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Caroline Worboys, Adviser & NED

Caroline started her career in Data in the 80s, and although semi-retired now, her career has included some incredible achievements, working across a wide range of organisations, from start-ups to PLC holding companies and even building her own successful business whilst having a young family, which was later sold to News International.
Caroline currently works as a NED Advisor for several businesses, but she has been data-centric before anything really was.

As part of our ongoing celebration of International Women’s Day, we sat down with senior leaders from our community to ask them how they found themselves in the world of data, and what advice they have for others. 

How and Why did you get into the Data industry? 

Caroline was drawn to the fact that it could be both analytical and creatively apply insights, she liked this and found it revolutionizing.

What advice would you give to a college or Uni leaver considering a career in Data?

Caroline emphasized there is more variety than you imagine, and you don’t always have to take a technical route, herself being a great example. Caroline isn’t a hardcore, hands-on technical person, she isn’t even a fan of a spreadsheet, however, she has still had a hugely successful Data career being commercially minded, strategic, and having strong interpretation skills.

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How has being a female leader impacted your journey within the data industry? 

“My journey as a female in the industry has been really positive and everywhere has been very accepting.”

Caroline interestingly pointed out that during her early career, it was harder for women whatever the industry, she draws on the example of British Airways, who during the same period of time, wouldn’t hire female pilots. As the years have gone on, the landscape has changed with how women have found themselves in the workplace, regardless of industry.

What do you think could be done better in the Data industry to attract more females to a career in Data?  

Caroline believes that Data should be spoken about more, so more people are aware and begin to understand that it is driving a lot of things! She remarks that the language surrounding data can be quite limiting.

Caroline also believes there is still lots more to come around automation which is exciting, and this will keep evolving and changing as there are new developments all the time, this is something that should be promoted more to attract more females.  Finally, she pointed out that in her experience, women are usually strong in storytelling and empathy, which are great skills for a career in data and it should be promoted that jobs in data will be in every organisation you can think of, it just depends what type of job you want.

More content from Caroline…

Ep 35 | The Need for a Data NED with Caroline Worboys, Data, Digital & AI NED

About the Author

Tahanee Twist

Principal Talent Partner

Tahanee is an accomplished principal talent partner with us here at Orbition. With years of experience in the industry, she has developed a reputation as a skilled and trusted advisor to both clients and candidates.

In her role as principal talent partner, Tahanee is responsible for managing key client relationships and ensuring the delivery of high-quality talent solutions. She works closely with clients to understand their business needs and culture, and develops customized strategies that meet their specific requirements Read more.