Colleague spotlight: Introducing Tom Shanan
Tom started his career in software development later than most, yet he has grown to become a standout member of the Leighton team, known for his problem-solving mindset and commitment to quality.
In this month’s colleague spotlight, we take a closer look at Tom’s unconventional path into software development, how he helps drive collaboration and improvement within his team, and his thoughts on where the industry is headed next...
I work as a front-end developer on the ‘Book’ project for British Airways, a project that I’ve been working on for the past four years. My work involves maintaining and improving the existing codebase, ensuring that the foundation we’ve built remains stable, efficient, and scalable. I also develop new features, translating business requirements into functional, user-friendly interfaces that enhance the customer experience. Part of my role is refining tasks through tickets, analysing each one to anticipate potential challenges or impediments before development begins, which helps prevent delays and keeps projects on track.
Collaboration is a key part of my work; I regularly coordinate with other teams to integrate new systems or implement changes that could have far-reaching effects across the business. Supporting colleagues is also important to me, I mentor new starters, helping them get up to speed quickly while reinforcing best practices. Maintaining high-quality code is a constant focus, as it ensures our product remains reliable, performant, and easy to maintain. Additionally, I work closely with our scrum masters to continuously improve team workflows, optimise processes, and enhance productivity.
In essence, my role combines technical expertise, collaboration, and mentorship to deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions while ensuring our team operates efficiently and effectively.
I’ve been with Leighton for just over four years and what initially drew me in was the opportunity to work with a company like British Airways alongside such talented colleagues. From the beginning, it was clear that Leighton offers a unique and supportive culture, one that genuinely nurtures growth and encourages people to do their best work. That level of support and encouragement was something I hadn’t experienced often before joining, and it has made a real difference in both my development and the impact I can have on the project I work on.
My first introduction to the world of software engineering came when I was ten years old. My sister told me it was “the career of the future”, and that comment stayed with me. Throughout my teens and early twenties, I found myself experimenting with coding by building websites and tools just for fun.
At 26, whilst not actually working within a software developer role, I began working on a Chrome extension for Booking.com which helped to add functionality and enhance the user experience, often staying up late at night and spending weekends trying to perfect it. That project made me realise how much more passionate I was about developing and problem-solving. I decided to take the leap and then spent the next year and a half retraining as a front-end engineer.
Although I originally went to university to study filmmaking, I never formally studied software development. Instead, I’m entirely self-taught, learning through online courses, tutorials, and endless hours of hands-on experimentation.
Negotiating solutions has become a much bigger part of my role recently. I’ve learned that patience and understanding different perspectives are just as important as knowing when to advocate for your own ideas. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken on board is that sometimes, the best solution is to not do something at all. Early in your development career, there’s a natural eagerness to build, create, and implement big solutions, but experience teaches you to pause, step back, and ask whether it’s really worth the time and effort. I often find myself asking in meetings, “should we be doing this in the first place?”.
Another mindset shift has been learning to start small. You don’t always need to begin with the end product in mind, progress often comes from iterating, experimenting, and improving over time, something that aligns perfectly with agile principles. Active communication is also key. Too often, people early in their careers hesitate to seek feedback, but getting diverse perspectives, not just from managers but from peers as well, can make a huge difference in how you grow and the quality of solutions you deliver.
I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects over the years, but honestly, my proudest achievement has been making such a big career shift at 26 a success without a university degree or following the “traditional” path that many take to reach this stage. For years, I struggled with imposter syndrome, but now I can say with confidence that I’ve earned my place in this field and no longer let those doubts hold me back.
When I successfully deliver something that makes a real difference to the end user, that’s when my work feels most rewarding. Naturally, at a business the size of British Airways, there’s a strong focus on increasing revenue and conversion. But I genuinely believe what matters most is creating a better experience to the user. When I can deliver something that makes someone’s interaction smoother, more enjoyable, or simply more intuitive, even if it doesn’t directly impact conversion, that’s when I feel I’ve truly added value. It might not always have a direct monetary measure, but it has meaningful impact and knowing that my work improves someone’s journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Like many of the colleagues here I work remotely and don’t often get to see people face-to-face, but despite this one thing I’ve realised during my time here is just how many genuinely good people we have, and the fact that so many of them stay for years speaks volumes about what kind of company this is. Leighton is also the longest I’ve ever stayed with any organisation in my career, and that says a lot. Despite most of us working remotely, there’s a real sense of community and connection here, which is something quite special.
Going bar hopping in Newcastle after my first Christmas party with Leighton. We had plenty of notable colleagues attend and it still sticks out as one of my favourite nights out in the North East. Let’s wait and see if this year’s Christmas party can top it!
One day I would like to develop my own product and be my own manager, there are a few ideas I’ve been exploring, but I’m in no rush. For now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can, growing my skills and understanding what makes products successful.
I am the holder of four passports. I’m lucky enough to have travelled to lots of different countries, so having these passports makes travelling that little bit easier.
I like to play board games, craft things, and more recently have started experimenting with a 3D printer I have just bought.
I spend more time that a lot of people would think collaborating with scrum masters and other team members optimising workflows. It’s a continuous process of refinement and improvement, ensuring that the team can stay focused, agile, and aligned on delivering high-quality outcomes.
My dad gave me this advice; don’t be afraid to aim high because a lot of jobs are basically the same, you’re just swapping responsibilities. You can always do more than what you’re doing now.
As we move deeper into the age of AI, the real value won’t come from efficiency alone, it will come from critical thinking. Automation will handle more of the routine work, but those who truly understand strong architecture, thoughtful design, and best practices will stand out. The ability to think strategically, question assumptions, and build things the right way will become more important than ever.
Tom started his career in software development later than most, yet he has grown to become a standout member of the Leighton team, known for his problem-solving mindset and commitment to quality.
In this month’s colleague spotlight, we take a closer look at Tom’s unconventional path into software development, how he helps drive collaboration and improvement within his team, and his thoughts on where the industry is headed next...
I work as a front-end developer on the ‘Book’ project for British Airways, a project that I’ve been working on for the past four years. My work involves maintaining and improving the existing codebase, ensuring that the foundation we’ve built remains stable, efficient, and scalable. I also develop new features, translating business requirements into functional, user-friendly interfaces that enhance the customer experience. Part of my role is refining tasks through tickets, analysing each one to anticipate potential challenges or impediments before development begins, which helps prevent delays and keeps projects on track.
Collaboration is a key part of my work; I regularly coordinate with other teams to integrate new systems or implement changes that could have far-reaching effects across the business. Supporting colleagues is also important to me, I mentor new starters, helping them get up to speed quickly while reinforcing best practices. Maintaining high-quality code is a constant focus, as it ensures our product remains reliable, performant, and easy to maintain. Additionally, I work closely with our scrum masters to continuously improve team workflows, optimise processes, and enhance productivity.
In essence, my role combines technical expertise, collaboration, and mentorship to deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions while ensuring our team operates efficiently and effectively.
I’ve been with Leighton for just over four years and what initially drew me in was the opportunity to work with a company like British Airways alongside such talented colleagues. From the beginning, it was clear that Leighton offers a unique and supportive culture, one that genuinely nurtures growth and encourages people to do their best work. That level of support and encouragement was something I hadn’t experienced often before joining, and it has made a real difference in both my development and the impact I can have on the project I work on.
My first introduction to the world of software engineering came when I was ten years old. My sister told me it was “the career of the future”, and that comment stayed with me. Throughout my teens and early twenties, I found myself experimenting with coding by building websites and tools just for fun.
At 26, whilst not actually working within a software developer role, I began working on a Chrome extension for Booking.com which helped to add functionality and enhance the user experience, often staying up late at night and spending weekends trying to perfect it. That project made me realise how much more passionate I was about developing and problem-solving. I decided to take the leap and then spent the next year and a half retraining as a front-end engineer.
Although I originally went to university to study filmmaking, I never formally studied software development. Instead, I’m entirely self-taught, learning through online courses, tutorials, and endless hours of hands-on experimentation.
Negotiating solutions has become a much bigger part of my role recently. I’ve learned that patience and understanding different perspectives are just as important as knowing when to advocate for your own ideas. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken on board is that sometimes, the best solution is to not do something at all. Early in your development career, there’s a natural eagerness to build, create, and implement big solutions, but experience teaches you to pause, step back, and ask whether it’s really worth the time and effort. I often find myself asking in meetings, “should we be doing this in the first place?”.
Another mindset shift has been learning to start small. You don’t always need to begin with the end product in mind, progress often comes from iterating, experimenting, and improving over time, something that aligns perfectly with agile principles. Active communication is also key. Too often, people early in their careers hesitate to seek feedback, but getting diverse perspectives, not just from managers but from peers as well, can make a huge difference in how you grow and the quality of solutions you deliver.
I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects over the years, but honestly, my proudest achievement has been making such a big career shift at 26 a success without a university degree or following the “traditional” path that many take to reach this stage. For years, I struggled with imposter syndrome, but now I can say with confidence that I’ve earned my place in this field and no longer let those doubts hold me back.
When I successfully deliver something that makes a real difference to the end user, that’s when my work feels most rewarding. Naturally, at a business the size of British Airways, there’s a strong focus on increasing revenue and conversion. But I genuinely believe what matters most is creating a better experience to the user. When I can deliver something that makes someone’s interaction smoother, more enjoyable, or simply more intuitive, even if it doesn’t directly impact conversion, that’s when I feel I’ve truly added value. It might not always have a direct monetary measure, but it has meaningful impact and knowing that my work improves someone’s journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Like many of the colleagues here I work remotely and don’t often get to see people face-to-face, but despite this one thing I’ve realised during my time here is just how many genuinely good people we have, and the fact that so many of them stay for years speaks volumes about what kind of company this is. Leighton is also the longest I’ve ever stayed with any organisation in my career, and that says a lot. Despite most of us working remotely, there’s a real sense of community and connection here, which is something quite special.
Going bar hopping in Newcastle after my first Christmas party with Leighton. We had plenty of notable colleagues attend and it still sticks out as one of my favourite nights out in the North East. Let’s wait and see if this year’s Christmas party can top it!
One day I would like to develop my own product and be my own manager, there are a few ideas I’ve been exploring, but I’m in no rush. For now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can, growing my skills and understanding what makes products successful.
I am the holder of four passports. I’m lucky enough to have travelled to lots of different countries, so having these passports makes travelling that little bit easier.
I like to play board games, craft things, and more recently have started experimenting with a 3D printer I have just bought.
I spend more time that a lot of people would think collaborating with scrum masters and other team members optimising workflows. It’s a continuous process of refinement and improvement, ensuring that the team can stay focused, agile, and aligned on delivering high-quality outcomes.
My dad gave me this advice; don’t be afraid to aim high because a lot of jobs are basically the same, you’re just swapping responsibilities. You can always do more than what you’re doing now.
As we move deeper into the age of AI, the real value won’t come from efficiency alone, it will come from critical thinking. Automation will handle more of the routine work, but those who truly understand strong architecture, thoughtful design, and best practices will stand out. The ability to think strategically, question assumptions, and build things the right way will become more important than ever.
Tom started his career in software development later than most, yet he has grown to become a standout member of the Leighton team, known for his problem-solving mindset and commitment to quality.
In this month’s colleague spotlight, we take a closer look at Tom’s unconventional path into software development, how he helps drive collaboration and improvement within his team, and his thoughts on where the industry is headed next...
I work as a front-end developer on the ‘Book’ project for British Airways, a project that I’ve been working on for the past four years. My work involves maintaining and improving the existing codebase, ensuring that the foundation we’ve built remains stable, efficient, and scalable. I also develop new features, translating business requirements into functional, user-friendly interfaces that enhance the customer experience. Part of my role is refining tasks through tickets, analysing each one to anticipate potential challenges or impediments before development begins, which helps prevent delays and keeps projects on track.
Collaboration is a key part of my work; I regularly coordinate with other teams to integrate new systems or implement changes that could have far-reaching effects across the business. Supporting colleagues is also important to me, I mentor new starters, helping them get up to speed quickly while reinforcing best practices. Maintaining high-quality code is a constant focus, as it ensures our product remains reliable, performant, and easy to maintain. Additionally, I work closely with our scrum masters to continuously improve team workflows, optimise processes, and enhance productivity.
In essence, my role combines technical expertise, collaboration, and mentorship to deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions while ensuring our team operates efficiently and effectively.
I’ve been with Leighton for just over four years and what initially drew me in was the opportunity to work with a company like British Airways alongside such talented colleagues. From the beginning, it was clear that Leighton offers a unique and supportive culture, one that genuinely nurtures growth and encourages people to do their best work. That level of support and encouragement was something I hadn’t experienced often before joining, and it has made a real difference in both my development and the impact I can have on the project I work on.
My first introduction to the world of software engineering came when I was ten years old. My sister told me it was “the career of the future”, and that comment stayed with me. Throughout my teens and early twenties, I found myself experimenting with coding by building websites and tools just for fun.
At 26, whilst not actually working within a software developer role, I began working on a Chrome extension for Booking.com which helped to add functionality and enhance the user experience, often staying up late at night and spending weekends trying to perfect it. That project made me realise how much more passionate I was about developing and problem-solving. I decided to take the leap and then spent the next year and a half retraining as a front-end engineer.
Although I originally went to university to study filmmaking, I never formally studied software development. Instead, I’m entirely self-taught, learning through online courses, tutorials, and endless hours of hands-on experimentation.
Negotiating solutions has become a much bigger part of my role recently. I’ve learned that patience and understanding different perspectives are just as important as knowing when to advocate for your own ideas. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken on board is that sometimes, the best solution is to not do something at all. Early in your development career, there’s a natural eagerness to build, create, and implement big solutions, but experience teaches you to pause, step back, and ask whether it’s really worth the time and effort. I often find myself asking in meetings, “should we be doing this in the first place?”.
Another mindset shift has been learning to start small. You don’t always need to begin with the end product in mind, progress often comes from iterating, experimenting, and improving over time, something that aligns perfectly with agile principles. Active communication is also key. Too often, people early in their careers hesitate to seek feedback, but getting diverse perspectives, not just from managers but from peers as well, can make a huge difference in how you grow and the quality of solutions you deliver.
I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects over the years, but honestly, my proudest achievement has been making such a big career shift at 26 a success without a university degree or following the “traditional” path that many take to reach this stage. For years, I struggled with imposter syndrome, but now I can say with confidence that I’ve earned my place in this field and no longer let those doubts hold me back.
When I successfully deliver something that makes a real difference to the end user, that’s when my work feels most rewarding. Naturally, at a business the size of British Airways, there’s a strong focus on increasing revenue and conversion. But I genuinely believe what matters most is creating a better experience to the user. When I can deliver something that makes someone’s interaction smoother, more enjoyable, or simply more intuitive, even if it doesn’t directly impact conversion, that’s when I feel I’ve truly added value. It might not always have a direct monetary measure, but it has meaningful impact and knowing that my work improves someone’s journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Like many of the colleagues here I work remotely and don’t often get to see people face-to-face, but despite this one thing I’ve realised during my time here is just how many genuinely good people we have, and the fact that so many of them stay for years speaks volumes about what kind of company this is. Leighton is also the longest I’ve ever stayed with any organisation in my career, and that says a lot. Despite most of us working remotely, there’s a real sense of community and connection here, which is something quite special.
Going bar hopping in Newcastle after my first Christmas party with Leighton. We had plenty of notable colleagues attend and it still sticks out as one of my favourite nights out in the North East. Let’s wait and see if this year’s Christmas party can top it!
One day I would like to develop my own product and be my own manager, there are a few ideas I’ve been exploring, but I’m in no rush. For now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can, growing my skills and understanding what makes products successful.
I am the holder of four passports. I’m lucky enough to have travelled to lots of different countries, so having these passports makes travelling that little bit easier.
I like to play board games, craft things, and more recently have started experimenting with a 3D printer I have just bought.
I spend more time that a lot of people would think collaborating with scrum masters and other team members optimising workflows. It’s a continuous process of refinement and improvement, ensuring that the team can stay focused, agile, and aligned on delivering high-quality outcomes.
My dad gave me this advice; don’t be afraid to aim high because a lot of jobs are basically the same, you’re just swapping responsibilities. You can always do more than what you’re doing now.
As we move deeper into the age of AI, the real value won’t come from efficiency alone, it will come from critical thinking. Automation will handle more of the routine work, but those who truly understand strong architecture, thoughtful design, and best practices will stand out. The ability to think strategically, question assumptions, and build things the right way will become more important than ever.
Tom started his career in software development later than most, yet he has grown to become a standout member of the Leighton team, known for his problem-solving mindset and commitment to quality.
In this month’s colleague spotlight, we take a closer look at Tom’s unconventional path into software development, how he helps drive collaboration and improvement within his team, and his thoughts on where the industry is headed next...
I work as a front-end developer on the ‘Book’ project for British Airways, a project that I’ve been working on for the past four years. My work involves maintaining and improving the existing codebase, ensuring that the foundation we’ve built remains stable, efficient, and scalable. I also develop new features, translating business requirements into functional, user-friendly interfaces that enhance the customer experience. Part of my role is refining tasks through tickets, analysing each one to anticipate potential challenges or impediments before development begins, which helps prevent delays and keeps projects on track.
Collaboration is a key part of my work; I regularly coordinate with other teams to integrate new systems or implement changes that could have far-reaching effects across the business. Supporting colleagues is also important to me, I mentor new starters, helping them get up to speed quickly while reinforcing best practices. Maintaining high-quality code is a constant focus, as it ensures our product remains reliable, performant, and easy to maintain. Additionally, I work closely with our scrum masters to continuously improve team workflows, optimise processes, and enhance productivity.
In essence, my role combines technical expertise, collaboration, and mentorship to deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions while ensuring our team operates efficiently and effectively.
I’ve been with Leighton for just over four years and what initially drew me in was the opportunity to work with a company like British Airways alongside such talented colleagues. From the beginning, it was clear that Leighton offers a unique and supportive culture, one that genuinely nurtures growth and encourages people to do their best work. That level of support and encouragement was something I hadn’t experienced often before joining, and it has made a real difference in both my development and the impact I can have on the project I work on.
My first introduction to the world of software engineering came when I was ten years old. My sister told me it was “the career of the future”, and that comment stayed with me. Throughout my teens and early twenties, I found myself experimenting with coding by building websites and tools just for fun.
At 26, whilst not actually working within a software developer role, I began working on a Chrome extension for Booking.com which helped to add functionality and enhance the user experience, often staying up late at night and spending weekends trying to perfect it. That project made me realise how much more passionate I was about developing and problem-solving. I decided to take the leap and then spent the next year and a half retraining as a front-end engineer.
Although I originally went to university to study filmmaking, I never formally studied software development. Instead, I’m entirely self-taught, learning through online courses, tutorials, and endless hours of hands-on experimentation.
Negotiating solutions has become a much bigger part of my role recently. I’ve learned that patience and understanding different perspectives are just as important as knowing when to advocate for your own ideas. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken on board is that sometimes, the best solution is to not do something at all. Early in your development career, there’s a natural eagerness to build, create, and implement big solutions, but experience teaches you to pause, step back, and ask whether it’s really worth the time and effort. I often find myself asking in meetings, “should we be doing this in the first place?”.
Another mindset shift has been learning to start small. You don’t always need to begin with the end product in mind, progress often comes from iterating, experimenting, and improving over time, something that aligns perfectly with agile principles. Active communication is also key. Too often, people early in their careers hesitate to seek feedback, but getting diverse perspectives, not just from managers but from peers as well, can make a huge difference in how you grow and the quality of solutions you deliver.
I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects over the years, but honestly, my proudest achievement has been making such a big career shift at 26 a success without a university degree or following the “traditional” path that many take to reach this stage. For years, I struggled with imposter syndrome, but now I can say with confidence that I’ve earned my place in this field and no longer let those doubts hold me back.
When I successfully deliver something that makes a real difference to the end user, that’s when my work feels most rewarding. Naturally, at a business the size of British Airways, there’s a strong focus on increasing revenue and conversion. But I genuinely believe what matters most is creating a better experience to the user. When I can deliver something that makes someone’s interaction smoother, more enjoyable, or simply more intuitive, even if it doesn’t directly impact conversion, that’s when I feel I’ve truly added value. It might not always have a direct monetary measure, but it has meaningful impact and knowing that my work improves someone’s journey is incredibly fulfilling.
Like many of the colleagues here I work remotely and don’t often get to see people face-to-face, but despite this one thing I’ve realised during my time here is just how many genuinely good people we have, and the fact that so many of them stay for years speaks volumes about what kind of company this is. Leighton is also the longest I’ve ever stayed with any organisation in my career, and that says a lot. Despite most of us working remotely, there’s a real sense of community and connection here, which is something quite special.
Going bar hopping in Newcastle after my first Christmas party with Leighton. We had plenty of notable colleagues attend and it still sticks out as one of my favourite nights out in the North East. Let’s wait and see if this year’s Christmas party can top it!
One day I would like to develop my own product and be my own manager, there are a few ideas I’ve been exploring, but I’m in no rush. For now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can, growing my skills and understanding what makes products successful.
I am the holder of four passports. I’m lucky enough to have travelled to lots of different countries, so having these passports makes travelling that little bit easier.
I like to play board games, craft things, and more recently have started experimenting with a 3D printer I have just bought.
I spend more time that a lot of people would think collaborating with scrum masters and other team members optimising workflows. It’s a continuous process of refinement and improvement, ensuring that the team can stay focused, agile, and aligned on delivering high-quality outcomes.
My dad gave me this advice; don’t be afraid to aim high because a lot of jobs are basically the same, you’re just swapping responsibilities. You can always do more than what you’re doing now.
As we move deeper into the age of AI, the real value won’t come from efficiency alone, it will come from critical thinking. Automation will handle more of the routine work, but those who truly understand strong architecture, thoughtful design, and best practices will stand out. The ability to think strategically, question assumptions, and build things the right way will become more important than ever.
