Kickstarting Your Career in Tech - Stephen Kelly, Tech Nation Chair

Stephen Kelly is the Chair of Tech Nation, a national network that supports hundreds of the UK’s biggest tech companies such as Deliveroo, Monzo and Ocado. He started his career at software company Oracle, before going on to become CEO for several high-growth companies including Micro Focus and Chordiant.

In this interview he talks us through his career, sharing the things he’s been most proud of and the biggest mistakes that he’s made. He also shares his top advice for young students and professionals who are still figuring out their own career pathways.

Some of the things he discusses include:

• What Tech Nation do and why startups are important to the UK economy 
•  How he learnt the importance of values from a young age
• Why you need to constantly challenge yourself and try new things to figure out what you want
• Why young people should also be building a professional network alongside their usual social media profiles 
• His advice for young people including self-belief and grabbing opportunities
• Not needing to be perfect or right all of the time 

The Circl Interview Series asks leaders of the UK’s most exciting businesses to share their career paths and advice with the next generation of talent. Check out our other interviews with professionals from organisations such as Google, Bulb Energy and Uber.