LeadingWaythe

Jayne Hartley,

Chief Executive Officer Elite Group IT

Tell us about your career journey so far!

I have worked in technology since my very first role as an information analyst at Barnet Health Authority in 1999. Moving back to the Island in 2007, I worked as a Senior Business Analyst for Zurich before spending 11 years working for PDMS where I was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2018 and held the position of Chief Operating Officer. In March of this year, I became Chief Executive Officer of Elite Group IT, a Telecommunications and IT service provider that specialises in connectivity, networking, voice, cloud, managed IT and security solutions. It is an exciting time to have joined the company as we have significant expansion plans, both locally and internationally.

What attracted you to a career in tech?

Always curious about how things work and how systems are designed I had a keen interest in problem-solving and user motivations. A career in technology offered me the opportunity to develop these skills by understanding user requirements and translating this into actionable insights, whilst also delving into the detail of issues. I have also enjoyed the variety a career in this industry has offered me. Technology is certainly not an industry that stands still and has continued to keep me on my toes.

What do you look for in the culture of the firm you’re working for?

Personally, I value a culture of transparency and inclusivity. When people collaborate openly there is a great opportunity for change and progress to be made. Clear communication channels, both internally and externally, are vital and at Elite Group IT, this is certainly something that we champion. Being as open and transparent as possible with the information shared across the company can have incredible benefits. Whilst priorities can be different between departments, shared goals help to unite individuals across the business.

Do you think there is a benefit to being a female in your industry?

Absolutely! It is no secret that the level of female representation in the tech industry is low in comparison to other industries. However, studies have found that female leaders statistically perform better than male leaders. Females have been shown to demonstrate strong commercial acumen, innovation and foster strong working relationships. Great strides have been made to bridge the gender gap in technology, but I think more can be done to raise awareness of the opportunities out there for females in tech. Empowering females is vital and initiatives such as Love Tech on the Isle of Man play a crucial role in educating our future female tech leaders. At Elite Group IT we have a fantastic group of women making a significant impact working in departments across Sales, Marketing, Accounts, HR and Technical Support. They are proof of the scope of opportunities for females within the technology industry.

What advice would you give a woman considering a career in technology?

I think the best advice I could give is to be authentic. Often it can feel so easy to change who we are to accommodate certain situations, but the power of authenticity should never be underestimated. Early in my career, I felt that I needed to alter how I approached matters to meet a certain perception of what was expected. However, as I have progressed, I have learned that it is more important to remain true to who you are. It is okay to show vulnerability and, now in a leadership position, I see that this contributes to being a real and approachable leader.