Meet the inspirational women at GOSS

Being a female in what is usually a male-dominated tech industry can be difficult for many women to be heard or to even have a voice. Here at GOSS, we are proud to say we are an equal opportunities employer and celebrate diversity in our workplace. As part of our 'Meet the Team' blog post series, we've recently caught up with some of the inspirational females who work here to learn what it is about GOSS they love and what advice they have for other women trying to establish a career within STEM. 

Vanessa Prout

Head of Project Management 

How long have you been at GOSS?: 17 years and 6 months.

What do you do at GOSS?: Head of Project Management.

What has been your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Being able to adapt delivery methods with changes in technology and a move from Waterfall to Agile - almost seamlessly.

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: The people and the autonomy to shape your career.

How does working at GOSS enable you to be confident working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?: I personally don't feel there is any difference in the way women are treated compared to men at GOSS. There have been equal opportunities for progression regardless of gender.

What does it take to be a successful woman in business?: To not think of yourself as any different just because of your gender, treat people how you would want to be treated yourself.

How much do you think being a woman in business has changed since you started out?: There are a lot of prominent women now in senior roles throughout society, which is great to see. Women are now being treated more fairly and not being penalised for having families.

Sarah Konst

Senior Project Manager 

How long have you been at GOSS?: I joined GOSS fresh out of University in 2011, so I've been here around 11 and a half years. I started in a Support Technician role, and moved across in to the Projects team a couple of years after that.

What do you do at GOSS?: I work alongside the rest of the Projects team to manage delivery of both internal and client facing projects. These range from website delivery through to fully integrated service and CRM migrations. It's a really varied role, and we're always looking at how we can improve, and streamline our processes to provide the best quality and value for our clients.

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: It's hard to pick on a specific achievement or project, however one particular project I'm proud of was the rollout of our Digital Platform to Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire District Councils (now Buckinghamshire Council). This project was a large programme of work onboarding two Councils in to a shared Platform. It involved various streams of work, integrations, and the introduction of a lot of change to their business, which I lead for a successful implementation that saw a large uptick in digital engagement with citizens.  This was one of our earlier Digital Platform projects and since this it's been great to see the Platform continue to go from strength to strength.

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: There's two things I'd choose as the best things about working at GOSS, firstly is the variety of projects we get to work on - whilst there is a lot of commonality in our clients, each project has it's own set of challenges to tackle. Secondly, and more importantly, is the people - I've met some of my best friends at GOSS, I even met my husband at GOSS, but that aside the whole of the GOSS team are supportive, friendly, and approachable. Everyone is always willing to lend a hand, or answer any queries you may have.

Why should more women choose a career in the tech industry?: I think it would be great to see more women choose a career in STEM as it's a vast field with so much still to be learnt, and developed. There's still a lot of stigma in certain areas of STEM, and bringing more people in to STEM roles, regardless of gender, will help ensure people from varied backgrounds, genders etc. are all able to improve and enhance these industries for the better.

How does working at GOSS enable you to be confident working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?: I'm very fortunate that GOSS has a number of strong female leads across the business, and alongside that we are not treated any differently by our colleagues due to gender. If you have questions, or issues, you can always approach someone, and not have to second think about gender playing a role in affecting the outcome in how your query is dealt with.

How much do you think being a woman in business has changed since you started out?: I think things have improved for the better - it used to be much more common place for hearing about women being warned off certain companies due to them being male-oriented, and in previous years I've experienced meetings with third parties where external leads would attempt to only talk directly to my male colleagues when I was leading meetings even when responding to points I've raised. Fortunately this is becoming a thing of the past, and not something that needs consideration. It also used to be more uncommon to see females coming through for technical roles in the business, but again this has changed in recent years which is great and we are getting more interest from women wanting to move in to these roles.

What first sparked your interest in working in the tech industry?: From a young age I've always been interested in how things work, and when I was starting out at secondary school we were lucky enough to have a desktop PC at home which opened up the ability to have access to a vast pool of educational software, and more formatively, the internet! I know this sounds silly, but it wasn't common to have a computer at home back in the late 90s! I then took an interest in IT at school, and carried that through to my degree. I've always liked problem solving and there's so much scope for technology in its various guises within STEM to help us enhance services. Plus it's an ever changing field with new discoveries and technologies always appearing. It was then a natural progression post-degree to try and find a role that allowed me to play some part, however small, in the tech industry.

Sarah Youen

Head of Creative 

How long have you been at GOSS?: 7 Years.

What do you do at GOSS?: Responsible for looking after a team of front-end/creative developers, while overseeing the design and user experience of our products and services at GOSS.

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Redesigned our Digital Platform with no comment or complaint - With design, if it works no one will say anything.

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: The people - being able to rely on and laugh with your colleagues every day makes everything much easier to deal with.

Why should more women choose a career in the tech industry?: Women make up half the world's population so why should we not have a say on what we use and make. In order to create amazing products and services, you need input from all genders and backgrounds to make sure they work for all.

How does working at GOSS enable you to be confident working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?: GOSS gives everyone an equal voice so I have never thought my opinion has not been valued due to my gender or sex. We have women in senior positions including myself and we champion more to join us.

What does International Women's Day mean to you and why do you feel that it is important to recognise the day?: It is important to highlight the plights of women around the world as I am very lucky to have a job, let alone a senior position in a tech industry. There are women out there living in fear, unable to have freedoms I take for granted e.g. ability to work and my own money, wear what I want and speak my mind. We need to remember to keep fighting for women and for equality.

What first sparked your interest in working in the tech industry?: MySpace changed my life - being able to use HTML/CSS to style your profile into your own identity was the best. I spent hours creating styled list boxes for my loves and hates and choosing the perfect song that reflected my emo teenage self, all this realised you can be creative in the technical world.

Roxanne McGill

Sales Administrator

How long have you been at GOSS?: I have been working at GOSS for just over 6 months.

What do you do at GOSS?: I am a Sales Administrator.

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Every month we have to report our sales to the Crown Commercial Service. During my second month here, I had to do this alone - and I did it.

What is the best thing about working at GOSS?: The freedom to get involved with out of work activities, such as staff nights out or Christmas fun!

What does International Women's Day mean to you and why do you feel that it is important to recognise the day?: I would prefer women to have their voices heard daily so we don't have to have just a 'day' to celebrate us. However, it is important to recognise the achievement of our predecessors and the fantastic work women are conducting around the world today. It is incredibly important to take a moment to reflect on our gender with pride. I spend the day playing music from my favourite female artists and raising a glass to women around the world.

What tips would you give to younger women trying to get into the tech industry?: I am fortunate enough to work in a company where women hold senior positions. Do not hold back if you want to work in the technology field. Be bold and brave!

How much do you think being a woman in business has changed since you started out?: There is more representation of powerful women in the media today. Look at Karen Brady, Jacinda Ardern and Mackenzie Scott for example. Women leaders who can be passionate, successful and conduct business fairly and with empathy. This is reflected in business today and stark contrast to when I first started work. My first job was to get coffee and pander to the men in the office. I didn't have a voice. Strong powerful women rising up across the world has given me the confidence to find my voice and push my assertiveness in work.

What first sparked your interest in working in the tech industry?: Having a manufacturing background meant I was used to working in a male dominated industry. Manufacturing is quite antiquated and I wanted to work at a technology company to counterbalance that. I made the right choice!

Melita Hosken

Bid Writer 

How long have you been at GOSS?: 6 months.

What do you do at GOSS?: I'm the Bid Writer and Coordinator here at GOSS.

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Being in a good position after a long period of training (although I'm still learning every day!). Bids relies on good communication and time management, so being able to support that is something I'm proud of.

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: I'm part of the team but also recognised for my individuality; GOSS are amazing at letting people play to their skills and supporting where we can improve. It's a lovely encouraging environment.

What does International Women's Day mean to you and why do you feel that it is important to recognise the day?: I'm a feminist, so I always look for ways to empower and support women. I think it's important because there's a higher population of women than men, so logically the idea of male-dominated industries doesn't make much sense. I'll speak up for women's issues every day, but I think having an actual day is so important for recognition and reminders of the hardship we face.

How can men be better allies for women working in the tech industry?: Realise that there's so much internalised processes in the workplace that can damage women. We have to be careful with our words and our attitudes and how much we say because our reputations can be determined by men, and it's not fair. I'd say that I'm lucky to be working for a company where it's not like that, but it shouldn't be luck - a good, supportive, and neutral working environment should be a requirement. It's the little subtle stereotypes, built up over time, that men need to be aware of - don't treat us like secretaries or organisers if it's not our job to do so.

What tips would you give to younger women trying to get into the tech industry?: Don't be afraid to be loud. Show off, be proud that that you have skills and abilities. And don't think that the tech workplace is scary and cold - it's warm and supportive from my experience. Don't be afraid to put your needs first!

What does it take to be a successful woman in business?: You know what your skills and strengths are. It's all it takes - learn yourself, what makes you happy. The rest will fall into place.

Charlotte Nunn

Project Manager

How long have you been at GOSS?: 6 years this summer.

What do you do at GOSS?: I'm a Project Manager. 

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Delivering some really exciting projects and challenging ones too! It's the variety of projects that I work on is quite an achievement as there have been so many.

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: Sounds a bit cliché but it's my colleagues and I work with some really lovely clients.

Why should more women choose a career in the tech industry?: It's a really exciting place to be at the moment, and so many opportunities, and not just because you are a woman! The tech industry can be incredibly flexible too as we can work remotely - great for work/family life balance.

How does working at GOSS enable you to be confident working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?: I feel accepted for my experience and skills regardless of being a women. We are all equal here at GOSS!

How can men be better allies for women working in the tech industry?: Just to treat us equally and as a colleague - no more no less. To give us respect and let our work, skills and experience do the talking!

How much do you think being a woman in business has changed since you started out?: A huge amount has changed in the nearly 20 years I have worked in the IT industry. The hierarchy model has really shifted and regardless of your position or gender there is more equality and autonomy in what I can do.

Usha Elliot

Sales Administrator 

How long have you been at GOSS?: 1 year and 7 months. 

What do you do at GOSS?: Sales Administrator. 

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Creating and Implementing a new Monthly Sales and Marketing meeting as well as weekly catch up meetings with the Account Managers.

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: The company culture and people.

Why should more women choose a career in the tech industry?: Because its traditionally viewed as a male-dominated industry with over 50% of women abandoning technology careers by the age of 35 (according to a study, led by Accenture and Girls). More women should choose a career in Information Technology as it an exciting and rewarding place to be, where boundaries can be pushed and new skills learnt. Woman bring a different set of resources and skills which make them a valuable asset to the industry. However saying that it's a shame still in 2023 there isn't a standout role model who represent women in IT globally. It would be nice to see this change and woman leading this industry.

What does it take to be a successful woman in business?: You must have a passion for what you do, a hard work ethic and determination. There will be those who want to put you down, say you're not good enough and your goals are not achievable.  But the great thing about negativity is that it can fuel you on. It can push you out of your comfort zone and prove them wrong. You can be anything and do anything you put your mind to.

Dinah Russell

Accounts Receivable Clerk

How long have you been at GOSS?: 5 years, 8½ months.

What do you do at GOSS?: I'm the Accounts Receivable Clerk but also do other things within the Finance Department.

What is your greatest achievement so far at GOSS?: Reducing the outstanding debt quite considerably when I first started, reducing the number of days clients are passed the 30 days payment terms and designing various reports and templates in Sage (our accounts package)

What's the best thing about working at GOSS?: The people and relaxed atmosphere in the company.

Why should more women choose a career in the tech industry?: Why not?

How does working at GOSS enable you to be confident working in a traditionally male-dominated industry?: There is no biased opinions because I'm female, we are all treated the same.

How much do you think being a woman in business has changed since you started out?: Women are now more accepted in the traditionally male dominated work environments.