Liz Henderson: Stand up and tell people what you’re doing!

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?

Liz told us she “just fell into it by accident.” Liz explained data as a career didn’t really exist in her early career journey, and it’s a relatively new area in comparison to other careers. She started her career in accountancy, being very analytical and number-focused, but this eventually became boring. Often, we find our community members have interesting twists in their career journeys, and Liz is no different, from her accountancy days, she then went into something totally different, which was pub management. She loved this time and enjoyed the culture, and it was her exposure to managing stock that led to her obtaining an inventory control analyst role in retail. A Buyer opportunity then rose within the company, and it was at this point that Liz’ skills and results floored her boss, but ultimately, she didn’t want to be a Buyer, and it was from there she went on to work in Data. So not a direct route at all into the industry!

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

Liz firmly believes you must find your passion! She believes it’s essential you have a passion, as not everyone cares about data (which we struggle to believe, but apparently is the case!) Liz stresses that you need resilience, determination, and influence to communicate with people about Data. She did add, however, that this is a very satisfying and exciting career when you do solve problems, that delight people and make their life easier.

Liz advised that you must love what you’re doing, and whilst typically Maths and an analytical mindset will serve you well, English, as a subject is important as writing reports and storytelling, is just as important as the analytic part of it, particularly when making things relatable to people.

Liz found it tougher to navigate the industry itself. She has previously felt excluded and been spoken over but feels because she didn’t grow up in the data industry that seems to make it more challenging, as she doesn’t have the same reference points or connections with the ‘old boys club’ in the industry. She has previously felt like you’re asking to be listened to or included often.

However, times are changing, and she referenced that there are amazing movements like Women in Data which provide a supportive environment that has just transformed her experience of being in the industry. There are also good opportunities that come with being a minority in the data industry, so it’s not all bad!

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

Liz described her journey as “walking the tightrope.” She explained to us that you have to find the right balance between being soft, fluffy, and pink, and being assertive. She went on to explain that assertive and ambitious traits are important but at the same time, those softer skills in leadership are key for gaining buy-in, influencing and evolving the culture so data is identified as an asset.

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

Liz made the point that companies generally don’t write job descriptions that attract female talent. Women look at a lot of role descriptions and see it as a “checklist” and often that checklist doesn’t exist in the actual role, but female candidates are put off applying because of the criteria. Liz made an interesting point that interviews could be tailored and more female-friendly, too.

Finally, Liz’s advice to any young women looking at a career in data, or at the start of their career:

“Don’t think keeping your head down and getting the job done will get you a promotion, you need to stand up and tell people what you are doing”

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.