Women in Tech Thought Leadership Series

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we launched a series highlighting inspiring women in digital health. Our first conversation was with Lisa Emery, former CIO at NHS Sussex, who shared her journey from lab scientist to leading digital transformation in the NHS. Lisa opened up about the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her efforts to create more opportunities for women in leadership. Her insights on diversity, mentorship, and the future of healthcare tech offer valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.

Read on to learn more about Lisa’s inspiring career and the advice she has for the next generation of women in digital health.

Following this we then spoke to Francesca Owen, Programme Director at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, about her journey in digital health. From starting as a temp in the NHS to becoming a leader in healthcare transformation, Francesca shared valuable insights on inclusion, self-belief, and the importance of support networks.

She reflected on key career moments, such as returning after maternity leave, and emphasised the need for women to assert their authority, prioritise work-life balance, and create inclusive environments. Francesca also highlighted the power of authenticity, communication, and fostering well-being to drive success in digital health.

Read on to discover more about Francesca’s inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learnt along the way.

Jo’s vibrant journey from a programmer at Roche to Interim Chief Digital Officer at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust was marked by pivotal leadership moments, including her transformative work at Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust. She shared how her unconventional career path, which began when she left school at 16, led her to discover a passion for digital health. Throughout her career, Jo emphasised the importance of autonomy, understanding diverse cultures, and fostering strong support networks, particularly for women in leadership. She also reflected on the balance between work and life, noting the flexibility of interim roles. Jo’s advice for future leaders was clear: focus on what you enjoy and play to your strengths. To discover more about Jo’s inspiring career and leadership insights, read the full interview.

Linda’s career journey has been a testament to her resilience and dedication, starting with her early work in family and local council services before moving into health informatics. She transformed GP practices with the SystmOne system, spearheaded projects at NHS organisations like Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and later rose to Associate Director of Digital Transformation. Linda discussed the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and emphasised the importance of clear communication, focusing on patient care, and supporting other women in leadership. She’s passionate about developing the next generation of leaders, particularly women, and fostering a collaborative environment. To read more about Linda’s journey, leadership insights, and advice for the future, read the full interview.

Evelyn Okpanachi’s journey through the digital health sector is an inspiring tale of perseverance and passion. Starting in healthcare management, she transitioned into digital roles, focusing on software development, digital strategy, and program management within the NHS. Despite often being the only woman, and at times the only woman of colour, in male-dominated environments, Evelyn has broken barriers and become a strong advocate for empowering women in tech. She encourages women to embrace STEM, recognise their potential, and not limit themselves. Through her coaching, Evelyn inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and “fail forward” to build resilience and confidence. Read on to discover how Evelyn’s story continues to inspire women in digital health.