Leaving IBM

The time has come for me to leave IBM and the wonderful Scott Stockwell persuaded me to do a little Bowie themed interview with him, it was originally shared internally at IBM but Scott thought I should pop it on here too :)

Inspired by your favourite David Bowie song “Changes”.

Bowie still didn’t know what he was looking for.

a.????What have you found in your time in IBM?

Myself. Not that I previously didn’t know myself, but I feel like I’ve grown into myself in more ways than I ever could have imagined through my 9 years at IBM. I am more me than I thought was possible and a lot of that is thanks to the LGBTQ+, and specifically the trans community at IBM. I’ve also found great people, and some friends for life, which feels incredibly special.??

b.????What would you like your successor to be looking for?

Progress. I’d like them to be hungry to make positive change and as protective of this glorious community as I am.??

Bowie was “just gonna have to be a different one”.

a.????Have you felt you’ve been a different one in IBM?

I’d say so yes, I don’t think I’m your typical IBMer. But then again as a queer, trans, non-binary person, I rarely feel ‘typical’ in any setting haha! I would say that I’ve always loved connecting with people and am confident at building relationships and to be honest that is something I’ve found to be quite a common thing at IBM, so perhaps I’m not so different after all?

b.????Do you feel you’ve made a difference in IBM, if so, where?

Big question! But yes I do. It certainly felt incredibly daunting coming into my role as LGBTQ+ leader as I had HUGE shoes to fill and Joy has done some incredibly distinct things in her tenure. I was worried I wouldn’t have as many clear, tangible deliverables. But I would actually say the biggest difference I’ve made isn’t a clear-cut deliverable but it’s the community I have helped to nurture and grow here, especially the trans community, but the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. It’s a fantastic feeling to see IBMers connecting and making actual real-life friends with one another, through the community sessions I’ve organised.

Bowie felt that “Changes are taking the pace I’m going through”

a.????What changes have you championed?

The ‘Your Name’ initiative is something I’ve really pushed, making the ‘preferred name’ field the default on our tools/systems. It’s been really important but very frustrating work. I’d say I’ve continuously championed the trans community in everything I’ve done, including setting up support sessions, enhancing the gender transition framework and promoting pronouns. There are lots more things but I’m sure you don’t want me to recite my CV haha!

What’s something you’ve been most proud of whilst being at IBM?

The thing I’m most is the opportunity I have had to support trans IBMers who are first coming out, its really the most amazing thing to see someone open up and be themselves and be embraced fully. To be able to help in any way to make this journey easier has been the most rewarding thing.

Bowie saw that “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time”

a.????How do you think IBM has changed whilst you’ve been here?

So I started July 2014 and I remember that August IBM announced it’s partnership with Apple and I thought it was the coolest thing ever – I’d get to use a Mac! I think starting my career in Talent Marketing was perfect, it meant that I’d spend my days finding the best bits of IBM to show to potential applicants and promote IBM as a top employer. This meant that I really got to understand some of the cool stuff we were doing. We’ve of course gone through a lot of change and experienced the loss of many of our former colleagues. However I think the core of being an IBMer is essentially just being a nice person and willing to help out and support other IBMers too. I still see this today??

b.????How have you changed in your time at IBM?

I’d say a lot but also not very much at all! When I joined I identified as a lesbian woman, and now leaving as a super proud trans, non-binary queer person! So in that sense yes I’ve changed a lot but to me it has never felt like a big change, its felt like a steady journey of growing into who I am. I am quite a confident person and I remember when I first joined having a moment of doubt that I’d never be as good as the intern I was taking over from, but then I had a talk to myself in the toilets (where else?!) and said to myself “you’re not going to be her, you’re different, and you have your own skills and will make this role yours”. That really helped me to get started on the right foot and find my own path at IBM.?

Bowie’s advice was to “look out you rock and rollers”

a.????What would you like the LGBTQ+ team to look out for as you move to your new opportunity?

One another! Have each other’s backs and support each other, you’ve got awesome exec support in the LGBTQ+ council, use them??

b.????What’s something you’ll take from IBM where you’re going?

**cheesy comment incoming!!!** I’d say love. I’m cringing just typing this but it’s true. I’d say that in my 9 years, Love is what has kept me here, has meant I’ve forged such strong connections with others and is what has made me excited about the possibilities of my role. When I first started as an intern, I quickly fell in love with the world of work and was honestly excited every night about work the next day – I loved it! My team in Talent Marketing was such an incredibly supportive environment, I’ve never felt such a sense of camaraderie, fun and ultimately love, for people I’ve predominantly never met face to face.?

Then moving into D&I and everything changed. In this role emotions are raw, it’s incredibly challenging, the political climate can be excruciatingly painful, the speed of (or lack of) change can be infuriating, it is constant firefighting but not for trivial things, fire fighting to ensure IBMers are safe, to ensure they are happy and are able to succeed. So it can be an exhausting task. But through all of that is love. My love for the LGBTQ+ community, the community’s love for one another, our allies love too and also love for myself. All this love is so strong and so powerful and is what has kept me going when things have been especially painful.

Finally, Bowie was a memorable personality and I know the community here at IBM have appreciated your memorable personality

a.????What’s been your most memorable moment at IBM?

It HAS to be meeting Lynn Conway . Meeting Lynn in 2020 on Webex was an amazing experience and it was an honour to invite her back for an event with IBM! Lynn also returned for a Trans Day of Visibility event in 2021 and as a guest speaker as aprt of IBM Research’s Inspiring Speaker Series. Lynn and I have kept in touch and I am honored to say that I consider Lynn a friend. Lynn’s humility, wisdom and sense of humour have shone through on every occasion I’ve met her and I’m so pleased she was finally able to (as Lynn said,) “come home” to IBM.

b.????Any thoughts or comments you’d like to close out with?

You have all helped make me who I am, so thank you. This role has been and still is my dream job. Our community is struggling, but we’re made of tough stuff. Make sure you’re looking after yourselves so we can?all?have a brighter future.???