I initially didn’t appreciate the phrase “fortune favours the brave” but I’ve come to understand its meaning. Take that leap in the dark, take on a new challenge in a new area - even if you don’t have prior knowledge or experience - create something new and different that wouldn’t exist had you not existed. You will always change for the better, learn more, gain more confidence, redraw boundaries. Each time I’ve lived by this, I’ve never regretted it - and it has always “moved me onwards.” For me, the creation of the award-winning Kaleidoscope experience embodies this. At our first event, I danced happily at the end of the evening to Groove Armada, relieved it had been a success. The following year in 2018, we booked them to perform live and they will always serve to remind me of the good that came out of what we achieved together, and how it repositioned us so differently within the ecosystem. It also reminds me of the unwavering support and help from the brilliant Kaleidoscope team and ecosystem partners, who took the risk with me and stayed the course when initially we didn’t know if it would be a success! 

Jimmy Sommerville from The Communards wrote this emotional song in memory of one of my personal heroes, Mark Ashton. Mark was a British gay rights activist and co-founder of the “Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners” campaign, which was immortalised in one of my favourite films, “Pride” (if you haven’t seen it, please watch it!). When it felt like the nation had abandoned the miners in the miners’ strike of the ‘80s, Mark collected money to support them and brought together the gay community (heavily persecuted at this time) with the mining community in Wales. He was a unifying force for good. This song, for me, represents the humanity I want to embody every day. I feel incredibly passionate about compassion, about creating a safe space for everybody to flourish, about transcending boundaries that sometimes keep us locked in silos. You may feel like you won’t - or can’t - make a difference but, believe me, you can, and you will. Lend your voice, speak up for others, create an open and warm environment, and invite and include all differences. Your life will be enriched by it, and you will learn a thing or two.

“If things around you crumble. No, you don’t have to stumble and fall. Keep pushing on and don’t you look back”... Try to remember these words next time you feel like everything is crumbling around you. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s in our nature and we can’t help it. The great thing is that we learn from them. I’ve made so many mistakes in my career and had several embarrassing moments but, thankfully, they weren’t fatal. I was still breathing the next day and able to put one foot in front of the other - and if my brain was feeling particularly kind, it would erase it from my memory or judiciously edit out the really bad bits! I’ve learned from each one of my mistakes and have seriously relied on this line from the song to keep me going: “Just think ahead and you’ll be inspired to reach higher and higher”. So, I pass these words onto you. Put the mistake behind you, take what you need from it and move on. That mistake made you stronger.

A wise client once told me “to get the best views, you have to climb the highest hills” and this instantly resonated with me. For me it has two meanings; the first related to t­he number of opportunities I’ve run towards and grabbed with both hands; even when I had no prior experience or not quite the right skill, I scrambled up some tough hills. And yes, I was as scared as hell sometimes - but it gave me new insight, an opportunity to learn new skills and gave me a great set of “views.” So, I encourage you to grab the opportunity that gives you the most fear – say yes to talking in front of a crowd, take the role you have no prior experience in, choose the hardest path. It’s worth it. Once you have conquered a hill, be sure to make the climb easier for others. The second meaning relates to a technique I was taught by a dear friend during a stressful situation when I felt there was no way out. I was told to visualise myself stepping onto a balcony high up above and to imagine the situation from that vantage point, to observe and understand the “why” of a situation in order to determine the “what next”. Try it. Next time you find yourself in a similar situation, visualise the balcony, step onto it, look down...

Sometimes life deals a blow that feels unfair or circumstances don’t flow the way you’d like them to. When in that situation, I have always tried to find the opportunity and silver lining, even when I haven’t felt like it. You may land a role that isn’t the perfect ideal for you – so what? It’s just the key to the door. Use that role to expand your experience and expose your value in new ways. Try to identify the greatest need - or future need - in any situation and align yourself to that. Life dealt a cruel blow to us all with Covid and delivered very challenging times for a huge number of people. My wonderful Technology team were truly amazing during the darkest hours. From galvanising thousands of people to work from home effectively and safely, to reading children’s stories to give working parents some much needed light relief - my team were a source of light and love. Our creation of the “emerge stronger” campaign meant that our people had a purpose, they were able to develop hot skills, they were able to take the time to create valuable assets and they were able to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Above everything, this team gave us all hope and optimism - and from this has come so many opportunities. These lyrics aptly honour my tech team: “And lead us through these hard times, don’t give up, our time we’re moving, if you believe.” 

Oh, how I loved this whole album “1814”! It was thrilling, fresh and tuned into my activist tendencies to build a better world for all. Janet wrote this song with two of my favourite producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, in response to several racial tragedies reported in the media at the time. Released in 1989, Janet symbolised hope for a better, more inclusive world. Her words are powerful: “with music by our side, to break the colour lines, let’s work together to improve our way of life” - and the synchronised dance routines bordered on the combative as she encouraged us all to “join voices in protest, to social injustice, a generation full of courage, come forth with me”. Now, 31 years later, I’m still reverberating from what it took to shock the world into consciousness at the racial injustice that is still prevalent today and give rise to the Black Lives Matter movement this summer. I am so moved and uplifted by the response of my colleagues and people around me to genuinely enact a change for the better and bring equal opportunities for all. I sincerely hope that I’m not pausing over the same reflections in another 31 years, as not only are we a “Rhythm Nation”, we are absolutely a “Human Nation” - and I’ll never give up the fight for equality.

The sun was just setting against the edge of a Chicago beach and I was in a big dance tent when the drop of this song kicked in and vibrated through my whole body. The words “no place I’d rather be” rang in my ears and I was exactly where I needed to be at that time. Carefree, happy and dancing with dear friends. There really was no place I’d rather have been. These friendships had been built over time, bound through common experiences (not all good, I can tell you), some of them as long as I have been at Accenture - and there is something very special about growing up and journeying through life’s stages in close proximity with others. They are the mirror to you in your time of doubt, your cheerleader, your wise counsel and they will challenge you to be better, to stick up for yourself, tell you when you are wrong and be your advocate. I’m incredibly privileged to have developed so many enduring and enriching friendships during my time here. Accenture will give you many fulfilling things career-wise and I hope you will also benefit from the extraordinary positive experience of fruitful and meaningful friendships.

It always gave me joy to see people in my team build their own sense of community and depth of trust in people who chose to work with them again and again. The sum of parts made us all stronger and had a magnifying effect. My career success is not my career success alone, it’s the product of excellent support and sponsorship, and it’s ultimately a result of standing on the shoulders of people I worked closely with. People entrusted me with their careers, and I reciprocated. Full trust, respect, openness, warmth – they build the foundation of a great culture. Never take your people for granted, create the culture you want and let it carry you all to success. It will help you withstand stormy times and I’m not joking when I say that if - God forbid - I ever got into a life-threatening hole, I have every faith that I could call upon any number of trusted people to get me out of it! Sanchez says it best in the beautiful genre of lovers’ rock, I certainly will be “missing you”.

In 2006, my team and I found ourselves in a small project room in a Canary Wharf tower. We were working on a critical and urgent implementation for a very important and well-known sporting event that only occurs every four years 😊. Each month, I would have to pinch myself as I took our monthly “billings” to be approved by a national treasure and former athlete. I couldn’t quite believe the situation I’d found myself in, and looking back, I realise it was one of many unique and interesting work opportunities that came my way over the years. From implementing the first UK instance of Video on Demand or revolutionising cancer care through digital imaging, right through to implementing a human safety solution for engineers at an oil refinery in Singapore, the list goes on. Not to forget the many complex global deployments and transformation programmes which exposed me to several cultures and diverse experiences as well as the opportunity to be a part of the brilliant MD Momentum Leadership programme with a team that I cherished. Accenture has offered unparalleled career experiences and I shall be eternally grateful. I hope you find your own unique experiences. I should add that the fact that this track was used as the theme tune for the London 2012 Paralympic Games is reason enough for it to be on the playlist, and with that I doff my cap to the many colleagues and friends who overcome their own ability differences or mental health challenges to come to work every day and deliver brilliantly.

I’ve learnt that it doesn’t matter how excellent a concept I craft or how advanced my PowerPoint presentations are – I only earned client trust if I could really understand their reality, talk in plain terms and show that I appreciated what it would take to deliver something in their context. To thrive in a client environment, it helps to think (and sometimes speak) from their perspective, show you are streetwise and that you have the right experience and knowledge to solve their issues. Similarly, I’ve also learned that if someone can’t explain something to you simply or plainly then they don’t understand it either. As a woman without a technology education, stepping into technology was daunting and everyone seemed to know everything that was relevant - and I often felt that I knew nothing. When people explained things to me or I felt bamboozled in any way, I would simply ask “what does that mean?” or “what is the implication?” or “I’m sorry, I don’t get it!” and soon realised that this often flushed out those people who genuinely had and could share knowledge and those who were simply hiding behind grand phrases and jargon. This song reminds me to stay down to earth and “street tuff”. After all, you can take the girl out of Luton...

You will often hear the phrase “be authentic” and sometimes that can be difficult to personalise and understand its power. However, I can tell you, I have drawn my personal strength from being true to myself and upholding what I believe in. It’s OK to be different to your peers, your difference is your superpower and it will set you apart. I was once told to be a “less colourful and lively leader”. I didn’t know what to do with it. I tried to be a bit more “statesmanlike” as I was advised but frankly it’s not me. It was uncomfortable and it wasn’t long before I realised that my own style and personality suited me just fine thank you. In fact, it was crucial to my success with clients and our people. The compliments that give me joy and encouragement now include the words “relatable”, “down to earth”, “energetic” and “lively”. No statesman here – just Z. Stay real and true to who you are and never let anyone break your spirit. It will suit you.

I’m curious by nature – a strength that comes from my father, who says, “if the brain can conceive it, humanity can create it.” I chose a career in the ever-evolving technology sphere and have loved being part of the digital revolution – from the launch of the first smart phones, to the proliferation of social media platforms, from the widespread growth of cloud computing to huge advances in Artificial Intelligence. The one constant about technology is that it’s always changing! And the pace of change is speeding up. Technology is only going to increase in terms of its importance and relevance for the future of the UK, the new roles that will be created and the skills people will need going forward. Whatever career you forge, keep an open mind, be curious and keep learning – the sky is the limit!

I’ve been incredibly blessed throughout my career in having amazing mentors who have given me sound advice and helped me to develop my leadership skills. Dr Yasmin Hilton, an early mentor, was an important role model to me – she was the first woman to return from maternity leave in the 80s at Shell, then became their first woman CIO and went on to lead operations in India as CEO and Chair. I’ve also learned that I gain just as much from mentoring others as I do from being mentored myself. I’m passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders and have been privileged to be able to mentor people during my time with Accenture. I also had the opportunity of engaging an auditorium full of young people at the One Young World event a couple of years ago and relished the chance to spark their interest in a career in technology. Look for opportunities to support and nurture others. The next generation of talent is simply “Incredible” They will gain from your experience – but you will gain too - it’s a double whammy.

This is my go-to song of hope and joy. It is very special to me. Duke Ellington penned this in 1947 as part of his first international commission from the government of Liberia to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of its founding by freed American slaves. The lyrics are simple and beautiful, especially the opener: “I like the sunrise ‘cause it brings a new day, I like a new day, it brings new hope they say”. Nothing more to tell you other than it’s true! Every day is a new day of opportunity and hope and, no matter how bad or good a day I have, I know that the next day will be a fresh start. It’s made even more special as we can never take a new day for granted - life is just too short and precious. It’s on almost constantly in my home and my dad loves this song. Lovely Papa Bahrololoumi, twitching his moustache to the gorgeous tones of Duke. 

I’ve always been a fan of Inner City and this song title is a great mantra for life. If the average working life of an individual is around 40 years, that’s roughly about 70,000 hours of your life you will spend at work (gulp). For many, the hours are more. That’s a lot of hours. I typically spend more time at work than I do with my own family and for it to be fully rewarding in a rounded way, it needs to be fun for me. I try to find the laughter every day; a friendly chit chat at the start of a meeting, a team outing, remembering and marking people’s birthdays. Sometimes it was a much-needed release of pressure like a chair race at 3am whilst waiting for a batch to run so we could complete integration testing! The point is, the greater the fun, the more joyful the atmosphere and this brings a great energy, vitality and a “can do” attitude to a team. I try not to take myself too seriously, it’s not worth the wrinkles from the stress of it. There is a time and a place for a solemn or serious demeanour of course but, for the most part, laughter is the pathway to a “good life”.

I’m lucky because I sleep like a log. In fact, I can doze standing up on the tube and I’m not a great car companion as I’ve got a nodding head and wide-open mouth lolling around by the time the driver has moved out of neutral. Seriously, it’s a skill. Every new client site I started at, I would do the usual scan of the place with one mission in mind and that was to find the place I could take a nap when working late or on shift patterns – without fail. Sometimes it would be a breakout area with comfy seating, or the onsite medical room. Once it was a data centre with my puffer jacket for a pillow. The battle for a work-life balance is real and I spent so many years working late into the early hours of the morning as so many people do. This was my choice, and I chose it happily because that’s how I worked, but it does come at a cost. Looking back, not all of it was necessary – it was more about how I felt I needed to stay on top of things rather than an impending deadline. I always had to “clear the decks”. I can’t get that time back now, but I can build a better balance going forward and I can pass on the wisdom that sleep is so critical, as is a change in perspective. So, challenge yourself on whether it’s really necessary to work so late. The “decks” will always be full. Sometimes you need to just press the “stuff it” switch!

This song is uplifting and glorious just like the woman that is Shaheen Sayed. There are a multitude of quotes that could attempt to describe the love and respect I feel for Shaheen but this one from Khalil Gilbran serves a purpose for the point we are in our lives and careers: “When you part from your friend, you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain”. I pass the Technology leadership baton on to a formidable force of nature with fierce intelligence, passion for her people, an ability to transform businesses and an absolute iron will to make the world around her better, safer and kinder. Making an impact in health and public service has been her spiritual calling. Growing up together over the past two decades as we earned our stripes and carved our scars has been an extraordinary privilege - both of us extending our platform and voice for each of us to lift the other up, when at times we could not do this for ourselves. Laughter has been our best remedy in times of darkness; sage counsel and clarity of thought as we tested ideas back and forth. A true friend, mentor and - most importantly - a mirror. The UK & Ireland Technology Industry has added the most incredible leader into its sphere, and we will all be better off for it. The thing is, Shaheen has always been an icon in plain sight. Someone who is even better up close. Unlike Gustav Flaubert’s heroes, her gilt doesn’t come off when you touch it. As I venture from Accenture and stand in a new plain, I will find true joy in the fact that I will be the climber and with a clarity of vision, I will see that she is the mountain...

Quite possibly one of the greatest songs ever. Released in 1989 with a hip/hop electro sound, it enchanted me completely and I’ve never loved any other song quite like this one. It’s on here just because I love it so much. For those of you who will hear it for the first time… You’re welcome 😊

“Don’t stop like the hands of time, Click Clock, find your own way to stay”... This is the second song to be released from the album Club Classics Vol One and it sounds so unique. There are at least six remix versions of this song. The core of the song is always the same, but it’s adapted and modernised to stay relevant. This is how I’ve always viewed myself and my career in that I tried to constantly adapt, rotate and “remix” myself. Still me, the same melody but with a different bass or drumbeat. And now, I close this chapter and remix myself once more in taking my next brilliant career opportunity at Salesforce. I’ve always believed in the power of the ecosystem and now I will learn and participate in it from a different perspective. I’m not encouraging you to change jobs, I’m encouraging you to be your own transformative force, to reinvent yourself and keep on moving with the times. Exercise your own horizon scan, read the signals and tune into what it takes to stay relevant - and seize it!