At Legal & General, we believe that great leadership is about more than just delivering results - it's about nurturing teams, fostering diversity, and driving innovation.
We sat down with one of our engineering leaders, Jennifer Pickard, to explore what inspired her career in engineering, how she approaches leadership, and the qualities she believes are essential for building high-performing teams.
Through her insights, we get a glimpse into the collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment that defines our engineering culture at L&G.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
“My journey into engineering was profoundly influenced by my father, who started his career in the 1970s, a time when computers filled entire rooms.
As technology evolved, our home was filled with these compact machines, igniting my curiosity. I always enjoyed mathematics, which I went on to study at university, where a programming component ignited my passion for software development.
The excitement of coding and creating solutions to real-world problems drove my desire to innovate and enhance user experiences.
Throughout my education and early career, I actively sought opportunities to learn and grow, further solidifying my love for engineering.”
How do you approach leadership and team management in your role?
“My leadership focuses on nurturing, empowering, and motivating teams. I emphasize personal development, offering opportunities for learning and mentoring.
Empowering my teams with autonomy fosters responsibility and innovation. I also celebrate successes to boost morale and keep a clear vision that inspires the team.
Understanding each individual’s strengths and maintaining empathy helps me adapt to their needs, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.”
What are the key qualities you believe are essential for effective leadership?
“Trust, active listening, and curiosity are key to leadership. Establishing mutual trust nurtures collaboration, while listening helps me understand my team’s needs. Curiosity drives innovation and continuous learning.
I also value adaptability, enabling me to navigate challenges, and emotional intelligence, crucial for manageing relationships and team dynamics.”
How do you promote diversity and inclusion within your engineering team?
“I prioritise inclusive hiring, diverse talent sourcing, and mentorship. Legal & General’s flexible work policies support underrepresented employees, and we actively seek feedback to improve our approach to diversity and inclusion.”
What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?
“Embrace challenges, seek mentorship, and commit to lifelong learning. Focus on building leadership skills like communication and adaptability to advance your career in engineering.”
Explore engineering careers with L&G
Are you enthusiastic about empowering teams to thrive, embracing diverse perspectives, and driving continuous innovation? Then L&G could be your next career destination.
Our engineering team’s commitment to personal development and creating solutions that make a real difference underscores our dedication to fostering both individual growth and industry leadership. Join us by exploring our engineering roles today.
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