In her three years at Telegraph Media Group. Lise-Ann Brennan has progressed quickly to her senior position as Head of Delivery – Subscriptions. She is a role model for women aspiring to be leaders in the tech space and has taken full advantage of all the development opportunities offered to her at Telegraph Media Group. We spoke to her about her success, and what’s next.
A perfect day at work
Lise-Ann oversees the ongoing growth and development of Telegraph Media Group’s technology approach to subscription management. She’s responsible for ensuring their subscription proposition remains engaging and appealing to a broad customer base.
“I love the delivery phase of big projects as we coordinate and collaborate with multiple teams. Orchestrating the various elements of a delivery plan to bring a project to life is exciting and highly rewarding.”
One of her favorite projects was an election sale in 2019.
“The team worked through the night as the election results came in, monitoring stability and ensuring we were on standby to tackle any issue should they arise. The atmosphere in the office and the energy within the team was electric, it was a fantastic experience and one I will remember for many years to come.”
Her passion really shines through, and Lise-Ann also loves speaking to the wider business to raise her team’s profile among the organization.
When you know you’re in the right place
After her first day at work, Lise-Ann rode the tube home wearing her Telegraph Media Group pass and felt a huge sense of pride. That pride confirmed to her that she had made the right decision. She is proud to work for a well-known, trusted publication with a right of center alignment.
Her path to Telegraph Media Group started in an unexpected way – with a degree in Architecture. It was whilst working with the well-known architect, Sir Terry Farrell, Lise-Ann realized she had a transferable skill-set applicable to a wide variety of industries.
“I was keen to explore how I could use my communication and organization skills to support emerging tech companies and began my involvement with some exciting start-ups. I was then approached about a role at Telegraph Media Group which captivated my attention as it spoke to my interest in communication and technology. I have always had a strong interest in journalism and the chance to be able work for a team that provides a platform for news to be readily accessible was too good to pass on.”
And at Telegraph Media Group, they invest in building talent and capability. Lise-Ann’s own career development has been well-supported by the business.
“I am so proud of my progression at Telegraph Media Group which is a reflection of my ambition and the ethos of the company to support and foster talent.”
She also enjoys the inclusive culture, with everyone being friendly and approachable.
“From the CEO through to the team on ground, there is no sense of exclusion. I don’t have any qualms speaking to ‘senior’ colleagues as the ethos of the whole organization is equality and I can honestly say in my experience they practice this very well.”
How the right people make all the difference
It’s true when they say that it’s the people who really make an organization. In the senior ranks, they are inclusive, supportive and encouraging, and throughout the business people are dedicated and engaging.
“I have been so fortunate to work with some inspiring people who have encouraged me to take risks and explore opportunities that have benefited my career.”
For Lise-Ann, the colleagues that she works with directly have had a huge impact on her ability to succeed.
“My boss is a fantastic leader and puts so much faith in me to be the best I can be. He recognizes that I don’t always appreciate my potential quickly enough, so he pushes me to step up. He has been a great mentor and support.”
Within her team, she describes the Programme Manager and Product Owner she works most closely with as real-life superstars and heroes. She appreciates their calm nature that allows the whole team to work at pace knowing they are fully supported and everything is in hand. When it comes to the importance of creating a strong team, Lise-Ann shares,
“Build a good team, you can’t do everything, and you don’t have to!”
And at Telegraph Media Group, the notable lack of hierarchy makes it easy to access people and skills.
“I think many people would be surprised at how level the organization is. There is a genuine sense of equality across all teams, and everyone recognizes the impact of our collective effort to achieve Telegraph Media Group’s vision.”
Taking a chance on a job you love
Lise-Ann would never have guessed that she would end up at Telegraph Media Group, but says,
“I ultimately find myself working in a role I love.”
Her advice to others wanting to create their dream career is to consider all the options, even the unexpected.
“Be open minded and try to get a feel for what you naturally have a talent and passion for. It is true that if you do what you love you never work a day in your life. I would encourage others to take a risk and see what happens, leap and the net will appear!”
