Angela Rieu-Clarke ─ Innovative leader passionate about people and culture in tech firms…
March 28, 2022 • 3 Minute Read
Angela Rieu-Clarke
Chief People Officer
Waracle
Are you looking for an innovative leader with a passion for people and the role of culture in technology firms? We know the person—Angela Rieu-Clarke!
Angela Rieu-Clarke is the Chief People Officer for Waracle. As only the second female employee to join Waracle, she has played a key role in diversifying the team, talent attraction and scaling the company. She is also responsible for a modern, agile approach to compliance and security, and is passionate about people and advocating for the role of culture in technology firms. When she is not working, Angela enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Angela Rieu-Clarke!
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 was a Trampoline Instructor for over 20 years after falling in love with the sport in my first year at university. I can still manage a somersault or two at well over the age of 40.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Fewer than 15,000 miles per year. Waracle was “remote first” before the pandemic and as a business our approach to travel is to keep it minimal and as sustainable as possible.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I was brought up in Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi) and I have an unhealthy addiction to Biltong (dried, cured meat; often game).
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
I can’t help but look back at my journey at Waracle. In 2015, I applied for a “wee, part time job as an office manager”. Within 6 and half years we’ve grown to more than 10x the size. I developed the recruitment and talent attraction process, took on compliance, which is key in highly regulated industries, and I began our digital academy.
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?
My current CEO. He’s a bit on the eccentric side and we often disagree on process versus vision, but he’s taught me to look a bit wider and to think of the business and our people as a whole, rather than tackling one person and one issue at a time.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Take 5 more minutes or even overnight before making a decision or stepping in to help. Gut feelings are often correct, but by giving things a little more time to work themselves out, you might find a solution presents itself, or you give others the chance to shine.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I’m a mentor for 4th year students from Abertay University in Dundee. I’ve offered up work experience, support in presentation skills, CV advice and myself as a general sounding board; plus it gives me the chance to keep up with fresher, younger perspectives on life and in business.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Waracle’s Digital Academy has brought together team members from across Waracle with a shared passion for education. We’ve delivered a free digital skills course 3-4 times per year to graduates and job changers, and we managed to move these courses online when the pandemic struck.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Every leader across the digital economy should now be looking at themselves and asking, “How can I make my business more sustainable, more green, more long term?” We need to think bigger, offer solutions, lead the way and push our policy makers to do the same.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
The Great Resignation and talent shortages! Ultimately we need to work as a digital community to ensure more people are qualified in digital skills, but until then my challenge is to attract fantastic people into Waracle.
