I’m the director and principal data scientist at Solvlab Analytics which is the company I set up in February this year. Alongside consultancy for InsurTech I’m providing data analytics for small to medium size companies without their own in house expertise.
How did you end up doing the job you're doing now?
I was always good at Maths and when I started work at Aviva 24 years ago I discovered an aptitude and a passion for data analytics. I went on to get an Msc in data science and perform a variety of data oriented and data leadership roles. The opportunity for redundancy arose and it felt like time for a change – I didn’t want to spend my entire working life at one company. I’d always admired those who had the guts to go it alone and so here I am!!!
If you could say something to yourself before you started a career in tech what would it be?
Your aptitude makes this a perfect career for you, keep curious about developments in the field and be the best you can be. Stop thinking others know more than you and keep learning, it will be interesting, lucrative and fulfilling.
What's the most challenging thing you've found about being a woman in tech?
Talent and aptitude only take you so far and I have always struggled to sell myself, instead hoping that my results and experience spoke for themselves (and unless you have a very good sponsor they don’t!). I find men especially are able to speak with confidence and authority on subjects they know very little about which can be frustrating when you later discover you knew more.
Lockdown bonus questions:
How has lockdown affected your life and your job? Are you working from home? Furloughed?
Are you enjoying the downtime or can you not wait for things to go back to normal(ish)?
I’m working from home, initially setting up my business and more recently networking and performing my role. I like it. It’s meant that I can be at home for my children who are off school and it’s also given me the time to explore new technology and avenues I wouldn’t have considered previously.
My youngest daughter is a bit reluctant when it comes to exercise but we’ve had some lovely bike rides!
