Lynda Brown

Part one of a two-part profile, read part two here.

Meet Lynda Brown. EMEA Director of Talent Acquisition and Global TA Partner for Digital Infrastructure

• A recruitment veteran of 20 years
• Champion of women in technology
• A self-confessed Yorkshire lass

Opening opportunities

I come from a small village in Yorkshire. My dad’s an electrician and my mum worked nights so that she was home to bring up myself and my sister. Neither of my parents had the best education and never got to explore how further education could help them realize their potential. This is why they both made sacrifices so my sister and I would have every opportunity available to us.

Tough life lessons

Moving from my small Yorkshire village to big city Birmingham for University was a major culture shock and I had to quickly learn to navigate. I amassed university debt but really wanted to stand on my own two feet and figure out my future. By chance, a landlord taught me a valuable life lesson which has stayed with me – to trust people, in life, and in business. To give people the opportunity to grow and succeed. Had he not given me 3 months free rent, I doubt I’d be in the position I am today.

After my first job, I realized I loved connecting with people and problem solving. This led me to take a job in IT Recruitment. At that point, the IT industry was heavily male dominated, and I think the assumption was "what could a twenty-something woman know about tech" - I had to quickly learn to sound credible. I loved the possibilities of what tech could do, it’s always evolving and made me realize I could grow my skills and evolve as well.

What it takes to succeed

Working for a small independent recruitment firm was great experience. I had autonomy and I was earning a great commission. But the recruitment industry had zero flexibility and I felt burned out by age 26. I started considering my options. I knew I wanted to stay in tech and to go in-house but lacked corporate experience. I took my first contract role and after 9 months joined Hitachi. 15 years later, I have a better perspective of what it takes to succeed in tech. And even when I don’t always feel confident — I seize every opportunity even if it’s outside my comfort zone.