From Kitchen to Cloud: Jaqualine Kennedy’s 40‑Year‑Old Upskilling Journey to Tech Leadership

Jaqualine Kennedy, head of networking and collaboration at CANCOM, demonstrates how the tech sector’s evolving landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for women to ascend to executive roles.

Since joining the industry in 1994, Kennedy has pursued continuous upskilling, culminating in a leadership position at age 40. In this interview she shares her journey, the challenges of achieving gender and racial balance, and the need for a more inclusive age profile in tech.

From Chef to IT Leader

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your personal story and how you have got to where you are today?

Jaqualine Kennedy (JK): When I started my career, I never imagined tech would be my arena. After training as a chef and working in hotel management, I left the industry for the demanding hours. In 1994, following the birth of my daughter, I re‑entered the workforce and landed a role at an IT firm. Back then, Microsoft Word was the pinnacle of technology, and I was completely new to the field.

Fortune smiled when one of the company’s co‑founders recognized my potential. He mentored me, encouraged experimentation, and opened doors that would shape my trajectory. Seeing a professional woman carve out a place in tech and lead alongside her husband inspired me to pursue a career I had never considered.

I was encouraged to return to university at 40, juggling studies, work, and family. After earning a bachelor’s degree, I completed a Master’s in strategic management. In 2008, I was appointed operations director of Network Defence, a firm that was later acquired by Novosco and now operates under CANCOM UK&I. I currently manage a technical team across diverse projects, reporting directly to the managing director.

Proudest Career Moment

Q: What has been your proudest career moment to date?

JK: The moment I was offered my mentor’s former role at Network Defence was transformative. She stepped back, and the remaining founder—initially considering a sale—trusted me to lead. It was a leap of faith that required me to win over his confidence and drive the company forward.

Though I felt unprepared, I believed in myself and the guidance of my mentor. This experience taught me that perseverance, not luck, fuels success. As a woman, I often undervalue my achievements, but I now celebrate hard‑earned opportunities.

I am also proud to serve as a STEM ambassador with InnovateHer, a nonprofit that encourages girls from under‑privileged backgrounds to pursue tech careers. Since 2019, I have mentored students in the “Tech for Good” programme, partnering with a Liverpool comprehensive school. Our after‑school club challenged students to design tech solutions for patient engagement at a local children’s hospital, turning hesitant participants into confident innovators who presented their ideas to the Mayor.

Impact of COVID‑19 on Diversity

Q: What impact do you think COVID‑19 has had on diversity in the sector?

JK: The pandemic highlighted disparities in work‑life balance. Men were more forthcoming about needing time for childcare and homeschooling, while many women silently struggled. These pressures risk pushing talented women out of tech. Open dialogue is essential, and I hope COVID has sparked conversations that safeguard the diversity gains we have made.

Tech’s Expansion into Other Industries

Q: Do you think the growing presence of tech in sectors like healthcare, property, and finance is helping gender diversity?

JK: Opportunities are increasing, yet visibility remains limited. The sector must abandon the stereotype that women belong only in support roles. Progress is slow, and a significant gap still exists across tech.

Why Gender Diversity Matters

Q: Why is gender diversity so important in the tech industry, and what can senior leaders do to improve it?

JK: Women bring invaluable soft skills—empathy, collaborative management, and the ability to navigate complex household responsibilities—that translate to leadership strengths. The tech industry often expects women to emulate male traits, overlooking the diversity of thought they offer. By recognizing and valuing these skills, companies unlock untapped talent and drive innovation.

In the IoT space, CANCOM offers a comprehensive portfolio, from infrastructure and architecture planning to system integration, onsite, cloud, and hybrid operations, plus ongoing analytics. This breadth showcases the many pathways tech professionals can explore, regardless of gender.

As the industry evolves, inclusive leadership and targeted mentorship—like those championed by InnovateHer—are key to sustaining progress.