Spotlights on Women @ Gousto: Zara

Zara Hughes has been a Senior Agile Coach at Gousto since August 2022. Her role is to help us adopt agile practices and methods and embed agile values and mindsets across the Tech function. We asked her to share a bit more about her journey and what she’s learned.

How did you get started in the tech industry? Can you share a bit about your background and journey?

Zara’s path into the tech world is a unique tale of exploration and self-discovery. Originally studying travel and tourism, she shifted gears after realising it wasn’t her true passion. While travelling, Zara found her love for computers, self-teaching web design and computer building, eventually earning a degree in computer science with a focus on front-end development.?

Her journey continued as an intern at a digital art gallery, leading to roles as a front-end developer for major brands like Jimmy Choo and Oasis. Joining Tesco, Zara recognised growth opportunities, seeking mentorship to transition into project management. She excelled, successfully managing projects for the Tesco F&F website. Eager for new challenges, she delved into agile methodologies, becoming a certified agile coach, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning. Zara’s story reflects not only technical prowess but also resilience and strategic career development.?

Were there any women in tech who inspired you or served as role models in your career?

“During my time at Tesco, I had the privilege of being surrounded by several formidable female role models who provided invaluable support. However, my ultimate inspiration has always been my mother. Her unwavering encouragement has instilled in me the belief that I can achieve anything with determination. Rather than thinking ‘I can’t do something,’ my mindset is centred around ‘how can I?’ - a perspective that empowers me to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.”

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech industry, and how did you overcome them?

As a woman entering the tech industry, Zara wished she had had access to coaching and mentoring during the initial stages of her career. Recognising the potential benefits in gaining self-awareness and navigating early challenges, she emphasised the importance of these support systems.?

Reflecting on her journey, Zara acknowledged the challenge of obtaining exposure to opportunities. However, she proactively built a robust network, a key factor in her professional development and progress. Emphasising authenticity, Zara has consistently stayed true to herself in the workplace, prioritising her strengths and what she excels at.?

What are some of the most significant achievements or projects you’ve worked on in your career?

Having the opportunity to further her project management skill in Agile and becoming an Agile Practitioner has been Zara’s highlight in her career. A big step change from Front End development, Zara started Agile training in Tesco with an audience base of about 200. This brought her interaction with an international audience, stretching from Poland to India and all the way to South East Asia Malaysia and Thailand. It was a great opportunity to be exposed to all these different cultures and to overcome her imposter syndrome.?

How do you feel your work has contributed to the tech industry or society as a whole?

“With a rich background, a wealth of experience and a decade as a full-time coach, I leverage my extensive learning from a 20-year tenure in the tech industry to contribute meaningfully to Gousto. My continuous exposure to diverse cultures allows me to curate the best practices and insights, seamlessly integrating them into both my coaching sessions and my role as an agile coach at Gousto.”?

What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the tech field, and how do you see it evolving?

“Diversity and inclusion in the tech field is paramount for fostering dynamic and high-performing teams. Embracing diverse perspectives enhances problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, key elements to effective teams. Coaches play a pivotal role in creating inclusive spaces, ensuring that every team member’s unique strengths are recognised and leveraged. The evolution of diversity and inclusion in tech coaching involves a shift toward more holistic approaches, considering factors beyond gender, including ethnicity, age, and neurodiversity. Agile coaches, with their emphasis on collaboration and adaptability, can champion inclusive practices, breaking down silos and promoting a culture where all voices are heard.”

What skills or areas of expertise do you consider crucial for success in the tech industry?

“The essence of collaboration lies in harnessing the wealth of diverse perspectives and thoughts within a team. When individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and insights come together, a rich tapestry of ideas unfolds. Each team member contributes a unique viewpoint, and through collective collaboration, a synthesis of these perspectives emerges. This diversity of thinking not only enriches the problem-solving process but also cultivates an environment where innovation thrives. In such collaborative settings, individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered, fostering a culture of mutual respect that propels the team toward shared goals.”

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in technology?

“As coaching and mentoring become increasingly accessible, seize every opportunity to engage in personal development through these invaluable resources. Embrace the notion of getting comfortable with discomfort, as it is in these challenging moments that true growth and development occur. However, it’s essential to surround yourself with a robust support system, ensuring that you have the encouragement and guidance needed to navigate unfamiliar territories. Cultivating a network of mentors, coaches, and supportive peers enhances your journey of self-discovery and professional advancement, offering diverse perspectives and insights that contribute significantly to your overall development.”

Are there any current tech trends or innovations that you find particularly exciting or promising?

“Choosing a game-changing technology without sounding too cliche, it’s got to be AI. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our workplace, and I believe it’s a positive transformation. AI doesn’t just automate tasks; it boosts human abilities, letting us focus on more important and creative work. Its power to analyse big data helps us make smarter decisions. When used responsibly, AI is not just about machines; it’s about creating workplaces that are efficient, human-centred, and full of opportunities for innovation.”

How do you manage to balance your professional and personal life in a demanding field like tech?

When it comes to balancing work and life, Zara uses lots of hobbies as it is important for her mental, physical and social health. It is also vital to have a clear boundary between work and personal life. Of course, there will be exceptions but as the word defines, exceptions. Always remember to replenish your soul.?

What strategies do you use for continuous learning and professional development in such a dynamic field?

“I maintain a Personal Development Plan that I consistently review and use as a guide for my ongoing growth. I approach learning with an open mind and curiosity, engaging in both informal learning through online resources and books, and formal learning by enrolling in at least one course annually. I also participate in coaching supervision and regularly attend mentoring and coaching sessions to ensure a well-rounded approach to my personal development.