Women in Tech: Natalie Taylor 

Describe your role and what a typical day looks like for you

In my current role, I am focused on helping UK Government clients use data and digital technology to deliver better services for citizens. A typical day is quite varied. It often includes client meetings – sometimes in person, such as a recent workshop I ran for a client team to help them develop a vision for the future of the service they provide. My day might also include strategic account planning sessions where we explore how we will be supporting our clients over the coming year, and I am also currently working on several client proposals. I also make time for learning, often dropping into a lunch and learn session. 

For example, last week I was learning how to use an AI web scraping tool, and this week I was developing an AI agent to help with a project. I find that learning energises me, especially when we’re building something new and exciting for clients, such as AI-powered prototypes that offer fresh ways of solving problems. Another part of the role I really enjoy is team building. In consulting, we often form new teams for each engagement, and I love helping people come together, understand their roles, and collaborate effectively. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a team gel and deliver work they’re proud of. And of course, somewhere in between all that, I try to squeeze in a cup of tea and, some lunch!

What has your career journey been like so far?

My career began in PR and marketing, which led me to a role at the Department of Health back in 2004. That’s where I worked on nhs.uk, the first NHS-branded public-facing health promotion website in the UK. It was a pivotal moment for me: this work sparked my passion for delivering clear, helpful information to the public and introduced me to the world of user experience and user-centred design.

From there, I saw a major shift when the Government Digital Service (GDS) was formed. I joined the Cabinet Office as part of the original GDS transformation team, helping departments adopt modern, agile, internet-era ways of working. That period was incredibly formative – not just professionally, but personally. The relationships built during that time have endured, and many of us have gone on to lead digital transformation across government and industry.   

After GDS, I spent three years leading digital transformation for the Mayor of London. That experience helped me realise I wanted to broaden my impact, so I transitioned into consulting. Since 2017, I’ve worked across a range of organisations, both independently and with firms like PA and TPXimpact, bringing my experience to a wider variety of challenges, with C-suite and board level roles.

What drives me is the opportunity to deliver services that genuinely improve people’s lives. Whether it’s through citizen-facing digital services or mentoring and coaching colleagues, I’m passionate about making a meaningful difference. Supporting others in their careers – especially junior team members, has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role over the past decade.

What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue a career in technology / product?

Throughout my career – especially early on – I often found myself as the only woman in the room. That’s changing, thankfully.  In the last five years, I’ve seen real progress in the diversity of people in tech and digital roles, though there’s still a long way to go, especially at senior levels.

My advice to women considering a path in tech or product is to be brave. You might not feel 100 percent ready for that next step – but take it anyway. Most of us never feel completely ready. And remember, you’re not alone. Ask for help. There are people who want to support you.

Personally, I focus on coaching and encouraging junior women to step forward with confidence. We need more women in senior roles, and that starts with backing ourselves – and each other.

Does personal branding have value in career placement?

Honestly, personal branding is really important, though I say that with some hesitation, because it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. I’ve always been a confident communicator, partly because of my background in PR and marketing, and growing up in a family of performers and presenters. But I know that’s not everyone’s experience.

For those who are more introverted, putting yourself out there can feel uncomfortable. That’s why I encourage finding ways that suit your style – maybe it’s writing a blog instead of speaking at an event. And take advantage of public speaking courses and mentoring opportunities. They help build confidence and push you to grow.

We also need to challenge the cultural tendency – especially among British women—to downplay our achievements. I recently sat with a group of New York lawyers and was struck by how confidently they spoke about their work. We could learn a lot from that.

Ultimately, knowing who you are, what you stand for, and being able to communicate that clearly is essential. It’s a competitive world, and even if it doesn’t come naturally, learning to advocate for yourself is key.

What’s your personal experience of being an ally for women at workplace?

During my first stint at PA from 2017 to 2020, I was Vice Chair of PA’s Women’s Network and the Digital Sponsor for Diversity and Inclusion. In both roles, I was a vocal advocate for change – sometimes that meant challenging the status quo, which wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary.

We worked to improve policies that directly impacted women and created spaces for open conversation, connection, and support. That work helped lay the foundation for the Women’s Network as it exists today, and it’s been amazing to return after four and a half years and see how far things have progressed.

Beyond my formal roles, I’ve always made time to mentor and coach women throughout my career. It’s something I genuinely enjoy and feel strongly about. I’ve supported women through career transitions, helped them build confidence, and navigate tough situations. Seeing them grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.