At Snicket Labs, innovation does not happen by accident. It is driven by talented people, and many of them are women shaping our products, projects and culture every day.
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating Aleks. In under two years, she has led complex, high impact deliveries, navigated major broadcast projects, and is now stepping confidently into product. Along the way, she has invested in her own growth through the Rise Women in Broadcast mentoring programme, building her voice, her network and her leadership confidence.
Here, Aleks reflects on her journey so far and what it means to grow as a woman in broadcast and media technology. Enjoy!
What’s your role at Snicket Labs, and what does your role require day to day?
I joined Snicket Labs as a Delivery Lead, managing a mix of bespoke client projects and our SaaS products. In that role, I coordinated teams and stakeholders to make sure delivery ran smoothly and to a high standard.
One of the highlights was working closely on the Barb project, launching our Assure product to deliver next day TV playout data. That was a big shift for the UK broadcast market. It was a complex project involving multiple stakeholders, and I was lucky to work alongside our brilliant development team. Seeing their expertise and hard work bring everything together was incredible.
I’ve recently transitioned into a Product Analyst role, where I’m focusing more on shaping products, understanding customer needs, and applying the experience I’ve gained from managing complex delivery projects.
How did you enter the Broadcast / Media and Entertainment space?
This is my first role in the industry, and I’ve been with Snicket Labs for almost two years now. I was drawn to the mix of tech, creativity, and problem solving, and to building products that have a real impact.
Why did you apply for the Rise WIB Mentoring Programme?
Tom, our CEO, told me about the programme. Since I was new to broadcasting, it felt like a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and build meaningful connections.
What were you hoping the mentoring experience would help you with?
Alongside networking, I hoped to gain more confidence in leadership discussions, strengthen my collaboration with development teams and stakeholders even without a technical background, and receive guidance to support my goal of transitioning into a Product Manager role.
Above all, I saw it as a chance to grow both professionally and personally.
What was the mentoring experience actually like in practice?
It was a mix of personalised guidance, skills training, and networking.
My one to one sessions with my mentor, Abigail Hughes from ITV, were tailored to my goals. The workshops covered topics such as public speaking, leadership, personal branding, LinkedIn presence, communication, and speed networking.
Attending events like IBC and DPP gave me valuable industry insight and the chance to connect with a wider network across broadcast and media tech.
Why do programmes like Rise WIB matter specifically for women in this industry?
Rise WIB creates a space where women can connect, learn, and grow in an industry that can often feel male dominated.
Mentorship is a powerful tool, and opportunities like this are still relatively rare. That makes the work Rise is doing even more meaningful.
Having that support changes the experience of attending events and building your network. It boosts confidence and creates a real opportunity to contribute.
What barriers do you think women still face in broadcast and media technology, especially as they move into leadership?
One of the biggest barriers is that women are still underrepresented in senior roles. That can make it harder to feel included in key conversations or to see yourself reflected in leadership.
Imposter syndrome is another challenge, especially when stepping into new responsibilities or joining technical discussions.
What’s one change the industry could make to better retain and progress women, beyond just recruitment?
Beyond hiring, the industry could focus more on creating visible pathways for growth. That includes mentorship, development opportunities, and supportive networks that help women progress into senior roles.
When women can see a clear path forward and feel supported, they are more likely to feel confident and empowered to make an impact.
Can you share some highlights from the experience?
One of the highlights was my one to one sessions with my mentor, Abigail. Her guidance helped me approach challenges with more confidence and think more strategically about my career.
The public speaking masterclass with Mark Harrison from DPP was another standout. I learned a new way to structure presentations, which I’ve already started applying.
Attending IBC as part of Rise was also special. Connecting with the EU cohort and becoming part of the Rise community is something I know will stay with me well beyond the programme.
Would you recommend Rise WIB mentoring to others? What advice would you give to women considering applying?
Absolutely. Mentoring can make a real difference at any stage of your career. There are always new skills to develop and new perspectives to gain.
My advice would be to stay curious, be proactive, and take full advantage of everything the programme offers. Carla, Deborah and Sadie have built a community that goes far beyond mentoring. It is a space for genuine growth and meaningful connections.
What’s next for Aleks?
As I’ve recently stepped into a Product Analyst role, I’m excited to deepen my product knowledge and continue building toward becoming a Product Manager. This role is giving me the space to strengthen my analytical thinking, product discovery skills, and strategic perspective.
I’m grateful to my manager and our CPO, Caroline, for her guidance and support in making this transition. I’m excited to keep learning and growing alongside the people around me.
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year, and I’m looking forward to what we will achieve together at Snicket Labs.
