Interesting interview with Anna Brailsford – Code First: Girls, CEO
What is your background briefly?
I’ve been working in edtech for over ten years. My first introduction was actually through the family business. I studied English and History at Edinburgh and would return home to work during the holidays. Early exposure taught me a great deal about entrepreneurship, education and emerging technologies.
Education and technology can transform lives
Does it seem like a logical background compared to what you do now as the CEO of CFG?
Many people are quite shocked that I didn’t study a STEM subject at University. Although STEM degrees are important, it is important to understand that other disciplines can be just as influential when pursuing a career in tech. I actually value mindset and skill over pure knowledge acquisition. I don’t think there is any surprise that I enjoy fast-paced entrepreneurial environments, creating products and leading change in the market.
Can you give us 1 min pitch for about you are doing now?
I have three priorities at the moment: taking our courses online to reach a larger number of women; improving the curriculum to ensure it aligns with industry demand; and connecting women to jobs with our corporate partners.
What motivated you to get involved with the work of Code First:Girls?
I believe that education and technology have the ability to transform lives. It is incredibly rare to find a company that dedicates its entire existence to promoting diversity across the tech sector. Joining Code First: Girls was a chance for me to make an impact in an area that is crying out for change.
Anna Brailsford, Code First: Girls, CEO
What do you think could be the biggest impact the CFG 2020 could have for UK tech?
Creating more female entrepreneurs and encouraging women to take up technology roles. We have built a substantial network of female coders and a considerable level of awareness across the industry. I now want to offer structured opportunities for women to enter and excel in tech careers.
You often refer to the importance of role models around women in STEM careers, could you tell us more about this?
The best role models inspire people to believe in themselves. This often involves challenging perceptions and trying something new. In my experience, women need to be supported to take more risks in their career. Role models epitomise change and leadership, and in so doing, they are paving the way for others to actively challenge the status quo.
How can people find out more about you & your work?
Go to the Code First: Girls website to find out more about how we work with women and companies codefirstgirls.org.uk
We host courses in Dublin and Belfast and are due to take our offering online.
LinkedIn Profile: https://uk.linkedin.com › annabrailsford
Twitter Profile: https://twitter.com/anna_brailsford
Great to be at @GoogleUK
#DigitalGarage today, to celebrate #NationalCodingWeek. Our CEO @anna_brailsford spoke about getting more women into tech & also shared her thoughts with @EveningStandard, pick up a copy on Thursday to read the interview!???? pic.twitter.com/bme62cILpD— Code First: Girls (@CodeFirstGirls) September 16, 2019
Calling all super star women that want to shape their career in tech ? https://t.co/eJJECgmOV3
— Anna Brailsford (@anna_brailsford) September 5, 2019
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