Jenny Evans ─ Passionate story teller to improve lives through technology...
September 15, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Jenny Evans
Head of Marketing
J2 Innovations, a Siemens Company
Are you looking for a marketing leader with a passion for telling meaningful stories and using technology as a stepping stone to improve the lives for current and future generations? We know the person—Jenny Evans!
Jenny Evans is currently Head of Marketing at J2 Innovations (a Siemens Company), a software company creating a state-of-the-art open framework for building automation and IoT applications. She has over 14 years of experience in marketing, communications, and strategy. She has a passion for telling meaningful stories and using technology as a stepping stone to improve the lives for current and future generations. Outside of her professional career, she is captain of her local field hockey team and enjoys taking her chihuahua on walks.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Jenny Evans!
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 have three chihuahuas! They bring so much laughter into the world and they come with me and the family everywhere we go.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Quite a bit considering most of it was within the UK., miles weren’t just for business. I have family all over the world so all of us travel quite a bit.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Sago grubs in Yangon, Myanmar.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
- The first was running a sponsorship project for Siemens UK to get more young people into STEM subjects called the Curiosity Project. It was more than just running and delivering events, it was trying to make sense of important issues and understanding why young people, particularly girls, weren’t taking STEM subjects.
- The other experience was managing the transition of work and life pre-pandemic to pandemic. Back in February/March 2020, I was transitioning into a new role and completing a huge electric vehicle charging project called ‘Electric Avenue’. The scope of the project was constantly changing as the pandemic was unfolding in front of the world – with lockdown being announced the day I started in my new role.
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?
There are countless talented people that I have met along the way who I owe knowledge, experience and thanks to. There have been a few standout individuals who have kept me constantly inspired and driven – my lesson from them has been to keep learning, and learn how to give and take criticism.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Stop being scared – say what you wanted in that meeting, as your contribution is just as valuable as anyone else. While you’re at it, tell that CEO your ideas. They are only human, just like you.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I’m currently recruiting for two roles via a new UK Government scheme called KickStart aimed at creating new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds who are at risk of long term unemployment. Through the scheme, I will mentor two young people for 6 months and share as much knowledge and experience as I can.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Stepping into new role with J2 Innovations, a Siemens owned company independently managed, I got stuck in with a repositioning and rebranding project! The need was to ensure our vision, mission, messaging, and visual identity was consistent and documented. With J2 Innovations and its software being at the forefront of such a rapidly changing IoT environment, it was key to balance our global tech know-how and stay true to our Californian roots. Look at our website and see for yourself.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Taking the time to become knowledgeable, confident and comfortable in topics that I would have typically shied away from at school because of lack of confidence or it not being for ‘girls’.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
The pace of change in every part of tech. The role of marketing and communications is changing, and I am finding myself delivering value by ‘connecting the dots’ between people, technology and topics.
