International Women's Day Feature: Vicky Monaghan

As part of the nation’s International Women’s Day 2018 celebrations, we’re putting some of the top female talent within TSG centre stage.

We’re publishing interviews each day this week, with 5 women across the business from different departments and backgrounds, who are thriving in the technology sector.

We wanted to show our readers where these women in business started, how they got to where they are today and of course their thoughts and experience on the representation of women in tech.

Vicky Monaghan, HR Manager at TSG, has been with the company for almost 5 years. At the core of her role, Vicky is tasked to support the Chief Executive in the delivery of a high-quality HR service across the TSG group.

Leading a small and dedicated team, Vicky develops and implements HR initiatives to improve business performance. She is also entrusted to provide guidance and support to our management team to promote and encourage a high-performance culture within TSG.

What was your first job?

Waitress – didn’t last long as I was appalling!

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?

To find it easier to focus on the job in hand rather than thinking about the next 3 things that need done at the same time!

Who’s someone you really admire?

In my role I have sadly dealt with people going through incredibly difficult illnesses – the way people deal with this and maintain a positive attitude never ceases to amaze me.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?

My Mother – you don’t mess with Cathy!….and the Spice Girls

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

“Don’t get stressed about things you can’t change” – my Mother

Why TSG?

Above all – the people. They are definitely our biggest asset.

How can we improve the representation of women in tech?

Create a more inclusive tech culture – more female role models and mentors who have valuable and inspiring experience to share.

What does a typical day at TSG look like for you?

At the moment – a mixture of catching up on emails, touching base with the HR Team and project work. Then home for the bedtime routine with my almost 18-month-old.

What will be the number 1 technology trend in 2018 and why?

I think social media will continue to grow and evolve – with uploading video content becoming more popular.

What advice would you give to a young woman looking to make it in the technology sector or succeed in business in general?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and/or say you don’t understand something.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Multitasking

What is your differentiator in the business world?

I think HR Teams in general can have the reputation of being quite unapproachable – I have made it a priority that the teams I have worked in do their very best to make people feel comfortable coming to them for advice and support.

You’ve been successful in business, what has motivated you to get to this point?

I have been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people – being part of a fabulous team definitely motivates me.

What has been the main barrier or opposition you have found being a woman in tech?

Not specifically related to being a woman but – I came to TSG from a Financial Services background and initially hated asking question after question when I struggled to understand tech jargon.