In this episode of Akoni Tech Talks, we sat down with Victoria Cope, Defence Digital’s Commercial Director, to discuss her impressive career in defence and security, spanning over two decades. We explored the early influences that shaped her journey, how she transitioned from engineering to procurement and commercial roles, and her thoughts on the rapidly evolving digital landscape within the defence sector.

From Pilot Dreams to Engineering

Victoria’s journey into defence and security wasn’t straightforward. When she was younger, she aspired to become an Air Force pilot. However, her eyesight wasn’t up to the task. Rather than giving up on the idea, she considered becoming an airline pilot, with the intention of keeping an engineering qualification on hand for when the time came. She undertook an engineering degree at Loughborough University, which she thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, she loved it more than flying.

During university, she worked at Airbus Helicopters, and was involved in designing helicopter avionics and equipment for a wide range of uses, from police to utility companies. Through this experience, Victoria realised that an engineering background opened numerous career paths, which proved invaluable in her later roles.

A Career Built on Engineering, Analysis, and Innovation

Victoria shared how her engineering foundation naturally led her to operational analysis, where she was able to use structured problem-solving to address complex challenges. This eventually evolved into a career in procurement and commercial roles, where she worked on both the sell-side — helping clients improve their operations — and the procurement side, focusing on the supply chain and contract execution.

Through her diverse career, digital technology remained a constant theme, and she expressed how passionate she is about the defence and security sectors, particularly in how technology can enable success in war fighting and national security. Victoria works on procuring the digital technology used across the UK’s defence platforms — air, land, sea, space, and cyber. As she mentioned, “Digital and tech is a really core asset and not just an enabler.”

Cyber: The Top Digital Priority in Defence

When asked about the most pressing digital priorities in the defence sector, Victoria pointed to cyber security as a major focus. She explained that cyber threats are a constant challenge, with adversaries always looking for ways to infiltrate systems. She highlighted the importance of getting the basics right, such as regular software patches and ensuring both organisations and individuals are cyber-secure.

Victoria also mentioned the newly launched toolkit that helps organisations, from large manufacturers to small businesses, ensure they are meeting the required cyber security standards. In her words, the cyber war is already happening, and it’s critical to be proactive in defending against it.

Recognising Women in Tech

As a recipient of several awards, including being named in World Commerce and Contracting’s inspiring women list and winning the We Are The City’s Top 100 Women Award in 2019, Victoria discussed the significance of recognition in her field. For her, these awards are an honour, but the real motivation behind her work is to help others achieve their full potential.

Victoria is especially passionate about promoting diversity in STEM fields, particularly in defence and security. “It’s all about making a difference to other people and helping them achieve their full potential,” she said. She firmly believes that a diverse workforce with a variety of perspectives is key to achieving success in the industry.

Looking Ahead: Career Aspirations and Inspiration

Victoria’s aspirations for the future include making a significant impact at scale, particularly within defence and security. She is currently working towards achieving a Director General position within the Ministry of Defence and aims to continue making a difference. Victoria would like to transition into a portfolio career, advising others on boards using her wealth of experience.

Her six-year-old daughter is also a key source of inspiration. Victoria shared how her daughter reminds her of the importance of what she does, not just for the present, but for future generations. “She keeps me grounded,” Victoria said. “It’s about promoting women into the sector and showing her that she can do whatever job she fancies.”

Supporting Women in Tech: What Needs to Change?

The issue of supporting women in tech is one that Victoria is deeply passionate about. In light of a recent Web Summit report, which found that many women in tech feel pressured to choose between family and career, Victoria shared her thoughts on the actions companies and the industry can take to better support women. She stressed the importance of increasing inclusivity and ensuring that career progression is based on merit, not personal circumstances like parental leave.

Victoria also highlighted the need to address the gender pay gap and encourage women to confidently negotiate their salaries. “We need to respect and recognise women’s worth,” she said, pointing out that women often excel at negotiating in workplace situations but may hesitate when it comes to negotiating for themselves.

In her view, companies need to create a supportive environment where women can thrive both professionally and personally. She believes that a strong, diverse, and inclusive workforce is crucial to achieving the outcomes the industry needs.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

Victoria’s story is one of resilience, growth, and determination. From her early dreams of becoming a pilot to leading the digital transformation in defence, her career is a testament to the power of perseverance and continuous learning. As she looks towards the future, her goals remain clear: to continue making a meaningful impact in the defence and security sectors, to support the next generation of leaders, and to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is as diverse and innovative as possible.

In this episode, Victoria offered valuable insights into the importance of diversity, innovation, and resilience in the digital age. Her work continues to inspire others, especially women in the tech industry, to pursue their dreams and break through barriers.

Tune in to Akoni Tech Talks for the full conversation and more insights from industry leaders – available on Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.