23rd October 2026

Women at Bauer Media are building non-linear tech careers

The technology landscape is undergoing a massive transformation. From automating complex workflows to deploying cutting-edge artificial intelligence, digital innovation relies heavily on diverse perspectives, creative problem-solving, and continuous learning.

To celebrate the women driving these changes, fifteen technologists, leaders, and innovators from across Bauer Media shared their journeys into tech, what inspires them daily, and their practical advice for the next generation. Their experiences provide a blueprint for anyone aspiring to enter or excel in the technology sector.

Non-linear paths and STEM stereotypes

A recurring theme across the stories is that a computer science degree or a lifelong passion for STEM is not a prerequisite for a successful career in technology.

Creative roots into tech: Beth Mackman (Product Manager) studied art at university and transitioned from advertising and digital operations into product management. She highlights that problem-solving, critical thinking, and a keen eye for detail are core strengths in product engineering. Similarly, Ayna Bogdanova (UX/UI Designer) began in graphic design and typography before stepping into digital product design, eventually building design systems from scratch across seven editorial brands.
Transferable skills from service and operations: Megan McLaren (Head of Customer Success at SharpStream) brought her background in hospitality into audio streaming tech. She points out that people skills, commercial awareness, and staying calm under pressure are just as vital as building the underlying tech.
Retraining and retrying: Josephine Raj (Lead Software Engineer at Bauer Media Outdoor) studied accounting and worked in marketing and PR before retraining in tech in her 30s. Jen Wyle (Project Manager) began as a Transmission Runner handling physical tapes in broadcast TV, progressing through digital content workflows into automated media systems project management.

“Don’t let where you are today decide what you think you can become tomorrow. Careers and life don’t always follow a straight line.” — Josephine Raj, Lead Software Engineer

Navigating technological change: From broadcast tapes to AI

Technology moves fast, and staying relevant requires embracing change, especially with the rapid integration of AI and automated workflows.

AI and automation in action: Dee Brown (Director of Business Operations – Technology & AI) reflects on an 18-year journey going from Helpdesk Manager to directing technology and AI strategy. Julia Kelidis (Change Director) leads the AI Enablement team, focusing on translating AI into practical tools that solve real business problems while helping teams build the confidence to use them.
Connecting systems & managing data pipelines: Kuhu Jain (Senior Integration Analyst at Bauer Audio) specialises in Workato, an integration platform that helps different systems “talk” to each other, fostering an internal community to drive adoption. Meanwhile, Paula Mrozek (Specialist Data Engineer) focuses on data pipelines, modeling, and validation. Drawing inspiration from scientific curiosity, Paula views every unexpected bug or failed project as a vital learning opportunity.
Evolving ecosystems: Roisin Deady (Product Owner in Bauer Audio) highlights the evolution of Digital Asset Management (DAM) over 15 years, where AI now plays a key role in search, metadata, and transcription. Nataliia Zablotska (Full-Stack Software Engineer) works on AdAstra, a campaign planning tool that reshapes company operations, comparing software design to nature’s ability to adapt to changing environments.

Leadership, security, and governance

As digital ecosystems become more complex, leadership, architecture, and risk management become critical to organisational stability.

Building strong cyber resilience: Louise Bragg (Information Security Governance and Risk Manager) demonstrates how non-technical backgrounds add value in security governance by translating complex security risks, standards, and awareness across business units.
Demystifying enterprise architecture: Nicola Beadle (Enterprise Architect) began her career as a programmer entering male-dominated environments in the 1990s. Today, her role centers on connecting systems, people, and business goals to map out organisational change.
Collaborative leadership: Lisa Moldau (Head of Delivery) focuses on cross-functional team collaboration, root-cause problem solving, and introducing a growth mindset to strip the “meh” out of meetings. Jenni Foster (Lead Software Engineer) progressed from an apprenticeship to leading engineering teams, providing mentorship and structured problem-solving daily

Leadership, security, and governance

The stories shared by the women at Bauer Media offer clear, actionable guidance for professionals at any stage of their career:

Mindset & readiness – Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready before stepping forward or asking for opportunities. Confidence grows through doing.
Background & STEM – Non-traditional skills (art, communications, hospitality, sales) bring necessary, diverse perspectives to software and product development.
Learning & curiosity – You don’t need to have all the answers. Asking simple questions often brings clarity to complex, multi-layered technical problems.
Career paths – Embrace “squiggly” career paths. Every experience, failure, or alternative sector contributes to a well-rounded skill set.
Alternative routes – Consider apprenticeships, T Levels, and hands-on bootcamps as direct pathways into software development without traditional degrees.

The evolution of technology at Bauer Media shows that innovation thrives when diverse minds come together. Whether it’s redesigning user experiences, building secure data pipelines, or pioneering AI-driven tools, these fifteen voices demonstrate that there is space for every skill set and background in modern technology.