Women leadership series - In conversation with Jade Daubney

How would you introduce yourself?

I am Jade Daubney and I am the Global Head of Thoughtworks University.

Can you tell me a bit about your career journey? When did you first get into a leadership role?

I trained to be a Teacher at University, and after realising I completely disagreed with our education system, I 'fell' into Recruitment. I later joined Thoughtworks as part of the UK Recruitment Team and became our Graduate Project Manager; managing all UK Graduate hiring, University relationships, events and scholarships. I spent numerous years training in Change Management and Transformation and have spent the majority of my Thoughtworks career in the Global Recruiting Team, managing our portfolio of change.

I threw myself into something new and joined the Digital Platforms Team, doing a very similar role but taking away a whole new wealth of knowledge in a new part of our business. I very recently started my new position as Global Head of Thoughtworks University.

I have done a whole 360 and I am back working with our graduates! I would say my real first leadership role was when I joined Global Recruiting, although I have always seen myself as a 'leader' in some capacity at Thoughtworks.

What were the top challenges you faced during your journey and how did you overcome them?

My main challenge was definitely due to my own internal blockers.

As a 'non-technical' young woman, joining a Technology company, in an historically male-dominated sector, it took me a little while to overcome my fears. I would spend time doubting myself and my possible impact. I would even hold back on opinions, nervous that people would think I am too young to make senior executive decisions. I am happy to tell you that I am not that woman any more.

I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by incredible colleagues and the most valuable coaches. I overcame my challenges when I realised that I am actually the Subject Matter Expert in MY own area, I don't need to understand how to code, that isn't what I was hired for. When I understood my strengths and how to utilise them, I grew tremendously as a leader and my business impact grew.

It is important to remember that skills and attributes that come naturally to some of you, are skills and attributes that other people have to try really hard to learn how to do - that is our special power.

What motivates you?

Seeing people grow and achieve their goals/dreams is what motivates me to be a better cultivator.

Seeing our business do things that we only ever imagined motivates me to think bigger, be more courageous and work smarter.

Having siblings motivates me to be a better woman and lead my example.

Do you have a role model in your life? Can you name a few people who you look up to?

I am blessed to be surrounded by role models, but two that stand out...

Emmeline Pankhurst is my hero. She was the leader of the suffragette movement that played a critical role in helping to win British women the right to vote. Her extreme courage and fearless nature constantly inspires me. Secret - I have her tattooed on my body!

Iris Apfel is 100 years old - she is an interior designer and fashion icon. She is not afraid to be herself and she taught me that being different is a gift, not something to hide!

What does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style?

For me, leadership is the ability to lead, inspire and guide a team, whilst empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

I like to think my leadership style is flexible depending on who I am working with. Some people like full autonomy and some people prefer more direction. I prefer to alter my leadership style depending on my team's needs. It is important that my team members are meeting their goals, are happy, are learning and growing, have clarity and direction and are feeling empowered ...

Without these things, I am not succeeding as a leader.

What would be your advice to young leaders?

There is nobody else like you. Understand your strengths and what you bring to the table, and utilise those things.

Be open to feedback...getting defensive will stunt your growth.

Never stop learning - there is always more.

Embrace change.

Ask yourself regularly 'what would I do if I was not scared?'