Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People
from We Are PoWEr Podcast Hosted by powered by Simone Roche MBE and Northern PoWEr Women
On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Sarah Lewis and Emma Cooper bring insight, honesty, and encouragement to a conversation about finding your place in technology. As leaders within MagTech, the technology team at Manchester Airports Group, they show that building the world’s most intelligent airports takes more than code – it takes communication, curiosity, and courage. You’ll hear: ➡️ How transferable skills—from law to public service—can open doors in tech ➡️ The critical role of “translation” in connecting technology with business outcomes ➡️ How airports operate like cities, offering opportunities for project managers, designers, and problem-solvers of every kind ➡️ How inclusion, mentoring, and curiosity drive innovation ➡️ Why stepping outside your comfort zone—whether skydiving or tackling a new career challenge—can spark growth This conversation is both practical and inspiring, offering advice for anyone looking to upskill, switch careers, or gain confidence in a changing world of work. Sarah and Emma’s stories show that technology is for everyone—and that courage and curiosity are just as important as coding. Listen/Watch the full We Are PoWEr x Manchester Airports Group series via the links below ⬇️ Listen on audio platforms: Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action Watch on YouTube: Representation Matters: Ethnic Diversity and Visibility at Work LGBTQ+ at Work: What Inclusion Really Means Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People Leading for Everyone: Inclusion in Action Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫
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What this episode covers
On this episode of the We Are PoWEr Podcast, Sarah Lewis and Emma Cooper bring insight, honesty, and encouragement to a conversation about finding your place in technology. As leaders within MagTech, the technology team at Manchester Airports Group, they show that building the world’s most intelligent airports takes more than code – it takes communication, curiosity, and courage. You’ll hear: ➡️ How transferable skills—from law to public service—can open doors in tech ➡️ The criti...
Chapters
- 0:00 Welcome And Series Context
- 0:47 Meet Sarah And Emma Of MagTech
- 1:45 Myths About Working In Technology
- 2:41 Emma’s Nonlinear Path From Law To Tech
- 5:10 Transferable Skills And Leadership
- 6:45 Airports As “Cities” And Daily Variety
- 7:52 Becoming The World’s Most Intelligent Airport
- 9:25 Advice For “Not Techie” Talent
- 11:20 Keeping Up With Acronyms And Change
- 12:52 Work Experience, Apprenticeships, And Next Gen
- 14:10 Mentoring, Growth Mindset, And Inclusion
- 15:40 Proud Moments And Industry Surprises
- 17:05 Inclusion As A Driver Of Change
- 18:20 Challenges, Side Hobbies, And Resilience
- 20:15 Power Jar: Island Picks And Superpowers
- 22:15 Closing And How To Connect
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