Liza Layne

“Over time, I came to understand my dyslexia not simply as a barrier, but as part of the way I see patterns, people and systems”

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

Liza Layne is a London-based data strategy and governance leader with more than 20 years’ experience spanning technology, business analytics, project management and information management.

She is currently a Technology Manager at Just Eat Takeaway.com, where she leads a cross-functional Insights & Enablement team focused on data for Retail Media.

Throughout her career, Liza has championed open communication, trust and genuine representation as the foundations of strong, inclusive teams.

Alongside Liza’s corporate work, she has held leadership and stewardship roles in community, nonprofit and financial organisations, including Treasurer of Hidden Gems Inc and several Credit Union posts: Non-Executive Director, General Secretary and Compliance Officer. She also serves as AnitaB.org’s Global Point of Contact for volunteers across EMEA and APAC, helping to connect and support communities across both regions.

Her work combines technical expertise and practical governance with a longstanding commitment to making sure people are heard, respected and represented in the decisions that affect them.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

My proudest achievements have come from bringing together technology leadership, data governance and community work. In my corporate career, I have helped teams move beyond traditional BI reporting towards scalable, AI-ready data platforms that support automation, trusted insight and better decision-making.

Most recently, as Technology Manager at Just Eat Takeaway.com, I have led a cross-functional Insights & Enablement team within Retail Media, strengthening the way data is governed, shared and used.

Outside my day job, I support women in technology through AnitaB.org as the Global Point of Contact for volunteers across EMEA and APAC. I am also helping with the Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 roadshow, building community relationships before, during and after the event. My governance experience includes serving as Treasurer of Hidden Gems Inc, Co-Treasurer of Just Eat Takeaway.com’s Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group, and previously as a Credit Union Non-Executive Director, General Secretary and Compliance Officer.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been navigating my career with dyslexia. Earlier on, it sometimes affected how I processed information, communicated in conventional formats or responded in workplaces that did not always recognise different ways of thinking. Over time, I came to understand it not simply as a barrier, but as part of the way I see patterns, people and systems. It has made me more resilient and adaptable, as well as more thoughtful about how I communicate and lead.

Working across technology, data, governance and community leadership has pushed me to find practical strategies and trust my own voice. It has also strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive environments where different thinking styles are understood and valued. That experience has shaped me into a better listener and a stronger advocate for people who may not always feel seen or heard at work.

Tell us something about you people would find surprising

When I was younger and early in my career, I found it difficult to strike up a conversation, let alone imagine myself speaking publicly or leading in community spaces. I often associated this with my dyslexia and the way I processed information, communicated, and built confidence in professional environments.

Over time, I learned to develop strategies that helped me find my voice. What once felt like a barrier became part of my growth. Dyslexia has strengthened my resilience, creativity, empathy, and ability to connect with people who may not always feel confident or seen.

Today, much of my work involves communication, representation, leadership, and community building. I have gone from finding conversations difficult to supporting diverse groups, speaking up for others, and helping create inclusive spaces where people feel heard, respected, and able to contribute.