“There is much more awareness of the power of data since I started at Imperial. Data underpins everything that Enterprise is doing…”
I manage the business transformation function within Enterprise. I oversee the platforms that we use, such as Salesforce, and create bespoke additions to improve functionality and reporting capabilities. Before joining Imperial in 2017, I worked in project management in Higher and Further Education, the NHS, and climate consultancies.
There is much more awareness of the power of data since I started at Imperial. Data underpins everything that Enterprise is doing and almost all of it is stored in Salesforce. Whereas previously data had been stored in various places such as spreadsheets, now there is increased demand for customisation. I build reports and dashboards to help us track our corporate research opportunities, start-ups, and Intellectual Property data. One option for the future is considering how AI might help us get even more out of our data.
I’m fortunate that I work across Enterprise, ICT and the Imperial College Business School – working with so many people makes my job more interesting. Having to adapt to online meetings has been a challenge, and while there is no substitute for face-to-face collaboration, there have been some increased efficiencies. Our regular meetings and working groups already had active Teams channels, so although there was an adjustment to moving fully online – along with some of the regular cliches like “you’re on mute” – Enterprise has not only embraced working from home but thrived.
Given that part of my role is to encourage the use of these tools I’m incredibly proud of how we have tackled working from home. We’re all very aware of the different demands on individuals, but I’ve certainly noticed the flexibility and empathy needed from across the entire division.
While I miss being in the office with my team, I can say I’ve not exactly missed the jostle for a seat on the commute. This has been replaced with runs along the beach and the South Downs as well as some ‘attempts’ at DIY.