Woman in Tech Spotlight: Jonathan Parrott 

Describe your role and what a typical day looks like for you

I’m working within Architecture, Engineering, and DevOps as a full stack engineer. My current project is within the Health and Life Sciences Sector where I’m building out an AI engine. It’s exciting to work with technology that is a hot topic now. My family have predominantly worked in healthcare so, the sector is important to me. It feels great to also be contributing to the space. A typical day for me is largely made up of solving problems and designing solutions (and drinking maybe a little bit too much coffee!). I really enjoy working closely with colleagues, whether it be finding solutions together, being mentored, or mentoring others.

What has your career journey been like so far?

After studying towards a technical degree at the University of Glasgow, I was unsure of my long-term career path, but I knew the skills I wanted to develop. I spent two years in management and training roles within hospitality, an experience that proved invaluable in building communication, leadership, and empathy. I then briefly explored accountancy, aligning more with my studies, to better understand what I enjoyed in a job. Meanwhile, I coded small websites as a hobby and for friends, drawn to the problem-solving aspect.

Realising this was my true passion, I completed a coding bootcamp and landed my first software role at a cloud computing consultancy. This technical role allowed me to solve complex problems while leveraging my communication and stakeholder management skills, making it a great fit. After gaining valuable experience and developing a strong interest in technical mentoring, I decided to take the next step in my career by joining PA Consulting – a move that aligned perfectly with my desire to work at the intersection of digital innovation and impactful collaboration. Since joining, I’ve been actively involved in learning and development through PA’s Women in Tech network, supporting others in their growth while continuing to evolve my own skills.

What does allyship mean to you?

Allyship means different things to different people, but to me, it’s about fostering inclusivity and supporting others in meaningful ways. Specifically:

1. Standing up to promote equity, especially when others don’t. This includes recognising when something isn’t right and offering support where possible
2. Not just being a voice, but actively empowering and mentoring others to ensure they have equal opportunities for growth and leadership
3. Understanding the value in having a diverse team around you and taking steps to build those types of teams. A mix of perspectives leads to stronger collaboration, and I try to be mindful of fostering that in the team I’m part of.

How do you ensure that your allyship is consistent and not performative?

I am committed to allyship, and I believe true support means showing up consistently, not just when it’s easy. I prioritise action over optics by actively contributing to Women in Tech through volunteering and mentorship, where I feel I can make a tangible difference. My focus is on the impact of my actions rather than the intention behind them. When someone points out a misstep, I strive to listen without defensiveness and concentrate on repairing any harm caused, rather than trying to justify my intentions.

What are effective allyship strategies?

Continual self-education is essential, and this begins with actively listening to voices from marginalised communities, learning about historical contexts, and reflecting on your own biases. It’s equally important to foster environments where active listening is the norm, creating space for honest dialogue and growth. Regularly examining inequities, biases, and the effectiveness of allyship strategies is crucial. This means using data meaningfully to inform others and drive progress toward a more equitable workplace.

What are some gaps you have noticed when it comes to allyship?

True allyship is about standing beside others, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. It’s important to move beyond token gestures. While sharing a post or making a public statement may raise awareness, meaningful allyship demands sustained effort, such as advocating for systemic change, mentoring underrepresented individuals, and supporting inclusive policies. Avoiding conversations, whether in social or professional settings, only perpetuates inequality. Although these discussions can be uncomfortable, creating spaces where bias can be addressed openly and constructively is essential for real progress.