In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Brenda Campbell, director of engineering at Liberty IT, the industry leader in digital innovation.
What was your first job?
At 16 I had a (short) stint working in a clothes shop - Tammy Girl for those that remember Etams. I spent my first year after graduating with Ulster Weavers before joining Translink.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a joint BSc (hons) in computer science and business administration from Queen’s University. More recently I completed the Queen’s University Senior Executive Programme.
What do you attribute your success to?
Working with people who believe in your abilities and let you do what you do best is important. I also attribute any success I had to my mum. She was hugely inspirational in her approach to life. She was always encouraging and often helped practically when my family was young, allowing me to focus on my career.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Optimistic, supportive, approachable.
Who do you look up to in business?
It has to be Liberty IT’s recently retired managing director, Willie Hamilton. Under his leadership Liberty IT grew to an almost 700-person organisation and still growing. We are regarded as the centre for engineering and innovation excellence globally across our parent company, Liberty Mutual. All the while he had a people first focus and an eye on helping evolve the Northern Ireland tech sector.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I value personal connections and think it is important to spend time getting to know people. I don’t micromanage, I believe in giving people responsibility and trusting and empowering them to do their jobs.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Digital transformation isn’t new, although the pandemic has rapidly accelerated the shift to digital business. Tech underpins virtually every other business sector. We need to evolve how education is delivered to effectively prepare students of today to become the next generation of leaders in a digital-first world.
What website or app could you not do without?
Life would be difficult without Google and WhatsApp!
What was the last book you read?
‘Think Again’ by Adam Grant
What car do you drive?
Mercedes C-Class
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I am the executive sponsor for our brilliant Pride@LIT Employee Resource Group. I also recently joined the corporate board for Action for Children NI. I’m really looking forward to helping raise funds for this amazing charity. Colleagues, friends, family beware – I am coming your way to seek support for the upcoming 'Boycott your Bed' event at Stormont on October 7.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I‘ve recently taken up golf and I have a lot to learn but at the very least it gets me out for a walk.
