by mentoring others and sharing my knowledge. It’s rewarding to see the impact this has had, particularly in inspiring others to pursue their own paths in technology globally. I get to interact with Software Developers, CTOs and Directors of tech companies through the networking community provided through the GDE program. Why did you want to go into leadership? I initially envisioned my career path leading to a Principal Engineer role, but as I progressed in my work, I began to notice a significant gap—there weren’t many Engineering Managers with a solid background in mobile applications development. This intrigued me and inspired me to step into the role of an Engineering Manager, determined to bridge that gap. In my role at Taxfix, I worked with several EMs who had this knowledge of mobile applications development and it was a nice relief to collaborate closely with them. Embracing leadership has enabled me to make a broader impact, guiding teams and ensuring that mobile engineering continues to be a vital and influential part of our tech ecosystem What motivates you most about your job? What motivates me most is seeing the tangible results of our work, particularly in mobile application development. The process of creating something from scratch, testing it, and then watching users interact with it is incredibly fulfilling. I also find great satisfaction in mentoring others and helping them grow in their careers. In my role as an Engineering Manager, I don’t get to code as much but this same satisfaction is felt when I sit through demo meetings with my team as they build MVPs and enhance features on existing products. It never gets old for me. What are the most important things for you as a leader? For me, the most important aspects of being a leader are fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging continuous learning, and being a reliable source of support for my team. It’s about empowering others to achieve their best while also guiding them through challenges. I always remind them they are the experts in the room, I am only an enabler of their expertise. What is the biggest change you want to see in the tech industry? I want to see a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. While there has been progress, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued in this field. I can see there’s some growth over the years and leading by example is one way to encourage others that it is possible to make an impact globally. How do you think companies can improve the approach to ED&I? Companies can improve their approach to ED&I by moving beyond mere policy creation and actively cultivating environments where every individual truly feels they belong. One powerful strategy is to implement targeted hiring initiatives, such as focusing on women in STEM from local universities or specifically recruiting women in EMEA. This kind of deliberate action from hiring managers is what will drive meaningful, visible change in the tech ecosystem, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the richness of different perspectives and experiences. Can you share some advice for young women who are considering a career in tech or who are currently working their way up in the industry? My advice to young women in tech is to build a strong network, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Stay updated on industry trends, but also focus on mastering the fundamentals. Remember, your journey is unique—embrace the challenges and celebrate the wins. How do you find the transition when relocating to a different country and new work environment? Relocating to a new country and work environment was both exciting and challenging. It required adaptability and openness to new experiences. The support from my colleagues and the broader community made the transition smoother, and it’s been rewarding to see how this move has inspired others back at home. What's the biggest challenge you've faced working in a new cultural environment, and how did you navigate it? The biggest challenge was adapting to the varied work cultures and communication styles. I approached this by carefully observing, asking thoughtful questions, and being receptive to feedback. Building strong relationships and gaining a deep understanding of the new environment allowed me to integrate effectively and maintain a high level of performance. And lastly what book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work by Kanika TolverInterviewed by Cameron Daniel

"Be yourself and bring your whole self to work." ✨ That’s just one of the many gems from Kyle's incredible conversation with Joana, a Data Science and AI Managing Consultant at IBM Consulting. With a PhD in Computer Science and AI, Joana's journey started in Portugal before moving to Belgium in 2018 to kick off her career as a research engineer in the industry. Joana is deeply passionate about getting more women into tech. With 6 years of experience in AI, she’s eager to give back, sharing her views on the challenges women face in tech, the misconceptions, and her ideas on how we can improve. This interview not only delivers valuable insights but also leaves us with plenty of food for thought around the barriers in tech, the evolving role of AI, and actionable steps we can all take to drive positive change in the industry.  

"It’s only you that's going to make it happen" ✨ We couldn't agree more Marion. Mark sat down with the CEO of Red Helix, a leading cyber security provider. With an impressive 30+ years of experience, Marion’s journey from technical roles to executive leadership is truly inspiring. Growing up in a small town in Scotland, she always had a knack for Science, Maths, and English, but she was determined to follow the subjects she loved throughout her education. In this interview, Marion highlights the incredible initiatives that Red Helix is implementing to support and give back to their local community. Her passion for social mobility and neurodiversity shines through as she shares why diverse talent drives innovation. Marion also discusses her belief that there are many paths to success—her siblings took different routes—and that you don’t need a university degree to reach leadership positions. She also offers valuable insights on how we can expose young people to the tech industry and inspire them to pursue careers in this exciting field. Interviewed by Mark Reddy

Ever felt stuck in a career that doesn’t excite you, but unsure of the next step? Calie’s story might be the inspiration you need. After 16 years at Vauxhall, she took a leap of faith, leaving the motor industry behind and unexpectedly finding her way into coding through a GirlsCode meetup in Milton Keynes. Now a Frontend Developer, Calie has worked on countless projects, from boot camp learning to implementing cutting-edge UI testing frameworks. For those starting out in tech—or anyone looking for that push to take the leap—Calie shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, trusting your instincts, and navigating male-dominated industries. Plus, she reveals her top book recommendation for beginners in tech! Hey Calie, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear a bit about you and how your tech journey started. After 16 years working in a variety of roles for Vauxhall Motors - like a lot of the people who grew up in Luton - I got an offer I couldn’t refuse and took voluntary redundancy.  I wanted something different but didn’t have a clue what life looked like outside the motor industry, so I downloaded the Meetup app and started trying to broaden my horizons.  I quizzed everyone I met about what they did for work, what they liked and didn’t like about it, what their dream job looked like and so on.  Eventually, I ended up at a group in Milton Keynes called GirlsCode - they were so friendly that it helped ease a lot of preconceptions I had that coding was only for the super intelligent, or people who had been using a computer from the age of 3.  After an hour on FreeCodeCamp, I began to realise it might be something I could learn to do, and eventually, I decided that a boot camp was going to be the best way for me to kick-start my new career.   We’d love to hear about some projects you’re proud of. Back in boot camp, I created a picture-sharing app as my final project. Considering what I already achieved in the past 12 weeks I was proud of how far I had progressed.  Completing that boot camp course was incredibly intense and is still probably one of my proudest achievements! I’m also incredibly proud of all the milestones from my first engineering role - completing that first ticket solo, leading sprint retrospectives, and contributing missing features - the lack of which were blocking customers from buying our products.  In particular, I helped to implement a UI testing framework and TDD approach to building these features; I presented all of the reasoning and findings to the R&D department and was pleased to be told my enthusiasm had helped one of the seniors overcome his initial reluctance to change our approach to building out the UI. Looking back, what do you wish you’d known when you first started your tech journey? Googling isn’t cheating, in fact, it might be the best tool in your kit if you use it right. Don’t be intimidated by senior developers.  It might seem like they have all the answers but what seniors actually have over you is just experience.  The best senior devs have learned how to apply their experiences to new scenarios and want to help you do the same, so try seeing them as a source of inspiration - tap into their wealth of knowledge and experience wherever you can. Trust your gut, know your worth and don’t settle for less. I’m currently reading “Keep Calm and Code On - A Tactical Guide For Navigating The Pitfalls Of Software Development” by Alex Lau - with the benefit of hindsight I’m realising I’ve fallen foul of a lot of the cases he explains so it’s a bit of a tough read!  Every developer should read this, especially those just starting out. As a woman in tech, what’s been the best and toughest thing you’ve experienced in the industry? The best would be the huge support network that exists between women in tech and also their allies. Yes, we’re largely under-represented but there’s a lot of us that want to help lift each other up. I’m used to working in male-dominated industries but it’s usually been a much lonelier experience. The worst bit, I think, is always going to be based on personal experience. Having been an apprentice car mechanic in my 20’s then a junior developer in my 40’s, for me it’s probably the difficulty getting started. You’ve got to have a lot of self-belief, not accept low-ball wage offers, then when you do land that first role, have the confidence to speak up or even walk away if your developmental needs aren’t being met. As women, this often feels difficult due to the way we are conditioned growing up.  What do you do outside of work? I like to keep up with tech outside of the area I’m currently focusing on.  As mentioned before, the path to senior relies heavily on experience, so it makes sense to try and build this up in your spare time as well - you never know when that article you read or video you watched might come in handy.  There are plenty of newsletters that do a great job of condensing the news into a regular email (I especially like ‘Frontend Focus’, ‘This Week In React’ and ‘Javascript Weekly’), and sites like Meetup and CFE.dev are a great starting-point to find seminars and talks you can watch online. Outside of tech I love to watch football and cycling, and I also like to do yoga, knitting and crochet to relax.  So far I’ve taught myself to make a few cool bits of clothing and blankets, and some gifts for relatives.  My husband and I adopted a rescue dog 5 years ago so we are out walking a lot, always trying to find cool new places to explore.  We are both keen on travel and live music.   Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? I’ve got 2 - when I was little my dad said to me “don’t worry about what everyone else is doing,  you just look after yourself”.  I think he was telling me not to be a busybody, and that one has been a guiding principle that’s stuck with me for life.  The other is “what is meant for you will find you” - it’s important to be open to all opportunities and consider that things usually happen for a reason. Interviewed by Ben Dennison

Careers are daunting no matter what you do. Particularly when facing change! Charles Hoskins sat down with Amelia Watkins, Head of Talent at Geomiq, a digital manufacturing start-up where AI meets Design Engineering. Amelia is smashing her career! She came from a background in agency recruitment, upskilled herself with the right qualifications to take on an internal role, and rose to a ‘Head of’ position having established solid Recruitment and HR policy. For those in (all forms) of recruitment, this is one not to miss; they covered, tackling that change from agency to internal, the importance of role models and useful tools to ensure D&I is embedded in your talent acquisition strategy. Hi Amelia, thank you for being involved with Women Rock. Could you tell us a bit about you and your role at Geomiq? Originally from the countryside, I grew up on a farm and moved to London after university after studying Exercise, Health and Nutrition. I got into recruitment following several internships during my final year of university,  knowing I wanted to have the potential to make the commission, whether that be recruitment, sales or working in finance. I went into life science recruitment and grew my career further from there, working in a few agencies and also within Executive Search. A year before I joined Geomiq as their first internal talent/people hire I knew I wanted to develop my career away from agency and completed APM Project Management Qualifications to develop my skills which helped me to get this role here at Geomiq. Over the last 2 years I have developed their recruitment process, talent development process as well as human resources function and now have an additional 2 people within the People Team.  Geomiq is a digital manufacturing marketplace that connects mechanical engineers or design engineers with manufacturers. We were founded in 2017 and have since reached Series A investment in August 2022 and over doubled in size since, including opening a quality hub in Porto, Portugal to enable us to work with more European manufacturers as well as help with product distribution post-Brexit. We are continuing to grow, moving from a startup to scale up, and look to head towards Series B funding in the next 6-12 months.  Head of Talent at a startup is no easy job. What’s been the hardest part? I would say getting the company to understand that people are what makes a company grow and develop further and for that to happen you need a strong and developed people strategy. This would include demonstrating the importance of an ATS system, or a clear career pathway and developing processes. Within startups, you need to stay fast-paced but in order to grow you have to start implementing processes so it’s finding the right balance between the two. We previously spoke about role models. How have they helped your success in this role? I grew up with several family members who were growing their businesses around me so that demonstrated to me the importance of hard work, resilience and never giving up in order to get where you want to be. Working in a startup or even a VC backed company means you're constantly on your toes and striving to develop, automate and grow so you have to work fast-paced which can be tiring as you’re facing constant changes; but watching family members do the same from a young age as helped me and reminded me that if you keep pushing and learning you can also deliver success.  As an ex-agency recruiter, how did that start to set you up for success in Talent? Any advice for people looking to make the move? Working in agency recruitment taught me how to be resilient and how to not take things personally when things don’t go your way or to plan. With agency recruitment you are relying on people making decisions that align with your vision for you to hit a target and be successful, people are unpredictable and can make a sudden change in decision at the last minute so you have to always be prepared for that and understand some things are out of your control so you need to focus on what you can control.  For people interested in moving into an internal talent or people role, I would say, make sure you are moving for the right reasons as it is a big change. I moved because I wanted to help a business develop but more importantly, I wanted to see and help to develop the people I placed in these roles. So, when looking for a new role, find a company that aligns with what you’re looking for as a career and once you find that you’ll enjoy the internal talent role more. When it comes to D&I, any shout-out to tools/decisions you’ve made that have been a big help? The first thing I did to help D&I here at Geomiq was find the right ATS system. I went for Teamtailor as it allows Geomiq to blind CVs and also evaluate candidates in an unbiased and equal manner. I would recommend this tool to anyone in an internal talent role. We also, here at Geomiq, offer a certain number of Skilled Worker Visas for certain level roles per year which brings us talent from all over the world, I think it’s a great way to develop an inclusive and diverse workforce. Here at Geomiq we are still looking to develop our D&I further as we are working in a heavily male-dominated environment, both in tech and engineering, so we are always looking for new ways to help us here.  We are building a Spotify playlist for everyone on the blog, so what’s your current guilty pleasure to add? I do like to listen to guilty pleasures while on my morning runs and at the moment it still seems to be Austin by Dasha. Interviewed by Charles Hoskins