From never planning to have a career in IT to embracing IT opportunities and challenges, Configuration and Asset Manager Jo Abrahall talks about her journey in the world of finance and technology, and why it's important for us to focus on gender balance.
I joined as a Team Leader in New Accounts, and a few years later moved to the Customer Service Team in the same role. After some time, I decided to change my career path and joined Procurement. It was completely different from my previous roles, but I was ready for the challenge and found it very rewarding.
I often interacted with colleagues from Technology and Change, gaining valuable insights into their roles. When an opportunity came up, I moved to the IT Service Transition team. Over the years, the team evolved and split into different teams, and I now manage the Configuration and Asset Management team.
As a female, why did you want a career in Technology and Change?
I never planned to have a career in IT. I lacked experience and technical knowledge, so I didn't consider it. But the diversity of my roles at Vanquis allowed me to build a broad skill set and deep business knowledge. Each new role built on the one before it, leading me to Technology and Change.
While I still don’t consider myself highly technical, I'm proud of the knowledge I’ve gained and what I now achieve in my role. The journey has given me the confidence to embrace IT opportunities and challenges.
What attracted you to Vanquis?
I was a Team Leader for Halifax Banking Group but was made redundant in 2009. Looking for a similar role in finance, I found Vanquis. Many of my skills matched what they were after, and the office was local - ideal for balancing family responsibilities. I applied and the rest, as they say, is history.
What is it like to be a female working in finance and technology?
It's great. I’ve always felt welcome and treated as an equal in what is still a male-dominated environment. I'm learning various technical skills from my male colleagues, while they're discovering 'softer' skills from me. This exchange helps us balance out, and creates a diverse team that benefits everyone.
What challenges have you faced in the past as a female in the workplace?
At first, I struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether my success was due to my skills and experience, or simply because I was a female. It's not uncommon for women to experience this in male-dominated fields. My self-doubt was compounded by the lack of successful female role models in the company at the time.
This has changed significantly over the years. We now have strong, influential women in roles across the company, who serve as great role models for all of us. By discussing my feelings with my manager and receiving their support and encouragement, I quickly overcame my self-doubt. For the first time in my career, I am proud to say I feel confident and successful. I am me; I can be me; and I have a lot to offer in the workplace.
What benefits does gender balance bring to the world of tech?
In scientific research, it's been proven that males and females have different brain chemistry. While both process the same neurochemicals, they do so differently. If men and women think differently, bringing these diverse perspectives together in a business can create a more creative, inclusive, and diverse team. This enhances a company's ability to gauge customer interest and demand, improves its reputation, increases its ability to attract and retain talent, and ultimately boosts productivity.
Why is it important for us to focus on gender balance and our commitment to the Women in Finance Charter?
Tech is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, making it essential for us to maintain a focus on gender balance. We must make sure our policies are inclusive, and continuously review our recruitment processes, reward and recognition systems, and retention strategies. We also need to support advancement of women and engage with all colleagues to achieve a better balance of diversity. This commitment aligns with the Women in Finance Charter, and helps us build a more equitable and dynamic workplace.
The Women in Finance Charter is a commitment by HM Treasury and signatory firms (including us) to work together to build a more balanced and fair industry. We've committed to having a 40% female representation in senior roles (Level 14 and above) by December 2026.
What do you think about the Women in Tech Initiative?
I think it's a fantastic way to champion diversity and inclusion. It's inspiring to recognise the significant impact women are having in the workplace, and to challenge outdated norms. I'm proud to be participating in an event later this year, where a group of girls from a local school will visit us to learn about career opportunities in Technology and Change. Hopefully this will inspire women of the future to pursue any career they desire, including those in all sectors. I am very proud to be part of this journey with Vanquis Banking Group.