Engineering Mindset Meets Financial Technology
19 December, 2024
In this episode of Code Bytes, hosted by Carol Donnelly, Alison McMurtrie shares her journey from Northern Ireland to becoming the CEO and Founder of iDunn Consulting. With a background in mechanical engineering and an 18-year career in the oil and gas industry, Alison's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability in the technology sector. This episode provides invaluable insights into the challenges of transitioning from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship and how planning and passion can drive success in technology recruitment across the UK and Northern Ireland.
A Unique Path Through Technology and Startups
Alison's early career started in Northern Ireland but quickly transitioned to a global scale when she pursued an engineering degree and joined the oil and gas sector. Her experiences on oil rigs, in deserts, and in Paris headquarters highlighted both the highs and lows of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Alison's eventual departure in 2020 was a deliberate step towards fulfilling her passion, which led her to co-found startups focusing on AI and blockchain, particularly in cybersecurity and ESG investments.
Her narrative underscores the importance of adapting one's skills to evolving technology and industry trends, such as transformation and change. Alison's pivot from mechanical engineering to leading tech-driven startups exemplifies the dynamic nature of technology recruitment in the UK and the wider landscape of jobs in technology.
From Corporate Leadership to Consulting and Founding Startups
One of the standout discussions was Alison's journey from a secure corporate role to founding iDunn Consulting. The decision to leave her executive position in a renowned company and start fresh in the technology recruitment sphere was not without its fears. Despite an impressive 18-year career managing a multi-billion-dollar business, Alison faced self-doubt about her employability outside her corporate bubble.
Alison prepared for her transition meticulously, using her MBA as a platform for market research and as a validation of her expertise. This methodical approach to career transformation, relevant to those eyeing contract roles in technology or cloud engineering and DevOps, demonstrates that planning and strategic action are crucial. Her advice to have a robust 'Plan B' resonates with professionals balancing job security and entrepreneurial ambitions.
The Realities of Starting a Business in the Technology Sector
The conversation also delved into the difficulties of starting a technology-focused business. Alison shared that despite her experience, the initial two years were challenging, marked by long periods without drawing a salary. This candid acknowledgment is important for anyone considering a venture in software engineering, data and AI, or other tech fields.
Her practical advice? Plan thoroughly, be realistic about financial resources, and set clear timelines for reassessing progress. For those interested in software testing, Alison's strategic approach to mitigating risks while launching new initiatives is insightful.
Building a Supportive Network in the Tech Ecosystem
Alison's move to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges. Without an established network, she immersed herself in every available event and community to create connections. This was essential not just for business growth but for finding like-minded individuals who understood the nuances of transformation and change within the tech ecosystem.
Building a network, Alison emphasised, goes beyond numbers—it involves ensuring that those connections understand your value. This is particularly relevant for professionals in technology recruitment in Northern Ireland or those looking for contract roles in technology. Her persistence in proving her capabilities, despite skepticism over her past corporate affiliation, demonstrates that credibility must often be earned anew.
The Role of Diversity in Driving Innovation
A significant theme in this episode was Alison's commitment to promoting diversity in the tech industry. Her experiences, both in her corporate roles and in founding startups, showcased the systemic challenges women face in technology recruitment and leadership. Alison's unwavering stance on demanding diversity in teams, especially when engaging with venture capital (VC) firms or SMEs, set an important standard for change.
Her emphasis on ensuring diversity in hiring plans and not merely paying lip service to inclusion speaks to a larger call for action in technology recruitment in the UK. Alison highlighted that real transformation requires organisations to challenge their status quo, particularly regarding maternity policies, performance assessments, and gender pay gaps.
Creating a New Model for Funding Innovation
One of the most forward-thinking aspects of Alison’s work is her vision for redefining funding mechanisms for startups. The traditional VC model, which she critiques for being outdated, often fails to support genuinely innovative, technology-driven solutions. Alison's mission to explore alternatives in funding reflects her desire to cultivate an ecosystem where startups focused on breakthrough technologies, including cloud engineering, data and AI, can thrive without being constrained by antiquated investment practices.
For those in technology recruitment, this drive towards a more inclusive and evolved funding model underscores the potential for reshaping how tech talent and startups are supported across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Lessons in Balancing Family and Career
Balancing a demanding career and family life is another area where Alison provided candid insights. With two young children, Alison integrates their education with her professional life, teaching them through real-world experiences. Her flexible approach to work-life balance, rejecting the outdated 9-to-5 model, champions the modern shift towards results-oriented work environments. This is an essential takeaway for those in technology recruitment, where work flexibility can be a significant draw for top talent.
Alison's belief in rethinking traditional workplace structures aligns with broader trends in jobs in technology, where adaptability and innovation are increasingly valued.
Building Towards the Future
As Alison looks ahead, her goal is to continue supporting and driving success within the tech ecosystem. Her passion for acting as a catalyst for others’ growth, whether through mentorship or creating pathways for investment in innovative startups, speaks to her comprehensive understanding of the industry's needs. Her focus on evolving funding practices and advocating for genuine diversity places her at the forefront of meaningful change in technology recruitment and development.
This episode of Code Bytes offers not only an inspiring personal story but also practical lessons for anyone involved in technology recruitment, product management, or infrastructure support. Alison McMurtrie's journey from a corporate leader to a transformative entrepreneur and mentor is a call to action for those looking to make their mark in technology recruitment in the UK and beyond.
