This month in our colleague spotlight Hayley Wood, Delivery and Product Lead at Leighton sat down with us to discuss her role, her favourite memories of Leighton so far and what she gets up to away from the keyboard.  

Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities as a Delivery and Product Lead?  

As a Delivery and Product Lead my role is to ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within budget. I work with our teams to create and embed flexible, clear delivery governance frameworks and continuously evolve our methodologies to promote excellence.  I also lead the integration of modern technologies, systems, and processes, work to build our insight capability in line with strategic goals develop the vision and roadmap for growth and plan team skills and capabilities, as well as handle escalations and delivery challenges.

How long have you been with Leighton and what drew you here initially?  

I have been with Leighton for two years. After being made redundant at my previous company, I wanted to take the time to find the right opportunity that would support my next career step. During this transition period, I interviewed with another North East software company and had a job offer on the table. Then, the talent team from Leighton reached out to me on LinkedIn. I felt it was important to explore the opportunity with them, so I agreed to an interview. From the initial conversation and throughout the interview process, I enjoyed getting to know the people who are now my Leighton colleagues. I got a genuine feel for the company’s values and ambitions, and I felt that I could contribute to Leighton’s growth, it was an exciting proposition that I wanted to be a part of.  

What inspired you to pursue a career as a Product Lead?  

I have been in Product Management for a number of years now, and my passion for this role continues to grow. I reached a point in my career where I was eager for more responsibility and a broader range of opportunities -  I wanted to challenge myself. My decision to pursue this career path, in particular with Leighton, was driven by a combination of opportunities across career growth and skills development, as well as the desire to make a significant impact on our customers and Leighton as a business.  

What are the most important skills you’ve had to develop in your role?  

Years ago, I came across the quote, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”, and it resonates with me now more than ever. My role is a hybrid one that bridges the worlds of product and delivery. While these areas are interconnected, they have distinct differences. A Product Lead focuses on defining the product vision, strategy, and roadmap. They collaborate closely with stakeholders to understand customer needs and market trends, ensuring the product aligns with business objectives and delivers value to users. Conversely, a Delivery Lead is dedicated to the execution and delivery of the product, managing the development process to ensure timely, budget-friendly, and high-quality outcomes. While my heart is passionate about product, my head must be equally committed to delivery. This dual focus drives me to continually upskill and embrace new challenges that arise, particularly across delivery.

What project or accomplishment are you most proud of in your career to date?

There are several things I’m proud of that have really defined my professional journey. My ability to progress in my career, even when switching roles, has been a testament to my adaptability and commitment to continuous learning. Each transition has equipped me with new skills and perspectives, enabling me to contribute more effectively to my teams and projects. By building and delivering products that delight customers and seeing the positive impact of these products, backed by data, it reinforces the value of my efforts and the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs.  

Leading and maintaining happy, motivated teams is also rewarding. Fostering a positive and supportive environment where team members feel valued and inspired is crucial to collective success.  

My career as a whole is a tapestry of diverse experiences and achievements, each contributing to my growth and the success of my teams and organisations. This combination of accomplishments is what I am most proud of, and it continues to inspire me to strive for excellence in all that I do.  

What do you enjoy most about your work?  

The range of different projects and customers with different requirements that I get to work on and the dynamic blend of challenges and opportunities that brings. I thrive on the ability to adapt and grow, and change keeps me engaged and motivated.  

What’s one thing about Leighton that stands out to you?  

Leighton is not afraid to make changes, it does not dwell on mistakes and things that didn’t go well, it adapts, and it moves forward.  

What’s your favourite memory or moment from your time at Leighton so far?

Presenting at two consecutive company days, which took me out of my comfort zone. Both times, I spoke about topics not related to my job role. The first presentation was about the Skills Matrix, which helps to map out the skills and proficiency levels of colleagues and the benefits of personal development plans. The second talk was about engagement. These experiences stand out to me not only because they involved facing my fear of public speaking but also because they highlight the opportunities I have at Leighton to make a difference beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Plus, I had the unique chance to dress up as a shark! Some might see it as a clever way to wear a “mask”, but for me, it symbolises how Leighton embraces differences and provides a psychologically safe environment where we can share, have fun and truly be ourselves.  

What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your career that you haven’t yet?

I aspire to lead a ground-breaking project that significantly impacts our industry. I envision spearheading an initiative that not only drives innovation but also sets new standards for excellence. This goal excites me because it combines my passion for continuous learning, my commitment to delivering high-quality results, and my desire to make a meaningful difference.  

What’s a fun fact about you that most colleagues might not know?

I am an algorithm nerd. Give me ten minutes of your life and I will teach you how to solve a Rubik’s cube.  

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  

Being outdoors, going on holiday and exploring new places, cooking tasty food, watching sport (mainly football, UK and American), and trying new things – I get bored easily so try lots of new things!

What’s something people might not know about your role?  

One aspect that people might not know about the role of a Product and Delivery Lead is the careful balance you need to strike between strategic development and delivery, it also requires a deep dive into the intricacies of project management, team dynamics, and customer needs.  

What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?  

This was not personal advice I received but I read it in a book called “Who moved my cheese?” - “What you are afraid of is never as bad as what you imagine. The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.” For me this is all about shifting your mindset. Adopting a mindset that acknowledges that exaggeration of fear when used in a controlled way can help us approach challenges with more confidence and resilience.  

What advice would you give someone starting in this industry?  

Embrace collaboration and inclusivity.  

Build strong relationships with your team and stakeholders – it's absolutely essential for success in this role.  

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