FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
Q . CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT SOMETHING YOU ' RE MOST PROUD OF SINCE YOU JOINED QA ?
» One highlight that comes to mind is starting to bring together the capabilities of QA and its recent acquisitions , which have contributed to its growth and success over recent years . We are now working very collaboratively to identify ways to take the best of learning from all of our business units and create blended learning offerings . Our goal is that everyone who learns something through any part of the QA group is able to demonstrate their learning in a way that positively impacts the business .
Q . WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW THAT ARE HAVING THE MOST IMPACT ?
» I ' m really passionate about doing more with data ; it comes with the territory , I guess . Understanding how we can better utilise insights to drive business improvement is always something I ' ve been invested in , and now , with AI and machine learning , the possibilities from smart use of data can be really transformative for organisations .
Secondly , of course , I must mention the ongoing issue of how to attract , train and retain tech talent . The existing and forecasted digital skills shortage is a real issue , and there is still nowhere near enough being done to encourage young people coming through the education system to be interested in pursuing roles in tech .
Q . WHAT MOTIVATES AND DRIVES YOU EACH DAY IN YOUR ROLE ?
» I am motivated by how good use of technology can change and improve a business ; I never advocate for tech for tech ’ s sake , but seeing the difference a well-implemented technology solution can make in terms of user engagement , satisfaction and improved business efficiency is extremely satisfying .
Q . WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE ACHIEVED BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR ?
» I want us to have made some great progress improving our groupwide Blended Learning offering and also proven some great business benefits through some of the business modernisation initiatives we are undertaking .
I also want to have brought my product and engineering teams together across the group and proven the QA model works through
“ AS A PRETTY COMPETITIVE PERSON , I ’ D LOVE TO WIN MORE AWARDS BUT , HONESTLY , THE REAL REWARD COMES FROM BEING A ROLE MODEL , AND KNOWING GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN CAN SEE GENUINE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN TECHNOLOGY ”
24 December 2022