Meet Liz! Co-founder of Women in Tech Sussex
Intro
Careers in technology are often portrayed as linear, defined by technical degrees, coding expertise or engineering backgrounds. Mine has been anything but. My route into tech has been shaped by creativity, curiosity and a desire to understand people just as much as platforms. Today, I’m Head of Growth & Marketing at Circus, a creative agency working at the forefront of virtual content and immersive technology - but my path here reflects how diverse and interdisciplinary the technology sector really is, and why conversations about women in tech, throughout Sussex and across the UK, matter more than ever.
What I Do - and How I Got Here
I lead growth and marketing strategy for Circus - my role is focused on identifying opportunity, developing new initiatives, shaping and aligning our brand position, building demand, and ensuring we connect with organisations that can benefit from digital innovation and transformation. It involves strategic planning, performance analysis and relationship-building with complex, often global clients navigating the latest technology landscapes.
What I enjoy most is the balance between creative storytelling and analytical thinking. Growth marketing in tech is not just about campaigns, it’s about understanding behaviour, anticipating needs and translating technological capability into meaningful value.
A lot of how I approach leadership and decision-making today was shaped early on through hands-on experience in small, fast-moving teams. As part of the founding journey of Bramber Bakehouse, I moved across responsibilities spanning finance and marketing, learning how strategy and operations intersect in real time. Working closely within a small organisation meant developing adaptability and perspective quickly, experiences that continue to influence how I solve problems and navigate growth environments today.
From there, my path naturally pulled me further toward digital and technology-focused marketing. I worked across consultancy and leadership roles that deepened my understanding of how organisations adopt and communicate emerging technologies. Alongside this, I became increasingly interested in governance and community contribution, participating in advisory and board work and, more recently, joining this founding group of Women in Tech Sussex.
My academic journey mirrors this blend of commercial thinking and human insight. When I began my undergraduate degree, I wasn’t thinking about a future in tech per se, I was interested in understanding human behaviour, business structures and communication techniques. That experience gave me a grounding in strategy and financial thinking, but more importantly sparked curiosity about how people make decisions and engage with ideas.
That curiosity led me to postgraduate study in Anthropology, where I explored behaviour, storytelling, ethics, and culture, themes that underpin much of modern digital communication. Later still, professional study at University of Oxford in disruptive digital marketing deepened my understanding of data-driven decision-making and emerging channels.
Alongside formal education, I’ve also continued developing practical skills in analytics, project management and digital strategy, not as milestones, but as part of staying responsive in a constantly evolving field. Something I highly recommend to everyone.
A Common Misconception About Working in Tech
A misconception I encounter frequently is that working in tech means being highly technical in the traditional sense - coding, engineering or developing software. While those skills are invaluable, the industry thrives on multidisciplinary collaboration and diverse thinking.
My role is centred on translation, connecting innovation with understanding. I interpret market signals, shape messaging, analyse behavioural data and guide strategic positioning. This requires empathy, creativity, leadership and communication just as much as technical awareness, skills that are increasingly recognised as critical within modern technology careers.
Another misunderstanding is that technology careers are impersonal or isolated. In reality, they are deeply collaborative. Success depends on building trust across teams and clients, navigating diverse perspectives and aligning shared goals. Technology may be the medium, but people remain at the centre.
Advice for Women Considering This Path
For women unsure about how to pursue a career in tech, my strongest advice would be: follow your passion(s) rather than predefined expectations.
My own journey was driven by an innate love of video content and storytelling, combined with fascination for emerging technologies. That combination led me toward immersive digital experiences. Others may find themselves drawn to hardware, software development, data science, or UX design, there is no singular path into tech.
Start by exploring what excites you. Experiment with learning opportunities, engage with professional communities and build confidence in transferable skills. Skills like strategic thinking, communication, creativity, and leadership are immensely valuable in technology environments.
Equally important is finding support networks, like Women in Tech Sussex. These communities play a vital role in visibility and encouragement, and representation matters - seeing others navigate similar journeys can be transformative.
Ultimately, the technology industry needs diverse perspectives. It thrives when people bring unique experiences and viewpoints to solving complex challenges. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
The Technology I Can’t Live Without
One piece of technology I enjoy is a VR headset. There’s still a sense of curiosity every time I put one on, that moment of stepping into a completely different environment hasn’t really worn off - even after all these years. Beyond being central to our work in immersive technology, it allows me to experience digital environments firsthand, ensuring that strategy aligns with real user experience.
It turns abstract concepts into tangible understanding and strengthens my ability to communicate value authentically. Experiencing innovation directly keeps me grounded in the purpose behind the work, not just driving growth metrics, but enabling meaningful engagement through technology.
I’m also a little lost without my smart watch, so that’s a close second.
Technology That’s Benefited the World
If I had to highlight one category of technological advancement that has transformed the world, it would be connectivity, the tools that enable communication, collaboration and access to knowledge globally.
Digital platforms have reshaped learning, working and sharing ideas. They’ve made remote collaboration possible, expanded access to information and created new opportunities for communities and organisations alike - including supporting regional technology ecosystems.
While these advances come with challenges requiring thoughtful governance and ethics, their positive impact on accessibility and opportunity is undeniable.
Looking Ahead
Working in growth and marketing within the tech sector means embracing constant change. New platforms emerge, behaviours evolve and technological capabilities expand. This dynamism is what makes careers in technology energising. They require curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of this journey is contributing to broader conversations about how technology shapes experience and marketing opportunities for brands. Whether mentoring others, supporting representation initiatives, or helping organisations understand emerging capabilities, impact remains the guiding principle.
My path into technology was neither conventional nor predictable and that is precisely its value. It demonstrates that careers in tech can be built through creativity, leadership and curiosity just as much as technical specialisation.
There is space in this industry for many voices and perspectives - and I hope more people feel empowered to bring theirs.
