The 2022 Women Leaders In Technology: Elizabeth Martin

Elizabeth is a Business Architect within the Data & Analytics practice at the North Highland Company. She has nine years of experience in Data & Analytics with five years of consulting experience. She's worked in the Public Sector, and industries such as Retail, Financial Services and Manufacturing. She's led and participated in projects in Data Strategy, Information Management, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence Systems and Data Visualization. She holds a M.A. in International Politics from the University of California, San Diego and a B.A. in Chinese from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

The biggest factor in my success so far has been developing a belief in myself and an ability to move forward despite self-doubt. For most women, especially in a male-dominated space, the ability to feel confident is hard-fought. In my career, I've doubted myself and listened when others doubted me. Learning to believe in myself has allowed me to push my career forward no matter where that path took me or what setbacks I encounter. It enables me to ask the right questions and suggest creative solutions. And it empowers me to advocate for myself and in turn my clients.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

I love to solve a problem and take on a new challenge. Before joining the consulting industry, I was always searching for a new way to make an impact or another way to stretch myself and learn new skills. I needed a job that would not only invest in my growth but give me new challenges and a chance to bring my skills to new teams. When I joined North Highland, I realized I landed in the right place for me. North Highland's "One Team" mission allows me to create a team with our clients and truly collaborate to craft the right solution. The challenge of showing up to a new client and building both a new relationship as well as deep understanding of their business in a short amount of time will always be the most fun part of my job.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

I'm most proud of the work I've done for the Women in Technology Employee Resource Group (ERG) at North Highland. I've spent countless hours over the past year advocating for the women of our Data & Analytics and Technology capabilities, educating our leaders on how to support and retain female technologists, and creating a community of support for the women of our capabilities. When I see a positive impact in someone's career or our project communities showing up in an inclusive way, I know it's worth the work I've put in. Being successful myself is not enough, I want to look around 10 years from now and be surrounded by smart, talented women not be the only woman in the room.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

"Your career is not a path, it's a pyramid." At times in my career, I've wondered where my path was taking me and if anything that had happened so far would be useful. No matter the pivots I've made, each job, training and experience has contributed to the skill set I have today.

What does being honored as a Women Leader in Technology mean to you?

It is an honor just to be nominated and recognized by the leaders of our firm. In the course of my work with the Women In Technology (WIT) ERG, I've been asked if I wanted to switch career lanes to focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The answer, of course, is that I'd like to be known first as a technologist. That said – my work WIT is so very important to me and to our firm. Receiving recognition as a future leader, means that my leadership in the client space is as valued as my contribution to our DEI efforts.