Ep 8 - Building A Diversity Friendly Workplace w/ Suzanne Janse Van Rensburg, Bank of America

Welcome our new guest Evie Dineva, Group Head of Data Engineering and Data Science at Gymshark. Evie shares her journey to Gymshark and what drew her to the team’s culture. Discover how Gymshark’s tech and data teams thrive on principles like innovation, collaboration, and a garage mentality.The interview highlights:👉 The ever-evolving world of technology👉 Uncover the secrets of data ethics and integrity👉 Learn the magic of mentorshipWatch the full interview to discover how she’s shaping the future of tech and what it’s like to lead in the world of data.To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/#Gymshark #Codefirstgirls #Leadership #WomenInTech #WomenInSTEM #TechnologyTo learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

#REPRESENT is back with a new guest, Christina Scott, Chief Product and Technology Officer at OVO. Over the next thirty minutes, we talk about sustainable ways to be energy efficient from doing your washing at 4 a.m. to using solar panels to charge your car! But most importantly, we talk about how we as a nation can help to reach our Netzero targets.Christina hails from a mechanical engineering background, so she’s not only an expert on what happens inside the drawing room but also on-site - whilst also being a super-mum to her children. We also get an insight into OVO’s initiatives and why they have been promoted as the best place to work for all women! If you’re interested in sustainable tech and working in the energy sector this is the episode for you!Our interview highlights:👉How we can individually contribute to becoming more energy-efficient 👉What it means to build an agile tech team and why you should do it👉How we can prepare for a rapidly changing skills market in techTo learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

Exciting times ahead in banking! We had the pleasure of sitting down with Usha Newland, CIO of Customer Care at Barclays. We delve into the evolving landscape of technology and finance. Usha shares her insights on transforming the banking experience and the future of AI.  Usha’s journey also underlines the tech field’s dynamic nature. She’s a firm advocate for continual learning, urging you to be bold, question the norms, and ride the waves of innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, her message resonates: curiosity and innovation are the keys to staying at the forefront of the tech game.If you’re interested in working in the banking sector, this is the episode for you!Our interview highlights:👉 Future Banking: We explore AI’s potential, promising tailored services and seamless experiences.👉 Data protection: Usha shares how Barclays educates customers and colleagues to stay vigilant and secure.👉 Lifelong Learning: Usha emphasises the power of continuous growth in tech.To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 140,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/ #Codefirstgirls #Leadership #NationalGrid #Technology #Banking #Barclays #REPRESENTTo learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

We were lucky enough to sit down with National Grid’s Chief Information and Digital Officer Sarah Milton-Hunt. As the UK continues the fight against global warming, National Grid is at the centre of decarbonizing the power system. What is Sarah’s perspective on future technology and how it will help us achieve NetZero? We find out.As a seasoned technology leader, we ask Sarah how diversity in tech teams can be a superpower. She discusses transformational leadership and the environment she has found helps her team to feel psychologically safe, unfearful to fail and truly innovative. If you’re interested in sustainable tech, working in the energy sector and Sarah’s journey to becoming CDIO, this is the episode for you!Our interview highlights:👉 How National Grid setting the tone to help battle climate change over the next 30 years👉  Why failure builds resilience and how it can lead to success👉  What it means to be a transformational leaderTo learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 140,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/#Energy #Codefirstgirls #Leadership #NationalGrid #TechnologyTo learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

Lauren Sager Weinstein, Chief Data Officer at Transport For London, shares how she uses data to solve problems with tech. How do we provide better service for customers whilst also building their trust? Simple answer, through data! The world of transport offers so many opportunities to get involved with, from the data management side to the engineering - and we need more women getting involved! We know you can do it. From simply starting with self-learning to joining community groups like Women In Transport, saying yes to new opportunities can surely be the start of an amazing journey.Our interview highlights:👉 How does TFL use data to improve network services and efficiency in a growing city👉 Why connection and relationships are so important in both data and technology👉 What can we learn from other cities about their innovations and how can we use that to improve our own. To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

Did you know that the Deputy CTO of Sainsbury's used to fill jam donuts in their stores?  Karen Brown, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, shares her journey from working in Sainsbury's' stores to now leading a technical team of hundreds over the course of the last 31 years.Jumping from organisation to organisation has been a common trend for the younger workforce, but Karen is a prime example of how the sky's the limit when you work for a company that nurtures your talent.Interview highlights:👉 How Karen manages feelings of impostor syndrome & process of self-improvement👉 The latest tech innovations at Sainsbury's including robots, big data and AI👉 And thinking about what truly makes you happy in your career To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

Ever felt out of your depth as a woman working in tech? Sarah Liddell, Chief Product Officer of femtech leader Elvie, was one of four women in a team of 240 engineers when she started 🤯 Sarah was a single mum when she went back to uni to study design engineering. Armed with aspirations to build a pushchair that ACTUALLY folded (amongst other things) Sarah's mission to use technology to fulfil the underserved needs of women was set… ...enter Elvie, the UK's leading femtech that is championing female-centric products including pelvic-floor trainers and wireless breast pumps 🍼 Our interview highlights:👉 Sarah's journey as a career switcher ♻️👉 The future of femtech 🚺👉 Product management tips and tricks from a pro ✨To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

This episode is a bit different, as we are welcoming not one, but TWO guests on the podcast! We are joined by two brilliant speakers, coaches, and educators; Lily and Alex. Lily is a bonafide West End star, and Alex is the legendary confidence coach that has supported our Nanodegree candidates through their interviews with tech companies. Despite their backgrounds and successes, both still struggle with impostor syndrome from time to time and take a minute to share their techniques and tips for working through those dark moments. This conversation is so fun and so encouraging! Lily has a brilliant tip about a way to focus on the positive moments, so take a big note on that one.Make sure you've joined the Code First Girls community and join us at Code Fest 2021, available fully remote and online!To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Dots Pip Jamieson joins Anna for an in-depth conversation on her journey of starting a successful female-owned and lead tech business. She reveals how and why she chose the name "The Dots" as well as what it's like running a business whilst being "Delightfully Dyslexic".To sign up for a MOOC, free 8-week coding class, or explore the new Nanodegree, go to www.codefirstgirls.org.uk, and once you've signed up please leave us a ***** review with Apple Podcasts! You're brilliant and we hope you're safe and sound!To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/

Suzanne Janse Van Rensburg joins Anna for an in-depth conversation about how she has built a diversity-friendly workplace as COO at Bank of America. To learn more about Code First Girls, and how we’ve taught 150,000 women to code visit our website: https://codefirstgirls.com/ Follow our channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@CodeFirstGirls1/