Under the spotlight with Business Analyst, Co-Director and EDI enthusiast at Optimo

Optimo provides operational solutions and change management services, helping organisations to maximise their positive impact on the world and giving its business leaders time back to focus on strategy, leadership, growth and personal development. As an employer, Optimo is leading the way in being a progressive employer. Vicky Otley, Business Analyst, Co-Director and EDI enthusiast at Optimo shares her experiences of being a woman in technology at Optimo.

Tell me about your career journey, including where you started to where you are now?

Oh, this is a long story haha.

So, I worked at StepChange Debt Charity a Leeds-based debt Charity and was freshened-faced at 18 when I started. Where I worked my way from Customer Services Advisor, to Team Leader and after 10 years I moved into Analysis, doing both systems and business analysis working on some awesome projects and learning from some amazing people, who I still see now.

After 16 years, of working in people leadership, Analysis and delivery I left for the world of Consultancy.

Working in consultancy was a whole different learning curve for me, but I had the opportunity to work on some amazing and important projects, including working on some essential Covid-19 response projects where the stakeholders included the then, Health Secretary.

I did the bonkers thing of moving jobs during the Pandemic and moved to a different consultancy, where I set up their BA team, formalised ways of working and started to bring in my passion for all things ‘people’. I was tasked with putting together the people strategy for the business at the time, and I got to set up the organisation’s D&I working group. It was an amazing opportunity to learn and share knowledge and lived experiences with both internal and external people.

Then finally 2 years later I joined Optimo. A business my partner set up a little over 3 years ago and I came in as co-director.

What company do you work for and what are they like as an employer?

I now work for Optimo as a Co-director, as the company has been running for a couple of years now, and they already have lots of amazing things set up. What I get to do is build on these. Optimo is passionate about working with other businesses and organisations in the sustainability, social impact and regeneration sectors. We aim to help these organisations be as effective and efficient as possible, in all things people, process and technology. This free’s these business leaders up to think strategically and gives them the ability not to have to worry about day-to-day workings.

How has your employer given you opportunities to thrive?

Everyone at Optimo has something that they are passionate about, whether it’s the planet, tech, animals or equality and diversity. My big passion and enthusiasm is diversity and inclusion, having a diverse and inclusive workforce is important to me and to Optimo, but we don’t just want to say we are, we want to walk the walk too. This is unpinned by our D&I policies and practices.

Given your experiences, what advice would you give to women in technology regarding choosing the right employer?

This is a great question, a few things;

• Do you see people like you there? And how important is that to you?
• Do they have policies and procedures that are in line with what is important to you and your lifestyle
• Be clear about how they make you feel valued. Seems odd but it’s a great interview question to throw out, ask how they value their employees. Whether this is money or benefits or culture.

Don’t be afraid to talk about culture.

Need some guidance on how to be a progressive, inclusive employer?

 At Corecom Consulting, we provide a host of consultancy and training services to ensure that you are the best employer that you can be. Take a look here at how our Diversity & Inclusion Ambassadors can help your organisation.