Tell us a little bit about what you do?
I run the Databricks partnership at Dufrain. That means looking after the Databricks partnership day to day, working closely with Databricks and our clients, and helping develop propositions internally with our practice. A big part of my role is also supporting our consultants to build their expertise and certifications, as well as driving content and collaboration so we’re always delivering the best outcomes for our clients.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with people. Always has been, always will be.
I love getting to know people – whether that’s internally, understanding what drives them so we can work better together, or externally with clients and partners, building strong relationships. I really enjoy understanding how people work, what motivates them, and how we can collaborate better to do the right thing for the client. That’s genuinely why I do the job I do.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Early. Very early.
It’s usually a 5.30am start in our house. We’ve got two girls, so it’s getting everyone ready for nursery and school, then back and logged on by around half eight with a fresh coffee ready to go.
I spend a lot more time on LinkedIn now, collaborating with partners and account teams and getting our voice out there. I’m in the Databricks office about once a week and our London office once a week too – because honestly, relationship-building in person is where I get the most done.
Which of our company values resonate with you the most?
They all resonate with me for different reasons, but Be Ourselves really stands out. You get the best out of people when they can truly be themselves, and that’s powerful – both for the individual and for the client.
Being a trusted advisor really matters to me, and over the last five years at Dufrain I’ve seen first-hand how much that sets us apart when we’re in the room.
What would you say has been your most significant achievement at Dufrain?
There are probably two things I’m most proud of.
One is being involved in starting the Empower network at Dufrain a few years ago. It’s something I feel really passionate about, and I love seeing women coming together, supporting each other, and the wider work we do around women in data.
From a work perspective, building the foundations of the Softcat partnership over several years is something I’m really proud of. It wasn’t easy at times, but you can’t do anything without strong foundations, and it’s great to see it now going from strength to strength.
Who inspires you the most in and outside of Dufrain?
Within Dufrain, it’s the women I work with who are leading the way. There are some really strong women here, and I genuinely love working alongside them.
Outside of work, it will always be my mum. She’s an absolute powerhouse, had an amazing career, and is now an incredible grandmother – which also allows me to work full time. No question.
Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
Having just come back from maternity leave, the enhanced maternity pay made a huge difference to me, so that would definitely be one.
And honestly, everyone loves having their birthday off – so that has to be up there too.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
Listen and learn from the people who are already here, because there are some incredible colleagues at Dufrain.
But also bring your ideas. We’re really open as a culture, you get a voice here, and you genuinely have the chance to change things. Throw yourself into it, listen and learn first – but know you can absolutely make a difference.
What skill do you think everyone should learn?
Communication skills.
We’ve spent a long time working remotely, and I think it’s important to remember the power of being in the room together. You make more progress face-to-face, and strong communication makes such a difference.
What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work?
Watching England play rugby is definitely number one.
And then just really simple family time with my husband, our two girls, and the dogs. Walks, coffee dates with cake.
What is your favourite movie and why?
The James Bond films.
Watching them with my dad growing up made them special, and they’re still my favourite. Daniel Craig has to be my favourite Bond now.
Want to learn more about working with Dufrain?
If you’d like to get in touch with us, visit our career page or to learn more about the company visit here.