Rising Stars in Technology 2016

As a Business Development and Marketing professional, I have worked across a number of industries, focusing on technology in the last two years. At Olswang, a technology law firm, I joined as a Business Development Executive with the goal of bringing innovation and change to the way the firm communicated with potential clients. I was pivotal in the development and launch of the Olswang equIP Programme for tech start ups, which launched in October with an event at Google Campus.

I was also instrumental in building Olswang’s adtech practice, focusing on events and thought leadership. I created the Adtech Stars event series, which has been held in London and New York with influential speakers such as Sarah Wood of Unruly, helping to build Olswang’s brand as the go to law firm for adtech. My success at Olswang has led me into a new role as Business Development Manager for MVF, one of the fastest growing tech companies in Europe, where I will be supporting clients in reaching new SME customers.

Outside of my day job, I run a blog and network – Working Girl London – for women who want to get ahead at work while enjoying everything that London has to offer. The blog has been live for just over a year, and the launch event for the network was at the end of 2015 with another event coming up soon. I am also a member of the Tech London Advocates and, specifically, their Women in Tech working group.

Ellie is the Apprenticeship Manager for Cisco UK and Ireland, and leads the delivery and development of their growing programme.

Since joining Cisco in 2014, Ellie has expanded the Apprenticeship programme into new areas of the business; doubling the number of opportunities available to young people to start a career in technology. Prior to joining Cisco Ellie completed her own Apprenticeship, which lead her into roles with the National Apprenticeship Service, promoting the programme as a desirable opportunity for both companies and young people alike.

Ellie never envisaged being an Apprentice or having a career in technology. Because of this she is a passionate advocate for young people, particularly young women, to consider this pathway to progress into digital careers.

Her biggest focus is to inspire future talent to see the potential technology has; by identifying and and tapping into an individual’s passion, then relating it to technology. This has resulted in two successful industry days specifically for young women and careers events that have reached over 8000 young people since September 2015. This activity, alongside gender balanced assessment processes that promote Cisco’s existing female talent, has ensured that the Cisco Apprenticeship has an above average gender profile of 35% with the aspiration to achieve 50:50 diversity during the next phase of recruitment.

I was born in Prague, Czech Republic, and studied at the University of Nottingham. I joined BT on the Business Management graduate scheme and now work as a Commercial Finance manager in Global Services.

When I look back on life I want to feel that I have made a positive impact and contributed to something transformative. That is why it is exciting for me to work in technology and play my part in innovations which touch every aspect of our lives and transform our social landscape.

Outside work, I have been involved with schools and universities to inspire young people to go into STEM careers and currently serve as a School Governor at a local school. This is important to me because I believe that whether or not an individual fulfils their potential in life is strongly determined by the quality and level of education they receive as a child.