Rebecca Williams, John Lewis won the Rising Star award in 2016!
1. How did it feel taking home the award in 2016?
Having been in computing for only a year, it was a very humbling experience winning the Rising Star award last year, I really could not have achieved it without the support from my team, so a big thanks to them.
I really did not expect to win, as knowing some of the other women nominated, it was a very strong line up, so just being nominated was a wonderful feeling. I have it pride of place on my mantle piece at home.
2. What do you think was the biggest contributing factor to your win?
My team, without a shadow of a doubt. It may have my name of that award, but I can 100% say now that I would not be here without their support and their commitment, so I have to say a massive thank you to them.
My team, without a shadow of a doubt. It may have my name of that award, but I can 100% say now that I would not be here without their support and their commitment, so I have to say a massive thank you to them.
3. What do your colleagues value about you most?
I see this being a sort of question where I answer one way, but team the other! However, i would hope that the thing they would value most about me is my honesty... whether they want to hear it or not is another question!
I see this being a sort of question where I answer one way, but team the other! However, i would hope that the thing they would value most about me is my honesty... whether they want to hear it or not is another question!
4. Why is it important to acknowledge the work women do within the technology sector with award ceremonies such as these?
It's always positive to see companies proactively highlighting women in industries such as this. There is always so much noise in the press and news around gender inequality in all sectors, so it's great to see that the tech industry is stepping forward and creating these opportunities. It's important that we continue to shout about it so that we can highlight to the next generation of career driven women that tech is the place to be.
5. Do you have any advice for young women getting into the industry?
The most I have ever learnt in my whole buying career was learnt in Tech. The rate in which technology is developing is incredible and how quickly you have to react to emerging trends, is scary, but ultimately really exciting. My advice for anyone, not just for women, coming into this industry, would be; be confident, be bold, trust your instincts and your team.
6. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be more confident, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo.
Be more confident, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo.
7. Is the gender imbalance in the industry finally being addressed?
This is quite a tricky one to answer, as addressing it is one thing, whereas, actually changing it is another. However, this is the right step in breaking that stigma attached to the industry. I look forward to the day in which women in this industry is not big news, and we simply recognise those, male or female, who continue to push the boundaries, back new trends and emerging new categories and push the industry to always deliver more.
8. What are you most looking to about the awards this year?
It's always great to catch up with everyone, seeing what they have been up to in the last year and what they are working on now. Any excuse for a get together is something to look forward to.
Tracy Pound, Maximity won PCR Woman of the Year in 2016!
1. What was your experience of last year's awards?
Great event that’s growing year on year. Fantastic to see so many women being recognised for their efforts.
2. How important is it to acknowledge the work women do within the technology sector with award ceremonies such as this?
Women are still hugely underrepresented in the tech sector and awards like this serve to highlight the need to inspire, recruit and retain women at all levels and in all roles.
3. Do you feel like the gender imbalance within the industry is finally being addressed?
I think it’s starting to be addressed but the talent pool is way too small, I often hear that it’s difficult to recruit women as there aren’t enough applying for jobs. We need to work with young girls, parents and teachers to encourage them to consider tech careers.
4. What did it feel like to win an award last year?
Absolutely amazing, I was so very proud to win. It was a real highlight of my year.
5.. What do you think was the biggest contributing factor to your win?
Being able to demonstrate how I try and promote the need for more women in IT and overcame prejudice myself to get into and progress in the industry.
6. Are you looking forwards to this year’s event?
Very much so, to see who’s nominated and support the amazing women in my industry.
7. Do you have any advice for young women getting into the industry?
Don’t let anyone put you off doing what you want to do. Take action and enjoy your career, own it and find a really good mentor to support you.
