24 | Lucy Donaldson | Cross-Border Career Moves: Building Success in Tech and Finance

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Lucy Donaldson, Vice President of Technology, whose journey epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Born overseas to Portuguese immigrants in the UK and later moving to Canada, Lucy's upbringing was filled with transitions that shaped her into the formidable leader she is today. Despite her parents not having a university education, Lucy became the first in her family to graduate from university, setting the stage for a career that would span continents and industries. Her early years in technology and marketing laid a foundation for understanding customer service and the importance of clear communication, which she credits for her success in subsequent roles.Lucy's career trajectory took a significant turn when she moved back to the UK, leveraging her unique background to secure a position at Dell. This move underscored her ability to adapt and thrive in new environments, utilizing her differences as strengths in the interview process. Her stint at Dell was just the beginning, as she soon transitioned to the financial services sector, where she continued to climb the ladder, eventually leading to a transformative role at Lloyds Banking Group. Here, Lucy contributed to a major digital transformation project, showcasing her ability to lead and innovate within the rapidly evolving financial industry.The final chapter of Lucy's journey brought her to the United States, where, despite starting from scratch again in terms of her career and financial profile, she managed to secure a strategic position at Western Union. This role capitalizes on her extensive experience in technology and financial services, highlighting her adaptability and leadership skills in a global context. Throughout the episode, Lucy emphasizes the importance of taking risks, being comfortable with discomfort, and the invaluable learning experiences gained from working in diverse environments. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and the importance of building a supportive network, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their career.Join Nicole and Lucy for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!Enjoy!What You Will Learn In This Show:How Lucy used her unique background and perspectives to stand out in the job interview process.How overcoming numerous transitions and challenges from a young age shaped Lucy into a resilient and adaptable leader.How living and working across different countries enriched Lucy's career, as well as lessons on the benefits of international experiences for personal growth and professional opportunities.Lucy's unconventional career path from marketing roles in small technology companies to becoming a Vice President of Technology, the non-linear nature of career progression and the importance of transferable skills.Lucy's transition to the financial services sector, where she led significant digital transformation initiatives, as well as the value of embracing industry shifts and new opportunities.The challenges and strategies of starting over in a new country, including building credit and professional networks from scratch.How building professional relationships and learning from others can propel your career forward.The importance of being willing to take risks and step out of comfort zones for career advancement.And so much more...Resources:Lucy's LinkedIn