Vivienne Williamson

Trustmarque

What's the most surprising lesson 2024 has taught you so far?

Self-belief!  We are all surrounded by constant change in the industry, and I have a number of mentors who have been telling me for years how resilient I am, but this year it has finally sunk in.  When I joined Trustmarque, I took on the additional voluntary role of launching and chairing Encircle, our DEI Employee network, and working with so many inspiring colleagues and friends who have been open to sharing their stories to help those around them has been an incredible experience, and a lesson about how impactful our everyday actions are.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Ada Lovelace, it is remarkable to me that she was the first to recognise that machines could have applications that would impact society and become a collaborative tool at a time when computing was considered to be purely for calculations. I would love to see her reaction to how Technology is contributing to social value and improving lives every day.

Which tech or channel figurehead has impressed you the most this year, and why?

Hayley Roberts at Distology, I was stuck on this question and looked back at her answer from a previous year and nearly copied it over!  However, I find it inspirational how she supports her team, and she constantly acts to diversify the industry and focusses on bringing in new talent and supporting them to thrive.

What technology trend do you think is being overhyped, and why?

AI when it is used in the context of a magical world where it is perceived to automatically solve everything!  However, I am loving seeing so many new use cases being created and excited how it will continuously evolve.

If you were stranded on a deserted island but could have one piece of tech with you, what would it be?

It would have to be a music and audio book app.

What's your go-to productivity hack that keeps you on track during a busy day?

I am naturally curious, so always have a lot that I want to get involved with and as such have a never ending to do list.  If I get stuck in my head, reading it out loud to someone helps prioritisation and enables me to start the next task, and if nobody is available then I do stand up and talk to myself to do this!

7.  If you had the time to learn one new skill, what would it be?

I am in the process of getting a dog and would like to do the training together so that it can become a therapy dog able to help in the community.