Embedding sustainability into technology with Ellen Wu (Manulife)

In this episode we spend time with Ellen Wu, the CIO of Manulife China (or Manulife- SInochem), the JV in China. She shares how working on a UN think tank opened her eyes to the opportunity and responsibility which the technology industry has around sustainability. Ever since it has become a passion project of hers to learn and help influence those around her into more sustainable practice. 

Other guests we’ve had in the series have mostly come to technology via a non-traditional career path. Ellen, however, studied for a Data Science degree and in this episode she talks about how she felt that it gave her that immediate connection with the colleagues around her and enabled her to accelerate her career. We discuss other popular topics, like recruiting for roles within her team and why people should choose a career in tech, and also delve into her experiences of being a woman in technology in China, about which she shares a very funny story. 

By listening to this episode, you will:

• Discover more about a Data Science degree: what Ellen learned, the work-life balance and also the advantages which were gained as a result.
• Find out how she looks for attitude and aptitude over skills when recruiting to her team, as those qualities are key to ensuring you succeed while tools change all the time.
• Hear her thoughts on how the tech industry are creating the most inclusive tools ever for all mankind and how that tool creation mindset needs to be applied to the wider industry to help more diverse inclusion of teams.

If you would like to learn more about how the tech industry is becoming more sustainable, we encourage you to check the Hays sustainability blog where you will get expert comment, articles and tips to be more effective in your thinking.