Have you ever taken the leap into the unknown? That’s exactly what I did when I decided to transition from tech recruitment into the world of technology itself. Spoiler alert: it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Back in 2014, I was knee-deep in IT recruitment, starting as a junior consultant. My days were filled with trying to decode the complex language of tech, from systems engineering to software development. It was a steep learning curve, but after a year, I made a bold move into digital recruitment, specifically in software engineering. I had to quickly learn the ins and outs of a completely new field while trying to stand out in a crowded industry.
It didn’t take me long to realize that if I wanted to be taken seriously by both clients and candidates, I needed to truly understand the tech world. So, I dove in headfirst. I started attending tech meetups, networking events, and workshops, soaking up every bit of knowledge I could. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with technology and its power to innovate.
That’s when I decided to try my hand at coding. It started as a side hustle—web development courses, late nights learning JavaScript, and countless hours spent figuring out how everything worked. Not only did this new skill set give me a deeper understanding of the developer world, but it also ignited a passion in me. I knew I was on the right path.
My boss at the time, Paul from Map Talent, saw something in me that I hadn’t fully realized. During a candid conversation, he told me, “Leah, you were born to be in tech.” He then suggested something that changed everything: he encouraged me to take two weeks off from recruitment to reconnect with my network and explore opportunities in the tech space.
That was the turning point. I reached out to my connections, and not long after, Marc Thompson, the former Engineering Director at Coates Group, saw potential in me and decided to give me a chance. Marc, who has been a mentor ever since, offered me a paid internship at Coates Group. Talk about a game-changer! That experience exposed me to everything from front-end and back-end development to quality assurance. I got to roll up my sleeves and dig into the tech stack, and along the way, I honed my problem-solving skills. This foundation was exactly what I needed to thrive.
After a year at Coates Group, I was recommended for a role at Sourced Group as a cloud consultant. There, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, tackling some pretty unique challenges in cloud engineering. My time at Sourced has been incredible—I’ve earned multiple AWS certifications and even specialized in cloud security.
But here’s the thing: one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been the recognition I’ve received for contributing to the tech community. I’ve been nominated three times for the Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA), and I’m proud to say I made it to the finals each time! These awards are a big deal in the tech world, celebrating women who’ve made a significant impact on technology and diversity.
Two of my nominations were in the Diversity & Inclusion category, thanks to my work with Muses Code JS. There, I helped run workshops for coders at all levels—beginners, intermediates, and advanced. These sessions were all about creating a safe and fun environment where everyone could learn to code and build some cool techy apps. I truly believe that anyone can join in and have fun with coding, and it was amazing to be part of something that made that possible.
The third nomination was a real highlight for me—Rising Star. This one was all about my work developing a platform with my co-host, Shubha, to show that tech is for everyone. Through ‘She Knows Tech,’ we’re on a mission to make learning about tech accessible, fun, and less intimidating. We’re doing this through podcasts, blog posts, and short videos that break down current trends in tech into something digestible and enjoyable. Let’s face it, tech can be overwhelming sometimes, and we want to make it easier for everyone to get on board. Being recognized for this work has been such an honor, and I’m excited about what’s to come with our "She Knows Tech" initiative.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned through all of this, it’s to never give up. Learning tech isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes persistence, hands-on experience, and a willingness to dive into complex problems. But with every challenge comes an opportunity to innovate and grow.
As I continue this journey, I’m keeping my eyes open for whatever comes next. The tech landscape is always evolving, and staying adaptable is key. My story, from tech recruitment to where I am now, is proof that determination, continuous learning, and embracing new challenges can lead to incredible opportunities.
So, if you’re thinking about making a similar move, here’s my advice: just go for it. The tech world is full of possibilities, and every step you take is a step toward something amazing. Get involved, keep learning, and let your passion drive you. Who knows where it might take you?
