Zoe Caddick

'Some days showing up looks like strength, other days it looks like survival’

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Born and raised in South Yorkshire during the 1980s, I grew up with a strong sense of community and resilience. Now married with two wonderful children, I've had the privilege of witnessing the growth of the internet and the incredible evolution of technology that followed.

As a successful woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I'm passionate about breaking barriers and advocating for lasting change. I champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively speak out on issues surrounding domestic abuse and violence against women and girls: areas where awareness and action are still so desperately needed.

Outside of work, you'll find me outdoors, whether it's hiking, gardening, or simply being immersed in nature. The peace and perspective found in the natural world have been constant sources of strength throughout my life.

My story is one of growth, persistence, and purpose. I'm committed to leaving a legacy of empowerment, both within the tech space and beyond, by creating safer, fairer environments where everyone can thrive

What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?

One of my proudest achievements is rising through multiple roles in tech driven by hard work, determination, and a desire to create real impact. I’ve achieved many of the goals I once set in those “Where do I want to be in five years?” conversations, but more than hitting milestones, it’s the legacy I’m building that defines my success.

I’ve worked hard not just to grow professionally, but to challenge and reshape perceptions of what success looks like for women in tech. I was proud to be a Women in Tech Excellence Awards Woman of the Year finalist in 2024, with further nominations this year.

One of my most meaningful initiatives has been launching a Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls programme under our workplace’s Safe Haven Community: a supportive space for open conversation and real help. My biggest achievement isn’t a title, but the ongoing work of making change visible, attainable, and lasting.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

Earlier this year, my estranged father - who chose not to be in my life for over 30 years - was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Though we hadn't spoken in decades, I made the decision to visit him. We exchanged only a few words, but I was able to say goodbye. He passed away shortly after. The grief was complex, not just for the man he was, but for the father he never became.

At the same time my 14-year-old daughter's mental health began to rapidly decline. As a trained Mental Health First Aider, I noticed the subtle shifts: her withdrawal, her silence. In May, we reached out for help. Two days later, she self-harmed for the first time.

Professionally, I was facing what felt like a Mount Everest of deliverables. The demands didn't pause for personal crisis. I had to lead, perform, mentor, and deliver, while feeling like my world was quietly collapsing beneath me. But I showed up. Not because I always had the strength, but because that's what's expected. We put on the brave face. We hold everyone else together while fraying at the edges. We meet deadlines, we chair meetings, we keep the lights on.

I've learned resilience isn't about being unbreakable. It's about standing when your knees are shaking. I set boundaries, let trusted people in, and leaned on the rare moments of grace offered by colleagues and leaders who chose empathy over expectation. The storm didn't break me, it refined me.

I'm still climbing, still showing up for my daughter, for my team, and for myself. Some days that looks like strength, other days it looks like survival. Either way, I keep going. Because resilience isn't just enduring the hard days, it's daring to believe you can rise from them, too.

Tell us something about you that people would find surprising?

Something people are often surprised to learn about me is that before my career in tech, I was a semi-professional singer. For several years, I performed for audiences from all walks of life, bringing people together through music. It was a vibrant chapter of my life that taught me so much about connection, confidence, and holding space for others.

One of the most memorable and meaningful moments from that time was the honour of entertaining British soldiers stationed in Paderborn and Dülmen, Germany. Those performances were incredibly humbling, offering a sense of joy, comfort, and familiarity to people serving far from home. Standing in front of those audiences reminded me how powerful human connection can be, even in the most unexpected of places.

That experience shaped so much of who I am today. It taught me resilience, presence, empathy, and the art of storytelling, skills I now bring into my professional world. In a full-circle moment, much of the work I do today in tech supports the Defence sector. It's proof that every path we walk adds value to the next.