I studied Philosophy, History and English for my A Levels, and like many young adults, I didn’t go to university as I wasn’t sure of the career path I wanted to follow.

After some time away travelling, I landed my first job in London at a large Publishing house within their Advertising department, and my career took shape from there.

I started in print media and essentially evolved with the Ad industry as it evolved, initially focusing on commercial roles.

As Technology and Ad Tech developed, I found that my interest in the intricacies of technology was dominant. I noted a majority of employees in tech roles were male, and I wanted to challenge that.

I’m a Technical Solutions Manager at VIOOH. VIOOH is a leading global digital out of home marketplace, combining data and technology, connecting buyers and sellers, all with full transparency.

I manage the Asia-Pacific regions, and it’s my responsibility to support clients with any technical issues across our platforms and features. It’s also my responsibility to work with clients and our internal product teams to refine solutions to complex problems and support the evolution of our technology stack.

I love this role as it’s a brilliant mix of commercial and technical in an exciting industry and a business that is an absolute pleasure to work for.

My biggest challenge to date has been juggling a career with motherhood.

6-years ago, I left London for rural Herefordshire and took a career break to have my son. Located rurally and raising a child on my own meant, pre-pandemic, I struggled to re-engage my career.

Fortunately, I recently re-entered the Ad Tech industry, joining the incredible team at VIOOH.

Without employers making it a priority to support staff and look past outdated work policies/mindsets, it would be a struggle to thrive both as a mother and an ambitious professional.

VIOOH champions people, flexible work policies and a positive culture, which is a huge part of our success.

My big break in Ad Tech came when a wonderful gentleman, Brian Fitzpatrick took a chance and believed in me to be one the first Account Managers in EMEA at Adap.tv during its exponential growth stage from a Silicon Valley start-up to acquisition by AOL.

Brian was a great mentor and he helped me to understand the discipline that’s required for a high-stress and fast-paced environment.

I owe a lot to Brian…including the opportunity to meet my hero Tom Hanks in New York (but that’s a story for another day).

I am fortunate to have met many wise people in my life, but when it comes to business and working with clients, a quote that resonates is from the great Alan Watts –

“Problems that remain persistently insoluble should always be suspected as questions asked in the wrong way”.

For me, discipline is imperative.

Working remotely means I have to motivate myself; I set daily goals, plan and block my calendar in advance, take regular breaks – walking, stretching, and fresh air, and I love classical music to help me focus.

I also recently deleted all social media accounts (aside from LinkedIn), and I don’t intend to return to them. In several weeks I have seen my productivity dramatically increase – I’m reading more, learning more (including a new language) and focusing my attention to the things and people that genuinely develop me as a person.

In essence, remove distractions and make room for tractions.

Reliable, resilient, zealous

Still here, still booming, still evolving. It’s a brilliant and innovative industry to be in and I feel excited about the future.