Technology is constantly advancing, partner expectations are always evolving, and no two days are ever the same. For me, that’s what makes telecoms such an exciting place to work. After studying Business Studies at University, I was interested in a career that combined strategy, innovation, and the opportunity to keep learning.

I started my career as a Graduate Product Manager at TalkTalk and progressed through the business over time, eventually becoming Head of Product there before joining VMO2 as the Head of Wholesale Connectivity Products just over a year ago. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been working on strategic product launches. Some of the biggest learning opportunities come when you’re working through complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines. 

A standout experience for me was being involved in the launch of 10Gb EAD for the Wholesale and Direct market. Projects like that teach you so much, not only about the technology itself, but also about collaboration, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. That’s one of the things I love most about product management in telecoms. You are constantly learning because the industry and technology is continuously advancing. 

As my career developed, I became increasingly interested in people management and leadership. However, stepping into leadership roles can feel challenging because people management experience plays such an important part in developing confidence and capability. 

To help myself grow in that area, I reached out to mentors, spoke to HR teams, and actively looked for opportunities to learn more about leadership. I was fortunate to have supportive managers and mentors throughout my career who encouraged me and helped champion my progression. 

Even now, in a leadership role, I still enjoy being involved in the day-to-day side of the business and working closely with my team. For me, that balance between strategic leadership and team collaboration is really important. 

Throughout my career, I’ve seen positive progress in what has traditionally been quite a male-dominated industry. There is still more work to do, but I’ve noticed a real shift in conversations around representation, visibility, and support for women in telecoms. 

Alongside my role, I’m involved in the VMO2 Women`s Network committee, and regularly support educational outreach initiatives, including visiting schools and hosting events. 

One thing I’ve realised through these experiences is that many young people aren’t aware of the variety of careers available within telecommunications.  

It’s important to continue raising awareness of those different pathways and showing people that there isn’t one single route into the industry.

Over the years, I’ve learned that leadership is not one-size-fits-all. You can take courses and complete training programmes, but a huge part of leadership comes down to understanding people. Everyone is at a different stage in their career, with different personalities, motivations, and support needs.

For me, being a good leader means adapting my approach depending on the individual and creating an environment where people feel supported and able to grow

Starting your career can definitely feel daunting at times, especially in a large and fast-paced industry like telecoms. But one thing I’ve experienced consistently throughout my career is how supportive people and teams can be.