Lindsay Pellow

Head of Member Data & Insight - The Co-op

How did you get into data and technology, and why?

I’ve always been quite logical so I was drawn to problem-solving, anything analytical, or where there are answers to tease out. I’d originally wanted to be a doctor but didn’t get the right grades, so instead, I did a maths degree and then stumbled into a career with a home shopping company that I’d previously had a Saturday job with. 18 years later and I’m still working in the same field!

What is one key lesson you have learnt in your career?

Disappointment doesn’t always mean failure and it’s worth looking around and seeing what other opportunities present themselves.

How important is it to have other passions in your life?

Outside of work I like to travel, this can mean either short breaks or I’ve taken longer trips to countries such as India and Japan. I love soaking up a completely different culture and forgetting all about work for a while. I give a lot at work, so when I’m not there I do try and properly switch off.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I’d tell her not to worry so much about what people think but to look at yourself and really push on through any crisis of confidence.

As women I think it’s important that we celebrate our success and celebrate each other’s success.
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Who inspires you?

Growing up I had really strong female role models to look up to – family members that had both careers and stayed at home, which showed me that women could be strong in all roles.

What advice would you give to girls and young women interested in a career in data and technology?

Be confident. You have the right to be there and you’re good enough to be there. Sometimes it’s helpful to think: “what would the men do.” Do that, but in your way.

How do you feel about your success?

As women, I think it’s important that we celebrate our success and each other’s success. Women promoting women is something we should all do a lot more as an example to each other and to younger women.

What does ambition mean to you?

I’ve never planned a career path so, in that sense, I wouldn’t say that I’m fiercely ambitious, however, every step that I’ve taken I always ask myself if I can do more.

What is the toughest lesson that you’ve had to learn?

That things don’t always go your way. Sometimes the career move that you’re looking for just doesn’t always happen right at that time and you have to go with that.

How do you lean on others to gain strength?

I’d definitely say that you can’t do it all. Share the load with your team or with your peers. That might mean sounding off with each other to fix a problem, or delegating to someone else and helping them with their development. Try not to take everything on yourself.

Can you tell us about the significant object that you’ve chosen?

I’ve chosen scales because balance and fairness are very important to me. Equality for everyone in work is something we should all strive for. We also need balance in our lives. That could mean work/life balance or a better balance of personalities at work to solve problems.