I didn’t start out in tech. I studied law, fully expecting to end up in policy or regulation.
But instead, I found myself in utilities operations, and that’s where everything changed.
From Legal Thinking to Tech Delivery
My early career was all about solving problems. In operations, I quickly learned how to manage complexity, navigate regulation, and keep things moving in high-pressure environments. It was here that I started working alongside software development teams, not as a coder, but as someone who could translate business needs into delivery outcomes.
I didn’t fall into tech because I loved systems. I fell into it because I saw how technology could make people’s lives easier. That’s what hooked me.
A Detour That Strengthened My Core (Literally and Professionally)
Before joining Skewb, I took a detour and trained as a Pilates instructor. It might seem like a leap, but that experience sharpened some of the most important skills I bring to delivery today. Teaching Pilates taught me how to read a room, adapt my communication style in real time, and engage people with clarity and empathy. These are skills that are just as critical in a boardroom as they are in a studio.
British Gas: Where My Passion for People Took Root
It was during my time at British Gas that I truly found my stride. I started out in back-office operations, working with brilliant teams who were deeply committed to getting things right for customers. That experience gave me a front-row seat to the challenges people face when systems don’t work well, and the difference it makes when they do.
That’s what led me into tech. I moved into a Business Analyst role, and from there into leading major delivery programmes. I saw first hand how the right tools could transform how people work, not just in theory, but in practice. Whether it was frontline staff or back-office teams, I became obsessed with making sure the solutions we delivered actually helped people do their jobs better, faster, and with less friction.
That’s where my people-first mindset really took shape.
Leading One of the UK’s Largest SAP Migrations
Later in my career, I led one of the UK’s largest SAP migrations, a huge legacy systems replacement programme that touched almost every part of the business. It was complex, high-stakes, and full of moving parts.
But again, it wasn’t just about the tech. It was about change. About helping people move from old, familiar systems to something new. My role was to make sure the delivery landed well, the communication was clear, and the people impacted felt supported every step of the way.
Head of Delivery – With a Human Lens
Now, as Head of Delivery, I bring all of that experience with me. I lead with empathy. I focus on outcomes, not just outputs. I work closely with software development teams to make sure we’re not just building things. We’re solving problems that matter.
That mindset aligns so closely with the values at Skewb, which is why I feel so at home here. We don’t just deliver tech. We deliver change that works for people.
To Women Wondering If Tech Is for Them
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I didn’t study tech, could I really work in this space?” The answer is absolutely yes.
Tech needs people who think differently. Who lead with empathy. Who understand that transformation starts with trust. Your path doesn’t have to be traditional. Mine wasn’t. And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
By Louise Harper
Louise Harper is Head of Delivery at Skewb. To speak with her about this topic in more detail, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
