WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star Awards are now in their tenth year.
The Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level – representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
In this ongoing series, we speak to our winners about life after winning a Rising Star award.
We spoke to Alessandra Wood, who won a Rising Star Award in Insurance, in 2023.
My name is Alessandra Wood, born in the 80s in Italy. I am a Senior Digital Data Analyst, a position I achieved through a journey of self-building and many ups and downs. At the age of 18, I ventured to London, where I have since established myself as an evolving professional.
Upon arriving in the UK with only £150 to my name, I had to demonstrate determination and resilience. I embarked on a journey of hard work, initially in the hospitality industry, all while learning the English language to navigate my new environment. As soon as I was ready, I transitioned from restaurant work to the corporate world.
Starting as a Personal Assistant, I gradually ascended the professional ladder, transitioning through roles in customer service, marketing, and product development. It was in the field of data analytics that I discovered my true calling.
How did winning a Rising Star award influence your perception of your own achievements and potential?
I’ve always taken my achievements for granted. I consistently work hard for my money and never limit myself to just the “job description.” However, I’ve also perpetually grappled with imposter syndrome, which could explain my tendency to go above and beyond what’s expected of me. The Rising Star Award took me by surprise, and I felt incredibly appreciated. The entire ceremony felt like a giant hug, and I experienced nothing but love and support from everyone—not only from the colleagues who were there with me but from everyone around me. I will never again take my achievements and hard work for granted. I now make it a point to pause and appreciate even my small wins.
Please act. If you are aware of someone who is making a difference at work each day, don’t let it go unnoticed. Even the smallest gesture can have a significant impact and create beautiful butterfly effects.
Have there been specific opportunities or doors that opened for you as a result of receiving the award?
The award garnered significant attention for me on LinkedIn, and I’ve received considerable recognition at work. I made a point to highlight my newly received award during my end-of-year review, contributing to achieving the appropriate rating and receiving the recognition I deserve.
How has winning the award affected your professional network and relationships within your industry?
Winning the award has expanded my professional network, although it’s still a bit early to gauge the extent to which these new relationships will develop.
Have you had the chance to mentor or inspire others based on your experience?
Yes, I’m also a mentor at DLG and always happy to offer help and support to others. I am confident that if I could achieve success, anyone can. I often hear colleagues in my field facing challenges or uncertainty about how to secure a promotion or demonstrate their worth, and I am pleased to guide and support them. I have truly built myself up from nothing and am always willing to revisit that vulnerable time in my life to inspire others.
What advice would you give to someone else thinking of nominating themselves or others for the awards?
Please act. If you are aware of someone who is making a difference at work each day, don’t let it go unnoticed. Even the smallest gesture can have a significant impact and create beautiful butterfly effects. Don’t underestimate your own efforts or those of others; appreciate and acknowledge them.
What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to achieve success in their careers?
Success doesn’t happen all at once; it’s composed of many small, good choices, numerous problems solved, countless opportunities seized, multiple helping hands, and numerous smiles shared. Don’t let company politics, the status quo, negative influences, laziness, and procrastination affect you. Always choose what’s right, speak up about it, and inspire others to do the same. By doing so, you’ll pave the way for success.
What is next for you?
Since receiving my award, I’ve been brave enough to embark on a new career path. While I continue to work as a Digital Web Analyst for 50% of my time, I have also obtained qualifications as a Professional Scrum Master for the remaining 50%. In essence, I’ve chosen to assist other squads in improving their collaboration. This decision brings about numerous challenges, but I’m approaching it one day, one conversation, one problem, and one choice at a time, always striving to do what’s right.
Where can others follow you?
If you’re referring to social media presence, I’m currently only active on LinkedIn. Nevertheless, I’m more than happy to respond to questions and engage in conversations about specific topics that I’m passionate about, such as web analytics, team efficiency, the comparison between Agile and Waterfall methodologies, or strategies for navigating (and even overcoming) workplace politics. Let’s have a discussion!
