Women in Tech: Ruth Kennedy, TalkTalk Business

In a recent article from Intercity Tech magazine, we interviewed four women in powerful positions across the industry to get their take on the dwindling statistics when it comes to diversity in the tech sector. In a series of four interviews, we learn about the individual journeys they have taken in their careers, who their role models are, and what they feel the business benefits are of having a diverse workforce in general. The second interview in the series features Head of Business Solutions for TalkTalk Business, Ruth Kennedy.

Ruth Kennedy - Head of Business Solutions for TalkTalk Business

"I have been with the company since 2011, starting as Carrier Services Manager, working my way through to head of department, then going on to Voice and Interconnect, before moving into Business Solutions."

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

"My day begins bright and early at 5.30am. On a day to day basis my role varies, which is what I enjoy most about this job. I am tasked with delivering the best possible products, services, and packages to TalkTalk Business’ direct customers and channel Partners. This sees me interacting with stakeholders from all different parts of the business both internally and externally."

Who is your role model / career mentor and why?

"I don’t really have a specific role model however, I do respect decisive women who are willing to combine their personal and professional life to achieve outstanding results. In regards to a career mentor, I feel I have learnt a lot from women within the telecoms industry who have inspired and helped me achieve my full potential."

What is your advice to women and girls thinking about a career in the channel?

"Be yourself - there are so many people out there who are trying to be like someone else, there’s nothing wrong with being you. Stay true to your personality - along the way there may be road blocks but with determination, there is always a way around this. Don’t give up - it’s worth it in the end."

"Be yourself - there are so many people out there who are trying to be like someone else, there’s nothing wrong with being you."

How do you stay motivated?

"I’m not one for reading or listening on my commute in to London. Instead, I use it as my thinking time, deciding on what I want and need to focus on during the day. Once I get into the office at (usually around 7.15am), I like to spend the extra time checking in with emails and putting in place key priorities for the day. This also means thinking about which key team members I need to talk with during the day, and what projects need to be given my particular attention."

What have you learned about leadership and mentoring others?

"I find this element of my career particular rewarding; I take a lot of pride in nurturing those who are within my team and from the wider business. I have learnt leadership is about the person and not the role. I’ve also learnt that leadership is a privilege to have and transfer of knowledge should be encouraged by all."

"I have learnt leadership is about the person and not the role. I’ve also learnt that leadership is a privilege to have and transfer of knowledge should be encouraged by all."

Read the full article 'Women in Tech: Celebrating leaders who are redefining the future' in the Winter 2017 edition of Intercity Tech magazine.