In this edition of the Life at FT Blog, we had the opportunity to interview Jamie Brown, Senior Software Engineer in our London office. Jamie shares his experience with fostering diversity through a number of different initiatives, leading FT Proud, the FT’s LGBTQIA+ network and his recent selection for the Next Generation Board (NGB).

Tell me a little about what made you join the FT and your role? 

From the ages of 12-16 I worked as a paperboy seven days a week. I found myself drawn to the headlines of the newspapers I delivered, from the well-known titles to the more obscure. It was fascinating to see how the same stories were told in different ways across these publications. This early curiosity about storytelling and the nuances of journalism stayed with me, leading me to delve into politics, economics, and sociology at university and work in freelance graphic design. I got into software engineering by teaching myself to code in my spare time, which I found incredibly engaging due to the problem-solving involved. ⁤This led me to a career-changing bootcamp, catapulting me into the tech sphere. ⁤⁤Now, as a senior software engineer in the editorial technology team, I'm involved with the dynamic storytelling group. ⁤⁤Our focus is on enhancing our internal CMS to improve how stories are told, allowing me to use a broad set of technical skills and be at the heart of the FT's innovative news presentation efforts. ⁤

What excites you most about working in your team or business area?

At the FT, within the editorial technology team and the dynamic storytelling group, I get the opportunity to blend my technical skills with my love for news. Our work on enhancing the CMS directly influences how our journalists craft their narratives, allowing me to contribute to the process of storytelling in a modern context and I find myself geeking out about our CMS regularly. This blend of technology and journalism, and the impact it has on delivering quality news, is what excites me most about my role. 

What project are you most proud of? Or most excited about it?

One project I'm particularly proud of is organising codebar workshops at the FT. Codebar is a brilliant initiative aimed at empowering individuals from underrepresented groups by offering them one-on-one coaching in programming. We hold these sessions regularly, making tech more accessible and inclusive. It's really rewarding to see the FT support initiatives like this, recognising the value of diversity and inclusion in tech. This commitment not only reflects our principles but also leads to better software and more effective teamwork.

What has surprised you most about working at the FT?

What surprised me most about working at the FT is the stark contrast between the expected corporate vibe and the actual work environment. People often think the FT would be all formal and stuffy, but it's far from that. The FT is truly a modern workplace that values a good culture, which in turn, contributes to a better working environment. Initially, I was quite sceptical about how much a company would genuinely care for its employees, but over the last six years, it's become evident that the FT really does prioritise its people. This care and the collective drive to produce quality journalism have been standout aspects for me. The FT’s values are Ambition, Inclusion, Integrity, Curiosity, Trust and Subscriber Focused and I really resonate with curiosity. The FT's embrace of curiosity aligns perfectly with me, fueling not just our top-notch journalism but also in crafting the best products for our audience.

Can you tell me more about the Employee Resource Group (ERG) you are part of?

I joined FT Proud, the FT's LGBTQIA+ network, in my very first week here, and after being an active member for three years, I stepped up to lead the group. Now, three years into leading, we're focused on three main pillars: 'employee experience' to improve the workplace for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, 'outreach' to extend our support beyond the FT, and 'community' to foster a sense of belonging and engagement within the company. Leading FT Proud has given me the unique opportunity to coordinate efforts across the globe, with active chapters in New York, Manila, and Sofia. Our committee includes about 25 members in London, and we engage around 300 people through our Slack channel and events, making my time with FT Proud incredibly fulfilling. 

What project or initiative has your ERG worked on that you are most proud of?

Last year, I was instrumental in organising a kickoff event in our Sofia office to encourage ERG participation, leading to the formation of a FT Proud chapter there. This initiative has grown, encompassing training for journalists on LGBTQIA+ topics and partnerships with local organisations for community events. A highlight for me was attending Pride in Sofia, where I had the chance to engage with the local LGBTQIA+ community. It was inspiring to see so many young queer individuals passionately advocating for change in a country where the fight for equality remains crucial.

However, what I'm most proud of isn't just this one event but the way we've built up a strong community in FTProud  over the last three years. Being at the helm has been a huge learning curve in leadership for me, showing the importance of crafting a space where everyone feels empowered and inspired to bring about positive change. It's clear to me that creating such a space is what empowers people to create change in an organisation.

Congratulations on being selected for the NGB! Can you share with us what the NGB is and its significance within the FT? 

Being selected for the Next Generation Board (NGB) at the FT is a real honour. The NGB acts as a 'shadow board scheme', creating a platform for dialogue between the FT's leadership and newer voices within the company. Our main goal is to provide feedback, collaborate on fresh ideas, and offer new perspectives on the FT's strategy to benefit the entire company. Though we don't make decisions, our role is to advise and contribute to cross-departmental discussions.

Each NGB member is paired with someone from the FT Group management board, fostering open conversations and a deeper understanding of the challenges our colleagues face. I've had the privilege of being paired with Roula Khalaf, the editor of the FT, and our discussions, especially around AI and engaging younger audiences, have been incredibly insightful, given our backgrounds in product and technology, and editorial, respectively.

This initiative is crucial for the FT as it encourages board members to reflect and challenge their own perspectives while offering us an invaluable opportunity for development and networking. I'm truly excited about the contributions we'll make this year.

How does it feel to be chosen for such a prominent role within the  FT? What motivated you to pursue this opportunity?

Having my application for the NGB accepted has given me a strong sense of affirmation, signalling that I'm on the right track in my career at the FT. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the leadership not only listens but values our contributions, showing a real trust in new ideas.

My decision to apply was fueled by my eagerness to innovate and embrace new ideas. The NGB presents a unique opportunity to start from scratch, which really appeals to my creative side. I'm at my best when I'm navigating the freedom and possibilities that come with such open-ended initiatives.

How has the FT helped you develop or progress in your role or your career?

What really stands out for me at the FT is the encouragement to dive into aspects beyond our immediate roles, which has been crucial for my career growth. The vibrant engineering culture is one thing, but the chance to apply my curiosity and people skills through initiatives like FT Proud and the Next Generation Board has been invaluable. These platforms have not only allowed me to refine my leadership skills but also to apply these enhanced abilities in my day-to-day job, contributing to my growth as a more well-rounded person. Reflecting on the past three years, I see a significant personal and professional transformation, largely thanks to immersing myself in these opportunities. 

Do you have a specific highlight to your career so far?

A definite career highlight for me has been making it into the top 12 'future leaders' category at the British LGBT Awards 2024 and the Rainbow Honours Awards 2024 for Corporate LGBTQIA champion of the year. It was unexpected and truly gratifying to be acknowledged for my contributions, especially with FT Proud and my overall work. It's a testament to the growth opportunities I've been afforded, and I'm eagerly anticipating the ceremonies.