#WomenWithTech: Areti Iles, innovation and business transformation through Business Apps

Tell us a bit about yourself: Who are you, and what do you do?

I’m Areti Iles, I joined Telefonica Tech in April 2021 as a Principal Dynamics 365/Power Platform Consultant within the Business Applications division in the UK and I am currently the Head of Professional Services for Business Applications.

I am responsible for the operational, financial, people, delivery and governance elements of the Professional Services sector. I work closely with the Practice Director and Enterprise Architect for Professional Services to help shape and define the customer strategy for our customers.

What is your area of expertise? How did you get into what you do now?

I specialise in the Microsoft stack, particularly Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform and the technologies associated to them and in my current role I guide customers on program and project delivery and governance as well as change management.

Areti (left) is Head of Professional Services for Business Applications at Telefónica Tech UK&I.

I first came across Microsoft Business Applications in 2009 as a business systems manager and loved the software and its capabilities – it wasn’t long before I switched to consultancy to help other customers make the most of it and the rest, as they say, was history.

Did you always know you wanted to work in the tech industry? Was it something you were passionate about from a young age?

I’ve always been fascinated by what can be achieved through technology and science in general and have always had an interest in all things related to STEM, but I didn’t think that would be my career as such. I studied Management and then Marketing and Business Strategy at university and for a long time I thought Marketing was my calling, but I was always drawn to roles that had a technology component to them and my career journey developed from there.

I’ve always been fascinated by what can be achieved through technology and science.

What motivated you to choose a profession related to technology?

From a young age, I was always fascinated by what computers could do and I wanted to understand how they worked as it was like magic to me (all things wireless still are!). Growing up I slowly noticed how advancements in technology were changing the world, how we do things and interact with each other and the constant aim of improving how we live our lives.

I wanted to contribute to innovations that can make a significant impact on society, and a career in technology seemed like the perfect path to achieve that. I didn’t know how I was going to do this, and I didn’t have a master plan for it. I took the immediate obvious next step in front of me and trusted that I would find myself in the right place in the long run. Looking back it is easy to see the career journey and how one thing led to another, but when you are in it, it isn’t always that obvious but that’s part of the fun – trust the process.

It wasn't a master plan: I took the next obvious step and trusted I would find myself in the right place in the end.

How would you describe your professional journey so far, and what skills do you use at Telefónica Tech?

Throughout my career I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with very capable managers, leaders and mentors who have seen my potential and have encouraged me to aim higher and go for the next big thing. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all their support. I have learned a great deal working alongside them and have gained valuable skills along the way.

As Head of Professional Services, I use a variety of skills as I work with various groups within and outside our business. At Telefonica Tech, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Communication is key to managing expectations, avoiding misunderstandings, and ensuring collaboration

With that in mind, I always aim to lead with empathy, both for our teams and for our customers, guiding teams towards achieving project goals and providing support and guidance were needed. Clear and effective communication is key for managing expectations, avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring collaboration among the team.

Equally important for me is the ability to quickly identify issues and implement effective solutions and being flexible and open to change, as we work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

How do you balance your responsibility with your personal life?

Balancing a high-responsibility role with personal life especially when you have young children is always challenging. For me, being extremely organised is key (I can’t cope without my calendar and several to-do lists!) as I can keep track of all tasks and deadlines and writing everything down ensures I won’t forget anything either. It is vital for me to also be clear on the priority of each task so I can manage my workload effectively and target the more urgent tasks first.

It is also important to set boundaries and stick to them, i.e. make sure everyone is aware of your work hours and stick to them so that personal time can truly be personal time and you can unwind. And, where possible, delegate tasks to others - this helps reduce the workload and allows your team to help you and learn in the process!

Delegating tasks to others reduces workload and allows your team to help you and learn in the process!

How Telefónica Tech promote gender diversity and inclusion?

Telefónica Tech has a very strong commitment to gender diversity and inclusion and an overall very inclusive culture and supportive environment for all. We have over the years created numerous programs to support gender equality such as #SheTransformsIT, Girls Love Tech, Empowering Women Initiative and the STEAM Alliance for Female Talent.

In a dynamic and fast-paced environment, Areti believes we must be flexible and open to change.

Telefónica is also committed to increasing the representation of women in leadership positions (we aim to reach 37% by 2027) and we actively work to reduce the gender pay gap. Telefónica also has policies in place to support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and parental leave, which are crucial for retaining female talent.

Could you explain what the #WomenWithTech initiative means to you?

The #WomenWithTech initiative promotes and supports women in the technology sector, highlighting their achievements and encouraging young girls and women to consider a career in STEM. For me personally, the initiative is about creating a community where women can connect and support each other and advocate for greater gender diversity in the tech industry.

The initiative helps bring a wider range of perspectives to the tech industry and helps create a supportive industry where women can thrive and contribute.

What do women bring to STEAM professions?

Every person is different and as such everyone brings a unique perspective. Having diverse teams makes it more likely for problems to be dealt with through innovative and creative solutions and for products to have more inclusive designs. In my experience, women in STEAM professions specifically have often overcome significant barriers and as such bringing resilience and determination to their roles and can serve as role models and mentors to others.

STEAM careers are all about teamwork and continuous learning.

What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a STEAM career, and what skills do you think are important for success in the tech sector?

Definitely consider pursuing a career in STEAM as it a field that is constantly evolving and you are always at the forefront of advancements and get a chance to implement them! Trust in your abilities and don't let self-doubt hold you back. Find mentors who can guide you, provide advice, and help you navigate your career path and build a strong professional network.

Skills like technical proficiency can be important but more important are skills like problem solving, collaboration, communication and adaptability! STEM careers are all about teamwork and continuous learning.

Uncertainty is part of the fun: trust the process.