Personal growth and challenging work
Since joining ING I have always had very supportive colleagues and mentors that have helped me develop my career. As the Chapter Lead – Test for Daily Banking I worked closely with the IT Area Lead, Jeff Ly, who understood my development goals. He created opportunities for me to broaden my experience, and raise my profile among the Daily Banking leadership team.
When the time came for Jeff to go on parental leave, I was able to step into his role as the interim IT Area Lead. I had just come back from parental leave myself after the birth of my second child, so I was very nervous about the challenge. I didn’t want to break anything! I can honestly say it was the best experience, as I was trusted to lead key projects and had the respect and backing of the senior Tribe members. They, along with my team and the support from my family, helped set me up for success.
Rewriting the career rule book for Tech
One of the things I’m most proud of is making the transition from a Test background into an IT Area Lead role. It doesn’t happen too often, because traditionally people in Test roles don’t have experience of managing the end to end technology. But that’s the kind of place ING is. The opportunities to push yourself are there if you want them.
Developing as a leader
The experience I’ve had in the IT Area Lead role has helped me become a more confident leader, thanks to a better understanding of the business, but more importantly, the team. For me, it’s about looking after your people. That’s my principle. If you do the right thing by them, they will do the right thing by you. There’s nothing better than seeing your team achieve their potential.
Collaborative and dynamic culture
I love being busy and being constantly challenged. That’s how I move forward. When the opportunity came up to be the interim IT Area Lead for Wealth I was encouraged to apply. It was another scary moment, to step outside my comfort zone and get to grips with a new part of the business. Once the permanent role came up, I went for it, and the rest is history.
When I look at my ING career to date, I’m so thankful for the flexibility I have, which allows me to balance the needs of having a young family with a senior Tech role. I’m thankful for the leaders who’ve helped me grow over the last seven years, and I’m thankful to my team members, who’ve always made me feel welcome, and included.
It’s what makes the ING culture different.