Since 2008, Laura Alexander has made it her mission to bring parity, equity and equality to the workplace – supporting the underserved and showcasing how true diversity enriches company performance and increases each employee’s sense of belonging. A strong believer of “you can’t be what you can’t see” Laura strives to inspire the younger generation into STEM based Careers via outreach work with Careers Wales and can often be found giving talks to females in the world of technology. In recent years, Laura has championed data and diversity of thought at Hodge, while chairing Hodge’s Inclusion Network.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Laura shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Laura. How did you first become interested in technology and what propelled you into it?
My route into the industry is a far cry from the standard higher education journey one might expect. I actually started off in a data entry role at a large energy firm after attending what I call “The University of Life” where I experienced the different cultures the world has to offer – some of you may know this as travelling!
I went on to spent 11.5 years at this company, which taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and helped me understand my value. I spent these years working my way through the different roles the company had to offer, and found I had a bit of natural flare when it came to data. So, I put all of my energy into this and took advantage of being able to travel to its many other sites in the UK to really soak up what data was, dabbling in Credit Risk, Collections MI, Call Centre Forecasting, and then – what I truly loved – BI and Data Science.
I’ll never forget the brilliant team of data scientists I worked with down South, they really supported me, and are a large part of my “why” – I am yet to meet another team, so inspirational, intelligent and though provoking (apart from my current team at Hodge of course haha!) To the Southern Data Scientists – I truly thank you for being such a great team to work with – you know who you are!
What do you love the most about your current role?
At Hodge, I have the great satisfaction of knowing I’m using data for good. We ultimately aim to use Finance for good at the bank, and this ensures that 79% of our profits do just that – supporting the Hodge Foundation. As well as aligning to my core values, I also have the privilege of working with a highly skilled Data Services team – which has the highest proportion of females I’ve ever worked – currently 43% Female. This is a huge achievement given only 19% of UK Information Technology Professionals are female (https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/datasets/aps218/reports/employment-by-occupation?compare=K02000001
Go Hodge Data Services For Gender Parity!
What skills and expertise do you believe are essential for data professionals to develop in the next 2-3 years, and how are you investing in talent development within your organization?
To develop talent, Hodge is currently trailblazing with Microsoft Fabric and some pretty impressive Data Science Solutions. Being such early adopters, we utilize the support offered by Microsoft and make use of any opportunity to learn through the Enterprise Skills Initiative, Seminars and funded courses.
When it comes to the next two to three years, there are of course the “unicorn” roles in data – it was previously a data scientist, now it’s a data architect. It’s worth noting that when I was in school, none of these existed, and probably didn’t as little as 10 years ago. But I’d urge everyone to remember that data is at the core of everything, it’s not just the snazzy AI and chatbots, it’s the governance, it’s getting it right from the ground up and making sure your teams are literate in data, without this, good decisions will be hard to come by in any organisation.
How do you stay current with emerging trends and technologies in data and analytics, such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing?
I’m really proud to be one of the founding members of the Data Inclusivity Network. This group is being driven forward by Cardiff Capital Region, Tramshed Tech and Hodge allowing us to share best practice and learn to be better, and stronger together. The network brings people from all walks of life together and creates so many opportunities to learn from our peers and share best practice. We’ve also set up a great mentoring scheme under the Data Inclusivity Network with The Data Gals.
In summary, I surround myself with some pretty spectacular people who inspire and challenge me!
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
There are so many – it would be so difficult to name only a few and these people know who they are and are still in contact today. Funnily enough it’s actually one of the negative experiences that has really driven me forward. I was once told by a former boss of mine that I would do well as a ‘token female’ working within the rapidly emerging data industry. It was a remark which not only spurred me in on my own career, but also made me look long and hard at my sector, at the job I loved, and at the people I then went on to hire – a key reason Hodge’s data team is so diverse today – diversity of thought leads to better decisions and insight! Needless to say, that still lights a fire in my belly, and no, we are not in contact like the good influencers I am so grateful to have in my life.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
To me, this is simply giving me the power to be myself. Not having to hide that I’m an outspoken woman from a deprived town in South Wales, it’s who I am, and it helps me lead with empathy and understanding. In my view it makes us stronger as leaders when we embrace our flaws, are open and be accountable. The best leaders I’ve worked with treat people as people – we’re all born the same, and we all leave this earth the same. Leaders would do well to remember this. I am where I am because of the people who have given me space to lead and build talented teams who trust one another to get the job done.
People can’t be what they can’t see, so, hopefully people hear my rather strong Welsh accent and see we have a thriving data community here in South Wales!
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in tech? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
The situation is improving but the problems are still there. I don’t think we’ll conquer it in my lifetime, but we’ll certainly make an impact!
We need to embrace everyone and everything – this is why we’ve set up the Data Inclusivity Network in South Wales. We need to champion those fierce female leaders (and thank you Digital First for doing just this with me today!), we need more education around neurodiversity, we need to do more to reach the many diverse communities around us. I’ve already said this but ultimately we’re only ever as good as the people sat around the table, and if all those people look and sound the same then how can we expect progress to be made?
Hodge champions work with schools via Careers Wales to inspire the younger generation into STEM. I find this so inspiring – ‘Teach girls bravery, not perfection as Reshma Saujani elaborates on, in one of my favourite TED talks (on this note; Laura says to check it out if you haven’t already).
We need to start with the younger generation – after all – they are the future.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Food, Travel and Sausage dogs!
As you can probably tell from my headshot, I enjoy my food! I love to eat out at nice places – we all work for a reason right – to enjoy life! Then there’s travel, I like to go to at least two new places a year – even if they’re in the UK, travel is the education of life. The world is such a big place, we need to embrace it and learn from new experiences. And then SAUSAGE DOGS! I’ve grown up with the little characters and have recently adopted one who had been through some heinous crimes – she is now living her best life (and ruling mine!). I’d urge anyone to support Friends of Animals Wales who gave me my little Daisy – so many animals are in need of a loving home – and they are fully volunteer run. If you take anything from this interview today, please help where you can – people, humans, data… all of it.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
We’re currently implementing Fabric, and we continue to keep up to date with industry trends and best practices.
The future is not just about tech too we need to be champions of new talent. As a huge advocate for the underserved, I’m particularly passionate about discovering and nurturing the beautiful minds of tomorrow.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
It may sound like something off a postcard or Instagram quote, but my goal quite simply is to be happy in a role where I have the freedom and autonomy to do good. I have that at Hodge. If we focus on achievement, I’d love to one day be on company boards that help companies to achieve better diversity in data and make better decisions. There is such a lack of representation from females, and data professionals at board level, I’d love to start making a positive difference here.
What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who aim to make a positive impact in their organizations and the industry as a whole?
Be yourself, learn, be a sponge, surround yourself with influencers and enablers of change and never be afraid to ask silly questions! Find your talent, and break through those glass ceilings – not just for yourself but for those who will follow in your footsteps.
Also, someone once told me, data is like sales—I never believed them until I finally understood it. I just love how data can tell you anything and everything, it’s universal. It’s powerful and the cornerstone of every good decision. I am a true data evangelist and want people to realise Data is not just AI, it’s everything – true leaders should recognise and appreciate this.