Meet the Member – M247

Written by: on July 18, 2019

We think that the best way for you to get to know our members is to hear from them directly. As part of our membership network, the international global technology company, M247, are committed to getting the tech industry ready for girls. In fact, this last academic year they sponsored our programme at Loreto High School in Chorlton.

Our InnovateHers from Loreto High School were lucky enough to meet M247’s CEO, Jenny Davies, when they visited their office in Manchester on their trip out to industry. The girls were so inspired by Jenny and her story that we wanted to share it with our wider community.

Prepare to be inspired…

Can you tell us about the work that M247 does?

M247 is a global technology partner for growing businesses. Our vision is to support businesses across the UK, and worldwide, by helping to accelerate growth through use of smarter technology, faster connectivity and stronger infrastructure solutions. Every service we offer is united by a focus on innovation and transformation.

Were you always interested in tech/digital at school?

I went to an inner-city school in Liverpool in the early 90’s and had a real thirst to learn and achieve during this time. My early interest was in business (as it remains today) and sport, my move into digital and tech came much later and less in the way of study but on the job learning.

When did your journey into the digital/tech sector begin?

I moved into the tech industry six years ago, before this I had spent the previous 12 years in management roles in a number of other traditionally male-dominated sectors, working at United Utilities and BT.

What’s your greatest achievement?

On a personal level, obviously my two boys – they are happy, healthy and have good manners (most of the time!) Outside my family, I’d say my greatest achievement is my executive coaching qualification, which took a lot of hard work and dedication, as well as the fact that I get myself out of bed two to three times a week at 5.30am to do Thai boxing training!

Professionally speaking, the biggest challenge I have faced at M247 is to merge three separate companies successfully into one in order to support strong international growth plans. This represented a significant leadership challenge for me personally, requiring successful integration of cultures, systems and processes.

What do you think makes a good leader?

Leadership isn’t something that can be 100% taught, a leader needs to be someone who is able to engage and motivate the people around them whilst often balancing different priorities. For me this is about being authentic and person centric, someone who can see what is going on in both the micro and macro environments whilst keeping the customer at heart of what they do.

What’s a normal day look like for you?

There is no set day for me and sometimes getting gaps in my diary can be a challenge! A normal week will usually be a balance of time in our UK offices (and monthly in our international office). Whatever the format of the day I like to make sure I have time to chat to colleagues and grab a bite to eat.

Who inspires you?

I take influence and inspiration from many places/people but if I had to say one it would be Brené Brown. She is a strong female role model who uses science, personal experience and insight to really challenge modern business thinking.

Any top tips for girls looking to pursue a career in tech?

Belief in yourself, the tech industry now is a lot more open and welcoming to women than it was previously, but that doesn’t mean at times you won’t feel overwhelmed being in what is still a male dominated sector.

Accept that it’s ok to have bad days, we all do at every stage in our careers, just don’t let this spiral into negative thinking. Pick yourself up, look at the good you are doing and don’t ever be afraid to ask a question or seek help.

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