I started my career in technology by teaching IT to young people aged 11-18 on the Isle of Man.
As a child, I always liked taking things apart and putting them back together again. And this, combined with my brother being in the technology field, led me down the IT path.
The value of education
I chose teaching because I am a passionate believer in the value of education, and the doors it opens. I wanted to give something back to society. The desire to make a difference still motivates me today. I am an active member of the local Lions Club, an international charity dedicated to supporting others in their own community and across the globe. Money that we raise locally goes to the Food Banks in the town, the Blood Bikers (they courier blood between hospitals) and local schools. Christmas is the key fundraising season, when I deck myself in tinsel and dance outside the local Morrisons to raise funds for the club.
I’m hard-wired to ask ‘So, why?’
As an IT Project Manager, I have worked in multiple sectors, including Rail, Retail, Pharmaceuticals, and Central Government. Within the Ministry of Justice, I have worked with the Prison Service and the Assistive Technology sections on different projects.
Teaching taught me that life evolves, and we need to evolve with it. Hence, the varied career paths afterwards: Developer, Business Analyst, and then Project Manager. Technology suits me. My brain is hard-wired to ask the ‘So, why?’ question and to analyse people and situations. I do enjoy people watching!
I like the challenge of unravelling the puzzle of how to deliver the project, equally supporting the team working with me to help them reach their full potential. As an ex-teacher, I love coaching and mentoring others. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing people flourish and a project be delivered that exceeds expectations.
Project Management and the Prison Service
One of my biggest project management challenges is also one of my most recent. I led the delivery of the Windows 11 upgrade to 150 prison sites and 40,000 devices across the Prison Service. I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that such an initiative would require a simple press of a button. But most of our prisons are Victorian, with thick walls, designed to keep people out. Wi-Fi was not a consideration back then. Our prison service is stretched, coping with a myriad of complications as it works with what it has got. This complex project kept me on my toes, requiring me to be innovative, creative and an expert communicator/negotiator all in the same day. It was a privilege to work with the Prison Service, and I felt an enormous sense of pride to be part of the team that delivered the upgrade on time and to budget.
What I have learned about leadership
Good leadership is about kindness and respect. Treat your staff well. Listen to them. The best results come from collaboration, and not one person alone. It pays to be honest. If you do not have the answer, say so and go away to find it. There is no shame in asking or seeking help.
Consultancy and me
Joining Triad was my first step into the consultancy world. I am developing my consultancy skills through on-the-job experience and specific training courses on a variety of subjects, including communications and influencing.
Moving forward, I would like to broaden my knowledge of Product Management. To that end, I am currently completing an Udemy course on Product Management. This is a huge area for central government, blending business, analytical and project management into one, so this knowledge will come in handy.
If you have a question for Patricia or the Triad team, please get in touch.
