Josie Smith

Background
‘I believe that there’s a place where logic and creativity come together, certainly in my current job. It gives you the art and language to articulate and translate science.
I went to Leeds Metropolitan University to study Information Systems for Business after doing computing and art at A-level. Needing both elements continue to be important to me in the things that I do both inside and outside work.
I’ve spent 27 years working in technical roles across the telco industry, health / manufacturing, utilities and legal sectors. I’ve been really fortunate to have fantastic support to grow and develop along with a drive to do more both personally and in my career.’
Professional memberships
TOGAF 9 Certified (The Open Group Architecture Framework)

Ambitions/passions:
I love pushing the limits of technology to change lives and use my ability to think holistically and translate outcomes to create momentum that delivers fantastic customer experiences and drives business growth.
I am a collaborative partner who believes that more can be delivered together than individually. I build trust by listening , empathising and building a shared vision. This has enabled me to bring people along difficult , complex and ultimately successful change journeys.
I am a leader that engages with energy, creativity and fun. A pioneer of outcome based approaches as a method of truly linking strategy and execution at pace. An ambassador for women in tech/engineering and inspirational learning in the sciences across all ages to increase the diversity within the STEM industries.
No one asks you if you want to be a Digital/IT Architect when you grow up but it allows me to play into my strengths, joining strategy to execution and at the heart of change and innovation.

I was the only girl in my A Level computing class and I’m in the minority of female architects in FTSE100 companies.
I found the Digital/IT Architect role by following and focussing on my strengths and I’m passionate about continuing to learn and grow.

Current work
I’m leading and driving the re-architecture of BT Group’s digital landscape from 2400 applications to 500. An industry leading architecture taking BT Group from a Telco to a Techco.
From monolithic to, modular, agile and flexible for a future of BT Group that connects for good and creates an exceptional experience for our customers.
That requires both logic, creativity and a growth mindset to succeed!