Profile

I have always enjoyed solving problems. For me, that is the important part of a career in computing – using them to solve real problems and make lives better. At school, my favourite subject was maths – something I studied at A level and at university. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up (and I still don’t) but computing seemed like a good way to keep solving problems – although it does mean everyone asks you to fix their laptop / TV / phone all the time!

One thing about computing is that you’re always building digital things so when I’m not doing that I love building real things. I cook, make candles, do some (bad) woodworking, and make a lot of LEGO!

My jobs have three main parts – first, I have to understand the detail of all the technology in the organisation so I can set the right direction and strategy. Second, I have to be able to work with all the different software engineers to help make decisions and get work done. Third, and most important, I have to make sure we have a good environment where everyone can be themselves and develop their skills and career. I started as a software developer, writing code in a team. After many years of this, I joined the government as a Lead Developer then, when my boss left, I somehow ended up in charge of all the software engineers in the Government Digital Service. I was asked to join Macmillan Cancer Support as the Director of Software Engineering where I worked until last Christmas.