Thank you for reading Thrive in tech

EY EMEIA Financial Services Women in Technology MagazineContents

Thank you for reading A transformative tech career, it's yours to build.

Welcome!

We're delighted to welcome you to the first edition of the EY women in technology magazine: Thrive in tech. From building a future-proof skill set, to developing tech leadership techniques, this magazine is designed to unlock deeper insights about the working world of technology.

You'll gain the inside scoop from a number of professionals working in technology. Each edition will focus on a different topic, providing you with helpful insights and the answers you need. This first edition focuses on how working in tech can be a force for good, how to strike the right work-life balance, and the importance of role models.

You will learn more about EY team members, the way we work with our clients and gain top tips for success. Most importantly, you'll be in the know.

Hear directly from Nina Driscoll on what more to expect from this magazine.

I'm so proud to be launching our very first women in technology magazine. It's a bumper edition with amazing insights from technology professionals across Europe.

In this edition

1. Tech trailblazers We shine a spotlight on inspiring technologists at EY and EY clients and alliance relationships.

2. Why is tech exciting? Learn how you can make a meaningful impact for clients and society.

3. Advice and insights from successful women in tech Learn what's important and key advice from those who have been successful.

4. Striking the right balance We show how to navigate the complex challenges of work and life and that it’s not always easy.

As the EMEIA Financial Services Technology Consulting Leader, it is my priority and the priority of the women in technology board to build a more inclusive culture where all women can thrive.

I'm personally committed to achieve greater female representation in technology, actively engaging in key STEM activity and mentoring a number of future female leaders to drive the change needed.

Ayman Awada
EY EMEIA Financial Services Technology Consulting Leader

Tech trailblazers

Introducing our tech trailblazers from across the business, our alliance and ecosystem relationships and clients who will showcase what it’s really like to work in tech. They'll answer what you really want to know and challenge some common misconceptions.

You will learn that today, a tech career can be varied, challenging and rewarding all at once. Transformation is a key priority of all organizations focused on the ever changing needs of customers. Humans remain at the centre of driving transformation but the key enabler is technology. We put bots, algorithms and machines to work so you can do more interesting and impactful work.

Betty Bonnet

Data & Analytics Consultant EY Advisory Netherlands LLP

Thomas Lussiez

Assurance Director Ernst & Young AG

Joëlle Van Damme

Data & Analytics Senior Manager EY Consulting B.V

Beatriz Sanz Saiz

EY Global Consulting
Data and Analytics Leader

Carole Gentil

Banking Technology Consulting Partner
Ernst & Young LLP

Priya Ramaiya

Technology Consulting Manager Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services

Lisa Gibbard

Chief Information Officer Thomas Miller UK

Bhavna Buttan

Former Chief Operating Officer GMG UAE

Anne Sheehan

General Manager
Microsoft Ireland

Why is tech exciting?

It’s a question we get asked all the time. So, let’s hear from those that are working in this space across financial services.

First up, we spoke with Anne Sheehan, General Manager at Microsoft Ireland. EY and Microsoft have a longstanding alliance relationship to help our clients solve their toughest challenges.

It’s more than just exciting. It’s meaningful, every single day.

Great innovation is never in technology itself, but in what that innovation enables people to achieve and to overcome.

To reimagine a future in which all people have access to the benefits and opportunities of technology and the digital economy, we must ask ourselves not just what technology can do, but what it should do.

When we adopt this mindset, technology can help promote opportunity, protect fundamental rights, and support a sustainable future.

This is, to me, what is so exciting about working in technology.

Learn more about EY and Microsoft's alliance relationship.

Technology is fast paced and always evolving

Technology is such a fast-moving area, with new applications and innovative ideas popping up all the time, there is no limit in what it can be shaped into.

From digital assistants to self-driving cars, there is a good chance you have been surrounded by technology for quite some time now.

It can take you wherever you want to go, from the server room to the board room!

Joëlle Van Damme
Data & Analytics Senior Manager, EY Consulting B.V.

You can really make an impact

Technology allows us to do good. It’s through Data Analytics and AI that we can mobilize tens of thousands of people to help solve some of the world’s largest climate change issues, create safer cities, build greater food security and protect biodiversity – to name a few.

Click on the image above to hear directly from Beatriz.

Beatriz Sanz Saiz EY Global Consulting Data and Analytics Leader

Today's technologies, tomorrow's solutions

I believe the work I do is really ahead of the curve. Paving the way to truly digital engagements, delivering more insights than ever to clients. New technologies are becoming available to us. It is so exciting to explore new ways to build something new.

Coming with the courage to lead and the capacity to rally others behind your vision of innovation is key to drive our technologies to successful solutions, adding value – every day.

Thomas Lussiez
Assurance Director Ernst & Young AG

Technology enables more sustainable progress

For instance, you can make a real difference by precisely identifying customer needs with data forecasting methods, to prevent unnecessary production waste. You can also leverage satellite images to provide insights into agriculture performance, or even to measure biodiversity in risky areas. How cool is that?

Betty Bonnet Data and Analytics Consultant EY Advisory Netherlands LLP

You'll have a chance to innovate

The EY wavespace ™ environments were developed based on leading trends in the external tech marketplace and to drive better connections with clients. This intimate space allows us to push beyond the purely rational and helps deliver transformation – with speed.

Bringing bright minds together to reimagine what’s possible, reframe the thinking and innovate at scale – what’s not to like?

Anyone can set up a tech space, really. But EY wavespace has remained truly unique through the skills that it brings together, interlacing incredible talent, digital capabilities, and open cross-border conversations to help our people and clients to think differently.

This way of working is becoming my new normal too. The evolution has been phenomenal.

Beatriz Sanz Saiz
EY Global Consulting Data and Analytics Leader

Learn more about our wavespace environments.

You'll have a great opportunity to be yourself

EY wavespace Dragon’s Den competition

Three months, 164 ideas, 39 semi-finalists and eight finalists. This internal EY teams competition included live learning events, design thinking training, an innovation bootcamp and a chance to win a $100,000 investment prize!

Neuro-Diverse Centre of Excellence (NCoE)

EY teams believe that the neurodiverse community is full of creative problem solvers, big picture thinkers and analytical minds. The EY NCoE, part of 13 wavespaces across the world, sources, trains and supports neurodivergent professionals to work in high‑demand fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.

Advice and insights from successful women in tech

Explore how EY technologists Betty and Priya are building their careers: developing technical expertise, collaborating with different cross-functional teams and finding the freedom and ability to delve into different tech fields.

Be creative and
open-minded

During my studies, I had chosen to be part of the technology movement as it kept the door open to many sectors and organizations.

Whether it is in the medicine, energy, or banking industries, you can make a real impact by being creative and open-minded while making use of your technical knowledge.

I've decided to kickstart my career as a Data & Analytics Consultant with EY Advisory Netherlands LLP and so far, I've been surrounded by intelligent, motivated and dynamic people who are eager to help me grow.

Betty Bonnet Technology Consultant EY Advisory Netherlands LLP

Master different roles

My role at EY has evolved a lot since joining as a Manager. I have worn several hats allowing me to be involved in program planning, automation, engagement and training. I'm also a mentor to junior colleagues in my team. All this in just under eight months!

I have not only met many extremely talented leaders and been motivated by their journeys, but I have also been enabled to make a difference through exploring the right opportunities, fostering flexibility and building on my personal passion and interests.

Priya Ramaiya Technology Consulting Manager Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services

Undoubtedly, the most fulfilling achievement in my career was succeeding in building and engaging a team of 150+ people for a client during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am getting emotional while talking about this incredible experience. I really love what I do.

Carole Gentil Banking Technology Consulting Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

Don't think you need to come from a tech background to succeed

Former Chief Operating Officer of GMG, Bhavna Buttan shares her perspective on the topic.

For me, growing through roles in the commercial side of the business is what helped me learn and lead the right technology solution. Because that’s what technology is, an enabling solution.

Technology can be simple, or the most daunting labyrinth filled with intimidating jargon. I have a masters in fashion, so a tech background to succeed is not a necessity.

Do you need to know the basics of how technology enables the current ecosystem? Of course, but these can be learned. The focus then should be on identifying how that is evolving, and what solutions would shorten, sharpen, and optimize the equation.

_{of senior leaders have been involved in two+ major transformations in the past five years¹}

_{Bhavna is currently establishing a consulting firm in the gender equity and transformation space.}

_{Hear directly from her in the recent}_{EY EMEIA Financial Services women in technology webcast}_{and learn more about she navigated a career in tech.}

_{¹Transformation Leadership Study 2022: EY Knowledge Analysis}

Striking the right balance

And with “balance”, we refer to the notorious topic of work-life balance in professional services. Explore what Carole and Thomas do to get the balance right – in and outside the office!

One thing that I've learnt is it's all about having strong willingness and good organization.

Harmonizing – and not trying to separate – all dimensions and relative duties in our lives would be the goal. I don’t want to give the impression that I am a superwoman who did it all right. I'm doing it imperfectly, but I'm constantly trying to do my best. I do all I do with commitment and passion – nothing much half-hearted! My personal advice is “Allow yourself to be imperfect and deal with it”.

Carole Gentil
Banking Technology Consulting Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

I learnt that finding the right balance starts with YOU really meaning it. From there the firm will support.

When my oldest, Arthur was born, it was busy at work and I ended up taking only one week of paternity leave. I quickly regretted it. When my second child, Diane, was born it was even busier at work but I knew I could not make the same mistake. So I decided to take three months of paternity leave and never regretted it. I made the right decision for me, my family and my career!

Thomas Lussiez
Assurance Director, Ernst & Young AG

It's not always easy

Lisa Gibbard, Chief Information Officer at Thomas Miller, provides unique insights into her work-life balance. Finding the right balance is different for everyone and for Lisa, it's a see-saw always in action.

In my early career I was told ‘you can have everything’. I disagree and feel you have to compromise.

Balancing work and life is a complex challenge, and it includes aspects such as health, friendships and other commitments important to me.

I missed out on aspects of my children growing up, and it certainly didn’t come without its guilt. That’s why who you work for, their values and priorities are key. I can flex my day, support the children and still deliver a professional day. But I won’t lie. It’s exhausting.

I do think that those organizations who get this right, will attract and retain talent. I know so many professional woman who consider ‘giving up’ their careers because their organizations aren’t tuned into this and as a result, industries and sectors will lose much needed talent.

Hear directly from Lisa on the recent EY EMEIA Financial Services women in technology webcast and explore some of her top tips in getting the balance right!

Top-tips for success

Setting boundaries, creating work arrangements, taking time off - they all seem daunting. However, being transparent about personal commitments, speaking naturally about personal matters and setting healthy boundaries have been catalysts in growing and maintaining my career at EY.

Beatriz Sanz Saiz
EY Global Consulting Data
and Analytics Leader

My family and I developed four golden rules: No work on the weekends, early stopping on weekdays, scheduled “me-time” and dinner planning. Following these rules week after week has proven to be beneficial for us as individuals, but also for the family as a whole.

Joëlle Van Damme
Data and Analytics Senior Manager, EY Consulting B.V.

Ultimately, an organization is made of people, and if we can create “safe spaces” to normalize not some, but all behaviors, we can create a culture which amalgamates all aspects of life, which include both positive and sometimes vulnerable ones too.

Bhavna Buttan Desai
Former Chief Operating
Officer of GMG

While projects can be truly demanding at times, it is assuring to know that when you raise your hand for help, you will always get the support you need from both the leadership and your peers. This culture at EY has given me flexibility to design my own work schedule and has helped me build the right balance.

Priya Ramaiya
Technology Consulting Manager, EY Business Advisory Services

Thank you! __________

We hope you have found this magazine useful and inspiring. Whether you're interested in a career in technology or feel empowered by our contributors, we'd like to thank you for taking interest in this magazine.

Please forward the magazine on to anyone else that might benefit from the content too and explore current technology careers at EY here.

We encourage you to lead with curiosity, stay open and take chances to be part of the conversation. Learn directly from inspiring technologists and role models around you.

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