International Women’s Day — Inspiring colleagues: Julie Gardiner

It was my Math teacher who first sparked my curiosity about patterns and coding. But it wasn’t until the ZX81 computer was released that I truly saw the potential of IT in shaping the world. That moment set me on a path of exploration—one that led me to a fulfilling career in technology.

As for many, my career journey wasn’t linear.

My first job as a Computer Operator was interesting, but I hadn’t yet found my passion. Rather than settle, I embraced a journey of discovery, experimenting with roles in Development, System Administration, and Database Management. It took time, but I eventually realized my true motivation: helping others and getting things done.

For a while, that meant climbing the corporate ladder—taking on roles in Operational and Project Management. Yet, something was still missing.

It was only after a chance conversation with the Head of QA at my company that I discovered my true calling.

QA (Quality Assurance) required analytical thinking, curiosity, and attention to detail. When a Trainee Tester role opened up, I took the leap. Over the years, I worked my way up to become the Head of Testing.

Taking ownership of my career

As I settled into my new role as Head of Testing at a well-known financial company, I eagerly anticipated my first annual appraisal. I was prepared, excited, and ready to improve. But my new manager, Barbara, had a different perspective.

When I shared my learning goals, she looked me in the eye and said, “Julie, you’re the Head of Testing; you’re supposed to know everything. That’s why we hired you. If you need training, it raises questions about our decision.” She then made it clear that the training budget was for my team, not for me.

Her words hit me hard. Was I really expected to know everything? Was my growth no longer important?

As I walked away from that meeting, I faced a choice: accept this limitation or take control of my career. I chose the latter.

For the next three years, I took ownership of my own development. I studied testing history, emerging technologies, and testing practices, techniques, thinking. I invested in courses, workshops, and conferences—even using my own vacation time and savings to attend them. When I ran out of vacation days, I asked Barbara for unpaid leave to continue learning. Her answer was a firm no.

But I didn’t let that stop me. I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to take charge. That decision shaped my entire career and set the foundation for my continued success.

One of the best decisions I made was connecting with an incredible mentor.

This remarkable individual not only inspired me but also generously shared their time and wisdom. Together, we crafted a practical yet exciting action plan that pushed me to achieve my goals, one of which was to achieve a dream of sharing my knowledge and experiences with others through teaching and presenting at conferences.  

AI: The next big opportunity 

23 years later after connecting with a mentor, I’m still sharing my experiences, working in QA and as a trainer; now, however, I find myself once again embracing change—this time in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing industries, accelerating productivity, and even helping individuals navigate their careers. AI can coach you on career moves, offer insights, and generate new ideas—if you know how to use it effectively. And the best part? You don’t need to be a super-techie programmer to leverage AI.

So, whether you’re starting fresh, pivoting careers, or looking for new challenges, consider AI.

It’s a field filled with opportunities, and now is the perfect time to get involved.

My advice to you

If I could share just three key pieces of advice for anyone thinking about their career—especially women considering AI and tech—it would be these:

1. Get a mentor – The right time to find one is now! A mentor can provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities you might not have considered.
2. Take action and pivot if needed – You don’t have to have everything figured out. Try something new. If it’s not the right fit, adjust and keep going. It’s better to try and pivot than to never try at all. 
3. Never stop learning – No one knows everything, and the best professionals are lifelong learners. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’ve “learned enough.” Keep growing, keep adapting, and keep pushing forward. 

A future in AI is a future for everyone

This International Women’s Day, I encourage you to think about the future—your future. AI isn’t just a technical revolution; it’s an opportunity to shape the world in ways we’ve never imagined. Women belong in AI, in tech, in leadership, and in every space where innovation happens. 

Take charge of your career, embrace the opportunities ahead, and don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.

The future is yours to create.