Women in Tech: In Conversation with Siobhan Brookman

Siobhan Brookman is an Executive Client Director for DWP & DEFRA at Sopra Steria. Siobhan passionately supports gender diversity initiatives in communities we work and live in, and this discussion will showcase her thoughts on supporting the development of female talent, tackling challenges women face in the technology industry today and her advice to those starting out.

 

Siobhan Brookman

How do you mentor and support the development of female talent within your team?

My team is predominantly a matrix team. That means they do not all report to me directly, but I still feel an obligation to mentor and support them. A high-performing team depends on everyone feeling they play a part and add value, so I always encourage the women in the team to keep challenging themselves but to seek support and guidance from the rest of the team if they need it. I tell them to be themselves and let their personality shine through. I also tell all the people I mentor to take control of their careers; they are the master of their own destiny. So, decide what you want and go for it!

Why do you think it is important for more women to join the tech industry?

It simply is about balance. Men and women bring something different, and we need to embrace the benefits that this difference brings. If there is more gender balance in the tech industry we can deliver better products, solutions, and better relationships with our customers. A more balanced business is a better business. 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

My biggest challenge has been myself, always fearing being judged, being liked, being less confident than I should be. Once I overcame these thoughts (and I still have them sometimes) I felt free, and I could really find fulfilled achievement and happiness in my career.       

What do you think are the major challenges that women in technology face today, and how would you overcome them?

I think the challenge is not that there are no jobs or promotion opportunities once they are in an organisation, there are both. So, I think it’s about getting noticed. People push back on recruiting women by saying “I want to give the best person the job” and I agree with that’s how it should be, so women in tech need to make sure they are the best person for the job. How do they do that? That could take me a long time to address but if I were to try and be concise, I would say:

1. Have a strategy – think about what you want to achieve
2. Have an action plan – how are you going to execute what you need to do to achieve that goal?
3. Have a contact strategy – who knows you? Who can promote you? How can you influence the person who can give an opportunity to you?
4. Think about what your key skills are (both hard and soft skills) and how these can be used to raise your profile
5. Get a coach! We all perform better with a coach; it does not matter who you are or what level you are – it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money; a coach can be your best friend! If you think about it all athletes have a coach, and if we are to be business athletes then we need one too!

Can you provide some thoughts on how to make the workplace more inclusive and diverse for women in technology?

My number 1 thing would be that I think all shortlists for jobs, vacancies, and project opportunities should be inclusive and diverse. There should be balance in all shortlists, only then will that present a fair chance and equity to all.

What advice would you offer to women starting their careers in technology to help them succeed?

Be bold, be curious and seek out opportunities. Open your mind to spotting opportunities. Also, take time to get to know people and build a strong network. Be clear about what you want to achieve, have a plan, and don’t ever give up. Finally, above all, believe in yourself!

 

About Siobhan

Siobhan joined Sopra Steria in July 2020 as an Executive Client Director for DWP & DEFRA.

Prior to this, Siobhan joined Vodafone in June 2012 and led the Northern Europe Bid Management function. Before joining Vodafone, Siobhan ran her own consultancy firm delivering international business improvement and growth initiatives (BIG) and placed a number of senior executives in the telecommunication industry.

Siobhan started her career at IBM and had 15 successful years before moving to AT&T when IBM sold their Network Services venture in 1999. Since then, Siobhan worked for T-Systems as a Business Development Manager, Interoute as Vice President of Business Operations, and BT Global Service as a Deal Maker.

Siobhan is recognised as having an inspiring management style and excels at building high-performing teams. Siobhan believes that good leadership, as part of an effective and professional team, where individual strengths can be developed is one of the most important elements of creating a winning culture.

On a personal level, Siobhan has a passion for challenging and exhilarating sports – she crossed the Atlantic, from Bermuda to Gibraltar, aged 21 in a 49-foot yacht. She is a keen downhill skier and spends much of her spare time taking part in equestrian pursuits on her 16.1hh Irish Sport horse, Ozzie.  

Siobhan is happily married to Steve and they have four children, Darren, Neill, Alexina and Daniel.

 

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