From Code to Leadership: A Tech Leader's Journey of Growth and Inclusion
My leadership journey commenced well before I ever held an official title—it began in front of a luminous computer screen, immersed in the intricate world of programming code. During those formative years as an engineer, I cultivated leadership not through volume or authority, but through consistent demonstration—arriving prepared, nurturing curiosity, and courageously posing the difficult questions that others often sidestepped.
Quiet Confidence Built Through Problem-Solving
I discovered that confidence does not always manifest as loud declarations; frequently, it is constructed silently and methodically, with each resolved technical challenge adding another layer of assurance. This process transformed my approach, teaching me that leadership credibility is earned through persistent effort and tangible solutions.
Transforming Self-Doubt into Self-Inquiry
There were inevitable moments of doubt, times when I questioned my rightful place in the technology sphere. The most impactful lessons emerged not from accolades or promotions, but from instances that demanded pause, reflection, and renewed beginnings. I consciously shifted my internal dialogue from "Why me?" to "What can I learn here?" This pivotal transition—from self-doubt to self-inquiry—became the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy and fundamentally shaped how I perceive technology: as a dynamic domain of perpetual learning, continuous reinvention, and essential humility.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
I have been profoundly fortunate to encounter mentors who recognized potential within me before I could see it myself. These guides did more than merely open professional doors; they ensured those doors remained accessible for others following behind. One mentor imparted the value of crystalline clarity in communication and decision-making, while another demonstrated deep compassion in leadership. Together, they helped me comprehend that authentic leadership transcends organizational hierarchy—it is fundamentally about forging genuine human connections. True leadership, I learned, involves creating environments where individuals can clearly perceive their own potential mirrored back to them.
Inclusion as a Daily Practice, Not a Policy
Technology has served as both my creative canvas and my most rigorous instructor. From constructing enterprise-level platforms to steering large-scale digital transformations, I have witnessed firsthand how innovation flourishes precisely where curiosity intersects with deliberate inclusion. The most groundbreaking ideas seldom originate from homogeneous teams; they emerge from diverse collectives where varied voices feel empowered to challenge established patterns and conventions. Consequently, I firmly believe inclusion cannot be relegated to a periodic corporate initiative—it must be practiced as a daily habit. Representation possesses catalytic power; it actively reshapes what people believe is achievable for themselves and their organizations.
Sustaining Curiosity in a Rapidly Evolving Field
The technology landscape evolves at a breathtaking pace, yet the women who thrive within it share a common trait: they maintain an insatiable curiosity and commit to lifelong learning. My own curiosity has been rigorously tested across diverse life domains—from coordinating complex work meetings across multiple time zones to reading bedtime stories to my daughter. Each of these experiences holds profound significance, and technology serves as the vital connective tissue that helps me balance and integrate these distinct worlds—my professional ambitions and personal fulfillment.
Finding Balance and Leading Authentically
In my role at NatWest, I actively contribute to shaping our digital and technological vision across varied regions and cultures, all while remaining anchored by intentional daily rituals. My mornings commence with moments of faith and stillness before the day's demands unfold. I discover equilibrium through literature, derive joy from artistic expression and Lego construction, and draw boundless energy from the talented colleagues I collaborate with daily. I choose not to lead with restrictive labels, yet I firmly acknowledge the critical importance of representation. I am a business leader who happens to be a woman, and through experience, I have learned that one need not choose between ambition and authenticity—it is entirely possible, and indeed powerful, to lead with both qualities harmoniously integrated.
