Emer Taheny, humm – A finalist in the Expleo WMB Woman in Technology Award category
25th April 2022
Over the coming weeks, we will be introducing you to our WMB Award Finalists. Ultimately there will be one winner in each of our five Award categories, to be announced at our Conference & Awards on May 16th. If you’d like to attend our Conference & Awards, you can book now>>
Here, we introduce you to Emer Taheny, humm – a finalist in the Expleo WMB Woman in Technology Award category.
Title and Company Name
Head of Operations Ireland & UK, humm.
Sector & size of operation
Financial (70+ Employees UK/IE)
You originally hail from
Sligo
Single or relationship
Relationship
What is the best part of your job
I would like to say that the best part of my job is the people I work with. Everyone is incredibly friendly, interesting, smart, and just all-around good people.
They motivate me to do my best and are always willing to help. They all come from different backgrounds and have unique perspectives to share.
My role allows me to work closely with all departments within the business which I really enjoy. The technical side of my role is exciting – there is always a new challenge, and it is an area where I continue to learn, grow and be challenged daily.
And the most challenging
The part of my job that is most challenging is probably the part that is also most thrilling. I am faced with problems to be solved and decisions to be made daily. There isn’t always the luxury of time and you need to make the best decision quickly with the facts you have. This is challenging but exciting.
Your definition of success
Success for me is many things. It is being content, happy, and having an impact. I find success in purpose and being able to see how my guidance has contributed to the business and teams’ overall success.
Success to me is reaching my full potential and setting no limits. It is about learning from your failures and using them as stepping stones to your future successes. It is what you make it and want it to be.
Best trait
Empathy is one of the most important skills as a leader and something that has been instilled in me since a young age.
It is understanding people and their individual perspectives, situations and having genuine care for people – whether it is a colleague, a customer, a supplier, a friend, a family member, or a stranger. Without empathy, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Worst trait
Setting boundaries around work life balance. I continue to strive to improve my work life balance, but I haven’t perfected it just yet!
Biggest ‘win’ to date
Launching humm in the UK Market. This system will now be used as the global blueprint for system integrations in new Markets for humm Group.
Who inspires you most
I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my grandmother. She ran the family grocery shop in Sligo for 40 years. She was extremely customer orientated when it came to business. She offered weekly or monthly credit lines to those that could afford it and provided personalised payment plans for those who needed it, ensuring no one went hungry. I am now part of a company that is following a very similar mission and providing customers with an alternative way to pay, while ensuring a customer focused approach in everything we do.
She was well respected in the local community and had strong relationships with her customers and suppliers. I see a lot of myself in her and she continues to inspire me in my work every day.
Name two things on your ‘bucket list’
•I want to learn to code. It is near impossible to make a single decision without considering the IT. I want to learn how to code so I can gain a deeper understanding of this skillset and bring that into my role as a leader implementing technology across various business units.
•To see the Northern Lights in Iceland someday.
What does it mean for you to be a woman in business today
Being a woman in business today means believing in yourself and being able to get out of your comfort zone. There is no ideal path but only your own path that you carve for yourself.
Best advice to pass on.
Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and make mistakes. This is where you will learn and grow the most.
