Due to technical issues with Teams today, we regret to inform you that today’s event is postponed. We will reschedule as soon as possible and share the new date and time. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Breaking Barriers: Inspiring Career Journeys in the Defence Industry
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Join us for an enlightening panel discussion showcasing Success Stories and Career Journeys of accomplished women in the defence industry. Our esteemed panelists will candidly share their personal experiences, triumphs, and challenges encountered throughout their professional journeys. From navigating male-dominated environments to overcoming obstacles and achieving remarkable success, these women offer invaluable insights and inspiration. Discover firsthand how resilience, determination, and strategic decision-making propelled them forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or aspiring to enter the field, this panel promises to motivate and empower you to reach new heights in your career.
Chaired by
Tarah Mason
Boxxe – Senior Account Director for Defence & National Security
Over 17 years experience in providing technology solutions to the Public Sector. From SBL, to our transition to boxxe, we work in an ever changing landscape of the digital era. We help organisations ‘Make Technology Human’
Panelists:
Lesley Sprung
Oracle – Sales Director
Experienced Sales Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Sales, Partner Management, Enterprise Resource Management (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Go-to-market Strategy. Strong sales professional experienced in assisting businesses in their transition to cloud.
Eleanor Hudson
BT – Director Contract Management CPS
Accountable for BT’s key public and private sector contracts, which are collectively worth around £1.5 billion per annum, contributing £350 million in EBIT. Her team’s portfolio includes the UK’s key critical national infrastructure contracts and includes customers such as NATS, MOD, HMRC, Met police, and various banking institutions. She is responsible for overseeing the risk and assurance for these contracts, ensuring operational stability and adherence to compliance standards. She also spearheads the Contract Management Evolution transformation program across BT Group for the sell side. In addition she is committed to promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplace, leading a number of initiatives as the Inclusion and Diversity head for CPS. She serves as the Disability sponsor for the Business division, and is BT Group’s Inclusion lead in Northern Ireland.
Jackie Duncan
Mace – Head of Capability and Change
Jackie has had a pretty varied career, first as a helicopter pilot in the RAF, then as consultant in the public sector, then in operations in the technology sector and now helping clients deliver complex rail infrastructure programs globally.
She joined Mace Group in 2021 as part of the leadership team building the High Speed Station and upgraded London Underground connections for HS2 at Euston, London. Her team was responsible for paving the way for construction through engaging with local communities, local authorities and technical partners to gain approvals for works to take place. She transferred in the Summer of 2023 to Canada to help the client deliver CA$70 billion rail enhancements and is responsible for building client capability to deliver.
Jackie believes there is no such word as ‘can’t’ and her advice is to be aware of opportunities which can arise in unexpected ways. As a mum to a son, she’d welcome an inclusive world where opportunities exist for everyone. She counts herself lucky that at Mace, she really can be herself – that’s not always been the case.
