Women in Technology: Alison Williams
The next interview in our Women in Technology series features Alison Williams, Global Head of Data at dunnhumby, a customer-centric data science company.
After studying Modern Political and Economic History at university, Alison was thrown in the deep end with her first role as a Data Engineer on dunnhumby’s graduate programme. Following a crash course in coding, a stint in Chicago managing the North America Data Team, and a short break for parental leave, Alison now heads up the global data team.
In this interview, Alison talks about her career journey including the career-defining moment she had early on in her career, as well as the challenges of being a senior woman, working part-time, in a very male-dominated industry.
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Alison reflected on the different perspectives she brings and her ability to challenge things in a different way to those around her, ultimately leading to a different discussion and a more robust decision. So her advice is, rather than questioning your differences and being conscious of those, embrace them and find a way that you can add value because of those differences.
More interviews in the series
Stella Power, Chief Operating Officer at Defra Digital, Data & Technology Services talks to our CEO Wendy Morgan about the journey she went on from being a shy, introverted, reserved Welsh girl to becoming a Senior Civil Servant. Stella talks about her biggest achievements to date, her ambitions for the future and the importance of life-long learning. Watch Stella’s interview.
Lynne Bailey, Chief Data Officer at KPMG spoke to our Client Services Director Lorraine Rourke, about her role as Chief Data Officer at KPMG and the varied career that led her there. She also talks about the importance of using coaches and working with mentors throughout your career and how she manages to get her voice heard in a male dominated environment. Watch Lynne’s interview.
Want to take part in our series?
If you would like to take part in our Women in Technology interview series, please get in touch.