Jane is an accomplished IT professional with over 16 years of experience leading projects from requirement gathering to testing. As a Testing Manager, she oversees a team of 20+ testers across multiple projects in the GPS sector. Her functional expertise during design sessions has been instrumental in bridging business gaps and delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. Jane’s efforts focus on ensuring client applications meet their requirements while identifying and addressing gaps or security vulnerabilities. As a Delivery Pool Manager, she played a pivotal role in expanding Deloitte’s presence by introducing functional security testing across various integrated eligibility applications.
My leadership style is transformational, driven by a commitment to empowering and inspiring my team. I believe in fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous learning, where individuals feel confident in taking initiative and pushing boundaries. By providing guidance while allowing autonomy, I encourage my team to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to shared goals.
Great leaders are distinguished by their ability to listen actively, solve complex problems, and collaborate effectively. They cultivate trust, adaptability, and resilience within their teams, fostering an environment where creativity thrives. Unlike good leaders who may focus primarily on managing tasks, great leaders empower, mentor, and elevate those around them, creating a lasting impact on both individuals and organizations.
One of the most challenging periods in my leadership journey was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when our team underwent rapid expansion while working entirely remotely. The sudden shift presented multiple hurdles—onboarding new members, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer, and fostering team cohesion in a virtual setting.
To address these challenges, I prioritized transparent communication, structured onboarding processes, and a strong sense of collaboration. I implemented regular check-ins, knowledge-sharing sessions, and virtual team-building activities to ensure everyone felt connected and aligned with our objectives. Through this approach, we transformed a fragmented remote workforce into a highly proficient, engaged, and cohesive team, a testament to the power of adaptability and effective leadership.
One of the most fulfilling milestones in my career has been my journey of resilience and growth. After taking a career break to focus on motherhood, I re-entered the IT sector at an entry-level position—a challenge that required immense determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
Through strategic upskilling, perseverance, and leveraging my past experience, I steadily advanced in my career, ultimately rising to my current role as a Solution Manager. This journey has reinforced my belief that with the right mindset and dedication, professional success is always within reach, regardless of career interruptions or industry demands.
In a fast-paced industry, continuous learning is non-negotiable. Some of the resources I find invaluable include:
Books:
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries – for fostering innovation and adaptability
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – for understanding leadership and team dynamics
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – for developing authentic and courageous leadership
Podcasts:
The Tony Robbins Podcast – for personal development and mindset shifts
The Knowledge Project – for deep insights into decision-making and leadership
Courses & Certifications:
Project Management Professional (PMP) – for structured leadership in tech and IT projects
Personal Branding Strategies – for enhancing executive presence and thought leadership
The future of our industry lies in leveraging advanced technologies to drive efficiency, security, and digital transformation. Specifically, I see integrated eligibility systems, AI-driven automation, and enhanced cybersecurity frameworks as pivotal forces shaping the next decade. Organizations that embrace these innovations will not only enhance operational efficiency but also deliver more scalable and impactful solutions.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional leaders and mentors who have significantly shaped my professional journey. Their insights have refined my leadership approach, strengthened my problem-solving abilities, and encouraged me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Each project and collaboration has introduced me to individuals who have inspired, guided, and challenged me—instilling in me the values of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. I firmly believe that mentorship, whether formal or informal, plays a crucial role in career development, and I strive to pay it forward by mentoring and empowering others in their professional journeys.
