Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a career in STEM?
I’ve always leaned towards logical, problem-solving subjects like science and maths. At school, I chose those pathways at GCSE and then narrowed them down further at A-level. I attended an all-girls school where traditional career choices like medicine, law, and teaching were more popular, and computer science wasn’t something many students wanted to study.
Despite this, I had the opportunity to take computer science at A-level and was exposed to coding, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It appealed to me that not many people were pursuing it, and I saw it as a field with immense opportunities, particularly in the early 2000s when IT was booming. I decided to study computer science at university, and the rest is history.
Interestingly, I come from a family where women have always done their own thing. My grandmother and great-grandmother both had maths degrees, so I had a solid foundation of support.
What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in STEM?
Confidence has been my biggest challenge, especially at the beginning. At university, less than 10% of my coursemates were women. Many of the men were stereotypical ‘techies’ who bonded over gaming, which wasn’t my thing. They seemed to share an implicit knowledge I didn’t have, and I initially struggled to recognise my own abilities.
It took time to realise I was just as capable—sometimes more so—and that my voice mattered. Starting work brought similar challenges, including speaking up in meetings, disagreeing when necessary, and recognising the value of my opinions.
Sexist comments were another hurdle, particularly at my first workplace, which wasn’t a supportive environment. However, those experiences built my resilience and taught me to establish boundaries. I learned to confidently shut down unacceptable behaviour and focus on my value as a professional.
What attracted you to join Expleo, and how has your experience been so far?
Before joining Expleo, I’d reached a point in my previous role where I felt I’d gained all I could and was ready for a new challenge. Consultancy wasn’t something I’d considered before, but when the opportunity at Expleo came up, it intrigued me. The variety of industries, technologies, and projects Expleo offers was appealing, and I saw it as a place where I could stay technical while growing into leadership roles.
Since joining over six years ago, I’ve loved the company culture and opportunities. The variety keeps things exciting, and I’ve enjoyed working across different industries while staying supported by a strong team ethos.
How has Expleo supported your professional growth and development within STEM?
My growth at Expleo has been incredible. I joined as a Senior Developer, moved into a Team Tead role, then became a Technical Lead on client projects, and eventually a Practice Lead. Each role has come with new challenges and opportunities, from building client relationships to leading large-scale projects.
Expleo has always supported my aspirations, whether through leadership opportunities, training, or exposure to new technologies. I’ve seen tangible growth not just in my career but in the development of services we offer, particularly in software development.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project or achievement you've had while working at Expleo?
My proudest achievement isn’t tied to a single project but rather to growing our software development service in Ireland. When I joined, we had just five developers. Over time, we expanded that team to over 60, established an offshore team in India, and built a solid client base for software solutions.
One standout project was a three-year scaled Agile programme for a global insurance company. We started small, with just a few people on the ground, and eventually scaled to multiple teams in Ireland, Romania and India. Delivering a global platform within three years was an incredible accomplishment, showcasing the strength of the team and the services we’d built.
How would you describe the company culture at Expleo, particularly in terms of inclusivity and support for women in STEM?
Expleo has a fantastic culture of inclusivity. From the moment I joined, I felt heard, valued, and supported. Initiatives around diversity and inclusion go beyond gender—they extend to race, ethnicity, and family situations, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
The team atmosphere is another standout aspect. Although we work on different client sites and in various disciplines, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie, with regular events like summer parties and Christmas gatherings bringing everyone together.
How do you see your future at Expleo, and what are your career aspirations within the company?
I’m currently a Practice Lead, but I’d like to continue growing the service and move into a director role. I want to have more influence over the services we offer and help shape the future of Expleo. The opportunities here are endless, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in STEM, especially those looking to join Expleo?
If you’re interested in STEM, go for it. Don’t let gender hold you back—there’s a huge variety of career paths, industries, and opportunities in this field. STEM offers a great work-life balance, competitive pay, and respect.
Whether you want to travel or work remotely, the options are there. The key is to believe in yourself and take that first step. At Expleo, you’ll find a supportive environment that values your contributions and helps you thrive.
