A spotlight on… Natalie Ujuk

My career path has been dynamic and enriching, centered around Systems and Application Monitoring in a number of diverse projects, industries and countries. I started my career as a Unix Systems Administrator in Sydney, Australia, as part of my University degree’s required industrial experience, this gave me a solid technical foundation.

I then became a consultant with a leading multinational IT company which introduced me to the world of Systems and Application Monitoring. The experience of working at different customer sites and range of projects afforded me the confidence to travel to the other side of the world and become an independent consultant/contractor in London, around UK, Prague and Copenhagen. This allowed me a high degree of autonomy and an opportunity to work with a variety of industries. Each contract allowed me to wear a number of hats, from engineer to architect, project manager to trainer and each presented unique challenges and learning opportunities from increasing value from existing toolsets, refreshing legacy systems to designing comprehensive monitoring strategies from scratch.

Now based in London, I am channeling my extensive technical background towards a path in technical leadership in Observability, the evolution of monitoring. This transition is driven by a desire to leverage my hands-on experience to lead teams and shape the strategic direction of technology initiatives.

I am passionate about cultivating an environment which empowers engineers to excel and drive innovation and projects that align with broader organisational goals. This journey has equipped me with a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills, preparing me to contribute effectively at a higher strategic level while continuing to stay grounded in the practical realities of engineering solutions.

What career advice would you give to young women who are thinking about working in FinTech? 

Embarking on a career in technology can be incredibly rewarding and I offer the following advice for young women considering this path:

1. Believe in yourself: Trust your abilities and potential for growth. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and your unique perspective can bring value to the table.

2. Embrace continuous learning: Technology is ever-evolving, so stay curious and committed to learning. Pursue various learning avenues, such as formal education, online courses, and self-study, to remain competitive and evolve your thinking.

3. Challenge yourself: Take on challenging projects, apply for roles that stretch your capabilities, and don’t shy away from leadership opportunities. By pushing your boundaries, you’ll build resilience and confidence, positioning yourself for success in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

What strategies does IG employ to increase female representation in tech?

IG is committed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech workforce by implementing various initiatives to remove bias, raise awareness, and champion internal talent. A few of these strategies include:

1. Diverse hiring panels: We ensure that our hiring process involves a diverse group of interviewers to mitigate unconscious bias and promote fairness.

2. Sponsorship programmes: We support and invest in sponsorship programs that provide women with internal advocates and opportunities to advance their careers in technology.

3. Inclusive workplace culture: We cultivate a work environment that values diversity and encourages a sense of belonging, enabling women in tech to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to our organisation.

4. Increasing senior-level representation: We actively work towards increasing female representation in leadership positions, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to grow and influence decision-making at the highest levels within our organisation.

How did you get involved with WIBF and why?

I joined WIBF through IG’s partnership and I believe in the work that WIBF are doing to create and challenge businesses on inclusive workplaces and providing a place for women to learn and grow professionally. It is important to extend our network beyond our workplace and WIBF provides some great opportunities.

Why do you think participating in awards is important for women?

Participation in awards is important for women for several reasons, both at individual and wider levels. At a personal level, awards recognise and celebrate women’s achievements, boosting confidence and empowering them to continue striving for excellence. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and validates the value they bring to their respective fields.

On a broader scale, women’s involvement in awards increases their visibility and challenges existing stereotypes. By showcasing talents and capabilities, these women inspire others to follow in their footsteps and encourages future generations of women to pursue their passions and contribute significantly to their chosen fields. Ultimately, the awards help create a more inclusive and diverse professional landscape.

What challenges have you overcome in your career and would you do anything differently?

One significant challenge in my career has been effectively advocating for myself and ensuring that my skills, experience, and contributions are valued. I’ve sometimes found it difficult to communicate my achievements and negotiate fair compensation or recognition. Additionally, I’ve discovered that the traditional linear career path can be limiting, as it tends to promote conformity. My passion for continuous learning and exploration has driven me to seek diverse experiences and opportunities, to gain a wide range of skills, knowledge and life experiences. While this approach hasn’t always aligned with conventional career expectations, I believe it has enriched my professional journey. Looking back, I recognise that seeking out mentors, peers, and engaging in regular self-assessments could have further enhanced my self-advocacy skills and provided even more opportunities, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling career trajectory, albeit non-linear!

Thank you Natalie!

You can find out more about the Tech Leader Award and the rest our award categories here.