Deborah Bale ─ Innovative technologist driving a great customer experience...
June 23, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Deborah Bale
Director of Insurance
everis UK, an NTT Data Company
Are you looking for an innovative technologist with deep vertical IT and service delivery capabilities who knows how to propel a great customer experience? We know the person—Deborah Bale.
Deborah Bale is the Director of Insurance at everis UK, an NTT Data Company. Her success is founded in delivery excellence and finding the right solution to achieve her client’s required business outcomes. Prior to joining everis, Deborah worked for a business process solutions provider for 18 years before moving to insurance technology consultancy with her last 9 years as Delivery Director.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Deborah Bale!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I am a qualified sports massage therapist.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
In 2019 was about 10,000 typically in Europe for the everis offices and centres.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Not particularly adventurous but unwittingly had Tobiko, better known as flying fish eggs in Tokyo, which came as a surprise when they popped in my mouth. Growing up in Glasgow it would have to be pizza crunch, a disgusting deep fried pizza but surprisingly delicious!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Successful implementation of ERP to replace a 20 year in-house legacy platform and the discipline I needed to demonstrate to drive the data transformation in a relatively immature change culture. Working on that legacy transformation programme with the vendor, a highly experienced Director who recognized me for my hard-charging leadership and ability to cut through the intricacies of technical and business challenges, instilled confidence in my ability. That programme gave me the deep war wounds I live by today. Thank you Tim Zapawa!
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
A lady by the name of Debbie Plummer was my biggest advocate. She supported me in every challenging situation my tough exterior got me in., She helped polish me every day in not what I say but how I say it, and continues to be a close confidante and friend today.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Be authentic and have belief in yourself, recognise imposter syndrome is just a feeling so focus on the fact! (Still trying to learn how to put that in practice).
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Making time for people, helping them see the right way forward that they are comfortable with. I am always honest in my feedback, I listen and I never judge them.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
The integration of a two Insurance companies taught me a lot about people and behaviours and how they can impact the end result. Although we found some challenges along the way, it was an intense but also rewarding project to see how all our efforts came to life.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Customer Experience is what drives success. I have been increasingly learning what we need to do to help get this right first time. I am also a massive advocate on how the acceleration of Low Code can enable our clients to deliver modern apps quickly.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Hiring talent. For me, technology experience is important but the right attitude and cultural fit is what will get the success for our clients, and it is in short supply currently.
