Rebecca O'Driscoll
Leadership and Management
1. Tell us about yourself
My name is Rebecca, and I am currently a VP Lead Business Analyst at Barclays Bank. I lead a team of business analysts dedicated to implementing changes that improve customer contact processes and provide support for vulnerable customers. Over the past 18 years at Barclays, I have built a diverse career, gaining experience in frontline customer service, coaching, change management, and leadership.
In addition to my core responsibilities, I am a facilitator for #IAmRemarkable, a global movement that empowers individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups, to celebrate their achievements and challenge perceptions around self-promotion. Through this initiative, I help colleagues build confidence, recognise their accomplishments, and foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
Outside of work, I am passionate about literature. I enjoy reading widely and organising book events that connect independent authors with readers, helping to foster discovery and engagement within the literary community.
2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
My most cherished memory of my time at ARU is the opportunity to connect with a group of likeminded individuals, many of whom remain my closest friends today. The relationships I formed at ARU were instrumental in making my university experience truly special. Together, we supported one another’s personal and professional growth throughout our studies and have continued to positively influence each other’s careers since graduation.
3. What has been your favourite job?
My favourite role has been as a Senior Business Analyst, where I enjoyed applying creativity to solve complex problems and seeing solutions through to completion. The dynamic nature of business analysis made each project engaging, and I found it especially rewarding to collaborate with colleagues and deliver meaningful change for both the organisation and its customers. This role also strengthened my networking skills and deepened my understanding of people’s behaviours, essential for building effective relationships, fostering collaboration, and ensuring solutions truly meet stakeholder needs.
4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Transformative.
5. How did your time at ARU help you?
My experience at ARU equipped me with the ability to assess the broader business landscape when making decisions. The programme developed my strategic thinking skills and enabled me to evaluate various options and scenarios and the impact of these on people and the business, which has been invaluable in my professional career.
6. What did you love about your chosen course?
One of the aspects I loved most about my course was the involvement of industry experts, who enriched the syllabus with real-world experiences. Their insights helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the learning process both engaging and relevant. The course was thoughtfully designed to address not only the technical and strategic elements of business, such as decision-making and change management, but also to explore people’s behaviours and the reasons behind them. This holistic approach provided me with a deeper understanding of how to support individuals through change and enhanced my ability to collaborate and network effectively within diverse teams.
7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and learn from those around you. Getting to know how people think and communicate in the workplace is invaluable, it helps you work better with others and adapt to whatever comes your way. Building these skills will set you up for success, no matter where your career takes you.
8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
Looking back, I wish I had known just how important it is to adapt the theory you learn to real-world situations. The academic foundation is brilliant and sets you up for your career, but in practice, you’ll encounter plenty of unexpected challenges and curve balls. Success comes from being able to take the concepts and frameworks you’ve studied and tailor them to fit the unique circumstances of your role, your team, and the organisation you work for. Being flexible and open-minded is just as important as mastering the theory itself.
9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
I consider myself fortunate to have a strong support network of friends and my partner, who have played a significant role in shaping my career. Among my colleagues, I have a close group of work friends, many of whom also completed ARU courses and are pursuing similar career paths, who serve as invaluable sounding boards and sources of advice when I encounter challenges. My partner has been especially supportive, offering encouragement and perspective during moments of self-doubt or imposter syndrome, and providing a safe space to share and reflect.
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t hesitate to put yourself forward for new opportunities and make the most of networking, building relationships can open doors you might not expect. Speak up about your ideas and successes; sharing what you’ve accomplished not only builds your confidence but also helps others recognise your strengths. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn and grow, both personally and professionally
11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Something most people don’t realise about me is that, although I often come across as extroverted and outgoing, I’m quite shy and naturally introverted. I enjoy connecting with others and taking on visible roles, but I also value quiet time to recharge and reflect. This balance helps me bring both energy and thoughtfulness to my work and relationships.
I don’t tend to set a rigid plan for what’s next. Over the years, I’ve found that some of the best opportunities for personal and professional growth come from unexpected places. I prefer to embrace new challenges as they arise and take on opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. Staying open-minded and adaptable allows me to make the most of whatever comes my way, and I’m always ready to seize opportunities that help me learn and grow. That said, I would love to return to ARU and pursue a Master’s degree at some point in the future.