Diana Kennedy, Group Chief Technology Officer at Bupa and key sponsor of TechX, Bupa’s network for women in tech, tells us more about the network and the fundamental role it plays in Bupa’s transformation journey.
Tell us a bit about your career journey before joining Bupa.
One of my first interactions with a career in Technology was when my school sent me to a careers event for Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Week. I was fascinated by the idea that maths could be used to solve world problems. This encouraged me to study a Mechanical Engineering degree at university where I was one of only two females on my course - can you believe that! After this, I wanted to make it my mission to ensure more women took up the amazing career opportunities in STEM and for more girls to study STEM subjects at university.After graduating, I worked for a while in strategy consulting but quickly realised that my passion for solving problems with technology was where my career should take me. From quite early on, I learnt that you are most successful when you are both good at what you do, love it and feel motivated by the vision of a company to strive even harder. This led to roles that combined my tech skills with business leadership where I had opportunities to find solutions for tackling complex global challenges, including climate change. A year ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited to join Bupa where I have the chance to bring my expertise and passion for technology and apply it to improving the healthcare outcomes for our customers whilst also improving the health of our planet through our Net Zero ambitions.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in tech?
For anyone reading this who is thinking about a STEM-based career, my advice would be to go for it! There has never been a better time to build a career in science, engineering and technology and have a huge impact on the world. Technology is at the heart of everything. Look at how you could augment your existing skills with new technical skills - you will be amazed at what you might discover.
What is the TechX network and why networks like this are so important?
TechX is our network for women in tech at Bupa. It’s based in the UK but is part of a much larger network with colleagues from around the world. The network is open to both women in tech and allies, equipping them with the tools, techniques and advice to be at their best every day and identify opportunities that will help them excel in their careers. Networks like this create a safe space for community members to share their thoughts and experiences - this is essential since unfortunately women are still a minority in the tech sector. I view my role in the network as role modelling the many career options available and championing positive changes to enable more women to have a seat at the table and contribute to the success of our company.
Technology is fundamental to Bupa’s transformation and purpose. What role does TechX, and women in STEM play in this?
Technology underpins our strategy at Bupa which is incredibly exciting. TechX is one of the ways we have to attract the best talent from all walks of life to play a part in our transformation journey. At Bupa we are committed to attracting and retaining the greatest diversity of talent across all dimensions that make people different as we seek to become the most customer-centric healthcare company in the world. We will achieve this by working together on what matters and creating the environment where everyone has a voice.
The network is also supported by Everywoman, a membership organisation based in the UK that advocates for the advancement of women in business, which you have also been involved in. Can you please tell us a bit about your involvement with them and the impact their work has?
I was honoured to win the Everywoman Leader of the Year award a few years ago, which was my first interaction with this amazing organisation. It’s a community made up of many organisations and advocates for women in STEM. The Everywoman platform has a vast amount of learning resources available to everyone plus an annual awards programme which celebrates some of the amazing women in the sector. Through Bupa’s strong relationship with Everywoman, we’ve been able to develop the fantastic resources and support that we offer to our people. Bupa is a proud sponsor of the Everywoman in Technology Digital Transformation award this year.
Lastly, what can we expect to see from Bupa’s tech teams in 2022? What are you excited by?
2022 is going to be THE year of Tech at Bupa. With our refreshed strategic framework to guide us, we’re already implementing changes at scale such as cloud adoption and innovating in the ways we collaborate and modernise our landscape. I’m looking forward to hosting more global events such as the Global Hackathon where we can build and create solutions for our customers together and I’m personally most excited about seeing our Digital Skills Academy continue to come to life!
I’m proud to see that we are truly a global business and we can share our learnings along the way as we strive to achieve our purpose of helping people to live longer, healthier, happier lives whilst making a better world.
