Empowering Growth: My Second Year Speaking at Scottish Summit as a Woman in Tech

I am pleased to share that I have been provided with the opportunity once again to attend and host my own session at the Scottish Summit in Aberdeen next week. The Scottish Summit is a leading annual technology conference, typically held in Scotland.

Centred on Microsoft technologies like Power Platform, Azure, and Dynamics 365, the purpose of the Scottish Summit is to bring together global IT professionals, developers, and business leaders for expert-led workshops, keynotes, and sessions. The event highlights innovations in cloud computing, AI, automation, and data analytics, fostering collaboration and networking within the technology community. This year, the Scottish Summit is expected to be the biggest event yet, spanning across three days!

Last year, I led a panel discussion at the Scottish Summit that explored the career journeys and success stories of trailblazing women in the technology industry, with a focus on Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. As a junior and degree apprentice eager to learn from industry leaders, I posed questions from my own perspective, gaining invaluable insights from their experiences and achievements.

As a young woman in tech, I found their presence and our conversation both inspiring and motivating. This year, I’m excited to host another session, this time with a Microsoft Security MVP. Together, we’ll explore our journeys from beginners to leaders in our respective fields. Although quite nerve-wracking, public speaking has greatly boosted my confidence. Sharing my journey alongside a leader in the field will challenge me, but it’s a great opportunity to reflect on my growth and offer valuable insights from my apprenticeship and experience in Dynamics 365.

Not only am I excited to host another session at the Scottish Summit, but I’m also eager to attend sessions that focus on various technologies within the Microsoft stack. One session I’m particularly looking forward to is “How the CoE Starter Kit Can Help You Deliver a Governance Model That Works,” presented by Emma-Claire Shaw and Kieran Holmes. I anticipate gaining valuable insights from their real-life applications and applying the principles they teach to enhance governance in my own work. Another session I look forward to is Matt Collins-Jones panel discussion with Emma Claire Shaw and James Connolly on the “Power Platform Adoption in Large Organisations – The things we wish we knew before we started.” From this session, I hope to gauge further insights on how Power Platform is used in real-world scenarios for different industries and organisations

Having attended the Scottish Summit before, I’ve come to expect a keynote speaker each year who delivers a standout session on trending industry topics and technologies. This year, Scott Hanselman, VP at Microsoft, will be returning to Scotland to deliver his keynote, “AI: Hero or Villain.” I’m especially intrigued by the topic and eager to hear his insights on the impact of AI, relating to both the future opportunities and the challenges it presents. His perspective on AI’s dual potential as a force for good or harm will no doubt provide valuable food for thought. I’ve been exploring the backgrounds of key speakers and industry experts, eager to engage in conversations about industry trends, best practices, and career growth.

I’m continually inspired by my colleagues and mentors at Capgemini, and the supportive, inclusive environment within the MACE team has made my journey as an apprentice and a woman in tech both rewarding and exciting. The nurturing atmosphere encourages me to push my boundaries, explore new ideas, and fully embrace my passion for technology.

Being invited to host a session at the Scottish Summit for the second time is a significant milestone in my career, and it’s an honour to attend and represent Capgemini at such an esteemed event. My journey thus far is a testament to the investments, endless opportunities, and trust that Capgemini consistently places in me, for which I am deeply grateful. I look forward to continuing this journey, learning from my experiences, and making meaningful contributions in the field.

We’re currently hiring for a number of roles across the Microsoft practice, you can find out more here.