Jasmine on advancing from Service Delivery to Transformation Project Management

From pioneering projects to advocating for colleagues' voices, Jasmine Kaur has been able to take on varied roles across our Security teams at BT Business , all whilst exploring her personal and professional interests.

Read on to explore her career evolution and the impact she's making at BT.??

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How has your career with BT evolved?

My journey at BT has been an incredible one. I began in 2014 as a Service Delivery Manager in the Security division. By 2016, I was promoted to Project Manager, becoming the inaugural member of the India Security Project Management team. Witnessing the success of our contracts, we expanded, recruiting more India Security Project Managers, growing from one to over 40. In 2017, I advanced to Senior Project Manager and in 2020, I transitioned to our internal transformation program.

Currently, I serve as a Transformation Manager overseeing our internal cyber security transformation. Additionally, I was honoured to be appointed as a Colleague Board Member for BT Group, advocating for our colleagues' voices at the table. This journey reflects the passion, dedication, and determination that has fuelled my growth and experience at BT.

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What kind of programmes do you get to work on?

At the heart of my role lies our Cyber Transformation Programme, where we strive to deliver best-in-class managed services to our customers by continually enhancing our tools and processes.

Our latest endeavour, the 'ThreatCo' Programme, aims to revolutionise our internal operations through automation, with our Eagle-I cybersecurity platform leading the charge. Eagle-I is not just a platform, it's a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of cyber threats and safeguarding our clients in an ever-changing and evolving digital landscape.

Our General Manager of Cyber Security Portfolio has emphasised in a blog post how Eagle-i’s enhanced automated cyber defence can help shield businesses against increasingly complex, multi-layer and targeted ransomware attacks.

What kind of unique learning and development opportunities have you got?

I've had the privilege of accessing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities that have significantly enhanced my skills and expertise. One of the most valuable certifications I obtained is Prince 2 Agile, which equipped me with comprehensive project management methodologies tailored for agile environments. As a Scrum Master, I gained in-depth knowledge of Scrum principles and practices, enabling me to effectively facilitate agile project teams under ThreatCo Programme. Additionally, earning the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification solidified my project management proficiency and provided me with globally recognized credentials.

Furthermore, becoming certified SAFe Practice Consultant has been instrumental in navigating large-scale agile transformations within our Security teams. This certification enabled me to understand the principles of lean-agile development at an enterprise scale, facilitating smoother and more efficient transformation processes.

Moreover, my certification as a BQF (British Quality Foundation) Lean Practitioner has been invaluable in driving continuous improvement initiatives within our transformation and continuous improvement programs. It has equipped me with the tools and techniques to identify and eliminate waste, optimise processes, and enhance overall efficiency.

Overall, these certifications have not only bolstered my expertise but have also empowered me to confidently lead successful internal programs within our Security teams.

?'I've had the privilege of accessing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities that have significantly enhanced my skills and expertise. One of the most valuable certifications I obtained is Prince 2 Agile, which equipped me with comprehensive project management methodologies tailored for agile environments.'

What opportunities have you got outside your day job to make an impact on BT and wider communities?

Beyond my day role, I've found deep satisfaction in contributing to initiatives that go beyond my job description. Since 2021, I've been privileged to mentor students through programs like Fast Futures, where I've shared knowledge and guidance to help shape future leaders. The Avado mentoring program within Fast Futures offers a structured framework for mentors like me to provide insights, advice, and encouragement to eager learners. Through regular interactions, I've been able to share practical knowledge, industry insights, and essential skills to support their career growth.

Participating in the Avado mentoring program has been incredibly rewarding. Helping students clarify their career goals, refine job search strategies, and build confidence has been fulfilling. It's been a journey of personal and professional growth while positively impacting students' lives.

My commitment to corporate social responsibility extends to supporting underprivileged children through various initiatives, from volunteering at local schools to fundraising events. Making a meaningful difference aligns with my core values of compassion and empathy.

Serving on the Colleague Board at BT Group for two impactful years has been a highlight of my journey. Working alongside esteemed leaders like former CEO Philip Jansen and our new BT CEO, Allison Kirkby, we championed colleague voices and fostered inclusivity. Our quarterly meetings provided a platform for candid discussions on workplace diversity and employee well-being, ensuring colleagues’ perspectives were valued, whilst engaging in meaningful conversations that have truly made a difference.

During my tenure, I participated in memorable events, like hosting a live session with our India leadership team. Topics ranged from the practicalities of delivering value through teamwork to the challenges of leading in a hybrid work environment. These experiences have not only broadened my horizons but have also equipped me with invaluable insights into leadership and organisational dynamics.

As my time on the Colleague Board concludes, I'm grateful for the journey and the collective effort toward positive change within our organization. I appreciate the support of my colleagues and leaders and look forward to continuing to contribute to BT's mission of connecting people and enriching lives.

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How would you describe the culture in your team or in India/BT more broadly?

The culture within our team is one of collaboration, adaptability, and inclusivity, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our members. Despite being geographically dispersed, with the majority of our team based in the UK, we have fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and unity. Whilst I’ve been able to meet my colleagues in the UK and participated in workshops which have strengthened our connections, there are travel constraints so we’ve leveraged technology to bridge the distance between us.

Our team's collaboration extends beyond borders, as we frequently work with cross-functional teams in India, Hungary, Australia, Madrid, US and other regions. This global collaboration not only enriches our projects with diverse perspectives and expertise but also reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and teamwork.

Overall, the culture within our team is characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence. We embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and our collective efforts are guided by a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

?'Our team's collaboration extends beyond borders, as we frequently work with cross-functional teams in India, Hungary, Australia, Madrid, US and other regions. This global collaboration not only enriches our projects with diverse perspectives and expertise but also reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and teamwork.'

How do you feel recognised, valued or rewarded in your role?

One significant form of recognition comes during our All Hands calls, where our directors take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and teams. Being recognised in front of the entire team not only validates efforts but also instils a sense of pride and appreciation for the work we do collectively.

Beyond formal recognition, I also greatly appreciate the everyday words of appreciation and encouragement from my Colleagues, Senior Management and Leadership. Whether it's a simple "thank you" for a job well done or a note of appreciation for going above and beyond, these gestures of gratitude reaffirm my sense of value and belonging within the team.

Additionally, our company's "Just to say” platform allows colleagues to nominate each other for small rewards as a token of appreciation for their efforts and contributions. Being nominated for such rewards not only brings a sense of validation but also fosters a culture of mutual support and recognition within the team. These gestures of recognition not only boost morale but also strengthen our sense of camaraderie and motivation to excel in our roles.

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