Today is International Women’s Day, a chance to celebrate women’s achievements and take action to drive gender equality.
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion and, earlier this week, we introduced you to our Women in Tech community who are leading the way in inspiring inclusion for women at Carnival UK and beyond. Now, two of our inspiring Women in Tech, Harriet Read, Onboard Connectivity Product Owner and Hannah Maun, Senior Manager CRM Optimisation & Digital Analytics, share their career stories…
Harriet Read, Onboard Connectivity Product Owner
“12 years ago when I graduated from University with a Human Geography degree, I never dreamed that a decade later I would find myself positively ‘geeking’ out on satellite antennas; dreaming about Starlink every night for the better part of 6 months; or figuring out how to improve WiFi connectivity across a fleet of cruise ships. But, here I am, utterly passionate about my role and our business, and the importance connectivity plays for our guests and crew.
I often joke and say I ‘fell’ into technology. Well not quite fell, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after Uni – law, urban regeneration, consultancy perhaps? Technology however was not front of mind. And to be honest I didn’t know much about technology, there weren’t that many female role models in tech, and I had no idea of the breadth of opportunities that technology can provide.
I was luckily offered an internship at Ericsson (Telecoms) and became fascinated about 4G and connectivity in the mobile space, and went on to stay there for 5 years. Post Ericsson I moved to Uber whilst it was still very much a tech start up, running the Ops Hubs across the South Coast. I then helped develop the digital offering for a small business and got it to market (almost) overnight due to Covid. Then a couple of years ago joined Carnival UK in the Tech project space. Now I can fondly say that tech is my ‘home’ – I love it!
Technology is fast paced. It’s challenging, super varied and creative, and it’s filled with some of the very best minds I’ve come across. Every day is different; from a workshop on our connectivity roadmap and project meetings on in-cabin WiFi access points and satellite provider migrations, to plans to remedy incidents and fix antennas damaged in storms, it’s never dull, and I can honestly say I learn something new every day. I get to work with an incredible team, both ship and shore, and besides the super exciting world of connectivity, the people around me are what make my job so great! I love technology, and I’m very proud to be a Woman in Tech.”
Check out Harriet’s video…
Hannah Maun, Senior Manager CRM Optimisation & Digital Analytics
“I think it’s safe to say that my career path has diverged somewhat from my original ambition, which was to own and run my own arts venue. This dream powered me through a Performing Arts degree and a 15-year long career working in arts venues, in a variety of roles.
How then, did I end up working in a large corporate organisation, and more than that, in a Technology department? Well along the way I was fortunate enough to work with and be led by some truly inspiring people, who allowed me to explore the opportunities that interested me, whilst maintaining my passion for theatre. So, whilst working at Bristol Old Vic, I was able to expand my remit to delve into the technical platforms, getting under the hood of systems and my hands on all the fantastic data we had about our wonderful guests. This opportunity to explore how audience insight could allow us to better serve the guests meant that we could also make commercially sound, and data driven decisions around programming, ticket pricing, and ancillary sales.
My move from the arts to Carnival UK is the biggest change I’ve made in my career, but one that I’ve never regretted. Every day I get to work with people who inspire, challenge, and push me to find ways of freeing up data and insights that can help them with decision making, planning, and most importantly, how to make our guests experience with P&O Cruises and Cunard, a fantastic one.
Since joining Carnival UK in early 2019, I have worked within several directorates, but working in Technology has afforded me to most amount of growth and challenge to date; I get to learn and develop within the technical space, absorbing all the amazing knowledge and years of experience, whilst innovating on how we can support and drive positive change. Above and beyond, I have learnt that you don’t need to have a Computer Science degree to be successful in technology (though for some people it’s an advantage), you just need to know how and when to ask questions, always pushing to understand more and getting to the core of any issue.
Imagine Miss Marple meets Quantum Leap, and you won’t be far off. The Technology department is also home to some of the most amazing women I have had the pleasure of working with, all of whom inspire me every day, and empower me to own my space! For anyone who has ever thought about working in technology or more specifically about being a women in technology, I would encourage you to reach out, it could be the best change you never knew you needed to make.”
Check out Hannah’s video…
WIN a prize bundle!
Whether or not you work in tech, sign up to join the Women in Tech Teams channel and be part of the conversation, connect with like-minded individuals and show allyship. Complete this form to sign up by 15 March and you’ll be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a bundle of goodies!
Prize draw is open to all Carnival UK employees. Winner will be drawn at random and announced week commencing 18 March 2024.