Barriers in tech: An Interview with Courtney Cox

From warehouse shifts and university struggles to a thriving career at Sky, Courtney Cox’s journey into tech is anything but traditional. As a Test Engineer and passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Courtney shares her story about overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of community.

How did you decide that tech was the right career for you?

Honestly, I never planned to go into tech! I studied Digital Media at Leeds University, and the course was really broad - everything from graphic design and to social media marketing. One module was an introduction to web development, and that’s where I first came across coding. I’d never done it before, but I really enjoyed it!

Do you think there’s enough being done at grassroots level to promote tech careers to young women?

Definitely not. I wish I’d known about coding back in school! Computer science was barely mentioned - it was a tiny class with mostly boys. Even ICT wasn’t close to what I do now.

I come from a working-class background and was the first in my family to go to university. I almost dropped out because I felt completely out of place - everyone else seemed to have connections in the industry or family support, and I didn’t.

I got into Leeds through the Access to Leeds programme, which really opened doors for me.

Imposter syndrome is something so many women struggle with. How have you had it and how did you learn to manage it?

Oh, I’ve had it bad - to the point where I wanted to leave tech altogether. It hit me at uni and again when I started at Sky.

One of the best pieces of advice I got was to write down all my small wins. I keep a document where I note every achievement, big or small, so when I doubt myself, I can look back and remind myself of what I’ve accomplished.

Keep screenshots of positive feedback in a folder. You have to measure yourself against your own progress, not everyone else’s.

Finding mentors has been a game-changer too. Having someone you can talk to outside your team makes such a difference.

What do you wish more people understood about being a woman in tech?

That we’re still underrepresented - and that comes with challenges. You can say something in a meeting and it’s ignored until a man repeats it. You have to learn to call it out or have allies who will.

We also bring so much value through empathy and emotional intelligence.

What can companies do better to support women in the workplace?

Invest in diversity and inclusion properly - not just as a tick-box exercise. At Sky, we’ve got amazing initiatives like Next Tech Girls but funding and leadership support are key.

Managers play a huge role too. If they encourage their teams to attend DE&I events or mentoring sessions, people feel like they can. It’s about creating a culture where inclusion isn’t an afterthought, it’s built into everything.

Who are three women who inspire you?

First is Amy Kouppas, my friend and colleague at Sky. She’s an absolute powerhouse - always organising events and giving back to the community.

Second, my mum. She’s my biggest role mode. She's hardworking, supportive and the reason I push myself.

And third, Sophie Kneeshaw who transitioned from teaching into tech. She’s incredible at mentoring women and championing others.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell her...you deserve to be here. Believe in yourself and stop comparing your journey to others!

I’d also say stop apologising so much!!

What do companies’ risk by not having diverse teams?

They risk missing out on ideas, perspectives and better products. When everyone looks and thinks the same then innovation suffers.

Diverse teams build better tech, full stop!