Please give us a brief introduction to your role at Thales
My role is Head of Engineering Projects for Avionics Training Solutions. I am responsible for the delivery of all customer projects within Training Solutions. My role is varied (to say the least) and I spend the majority of my time problem solving and enabling the engineering team to do their best work.
Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to join Thales in the first place
I was looking to develop my career in an environment that would value the engineering leadership experience I had, without being limited by it, and where I could see myself progressing.
How Thales has supported your career progression?
The Thales leadership team have strongly encouraged my career development, supporting my acceptance at Oxford University this year to study Strategy and Innovation as well as continuing to develop me within my role as Head of Engineering Projects.
What have been the highlights of your time here so far?
Driving innovation and creativity within engineering is something I feel strongly about and seeing the enthusiasm and commitment to continuous improvement within the Thales engineering community has been inspiring and motivating. Another high point has been working with the A400M team on a number of engineering challenges. Being part of the team and knowing I have contributed to a robust and effective technical solution for the customer has been a very rewarding experience.
What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue a career path such as yours?
Jump in. For me, engineering is constantly inspiring and challenging, I feel that I am always contributing to shaping the future and that the future holds unlimited possibilities
In your opinion, how would you sum up the importance of diversity in the workplace?
An environment where everyone is valued for their individuality and individual contribution should be the norm. Diversity of thought and approach means that the ideas and engineering solutions generated are made stronger and more effective by being developed by contributors with different experiences and values. As engineers, we are at our best when we challenge our ideas and each other to develop more mature and elegant solutions to problems.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My choice to join Thales was a big one personally after a long time with my previous employer but I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made, I have learnt an enormous amount and continue to be challenged every day.