Emma first joined eCom in a junior role as a Product Coordinator for eNet Author, and from the outset, what stood out to her was the level of ownership she was given. Rather than being tightly managed, she was trusted to take the initiative and shape a role for herself. In return, the business responded by investing in her development and before long, she was promoted to oversee a wider portfolio of products, including eNet Learn, eNet Badges, and eNet Assess.

This early progression set the tone for Emma’s relationship with eCom - a mutual recognition of potential, combined with particular support from Linda Steedman, herself an experienced mentor in the field.

“ Rather than being tightly managed, I was trusted to take the initiative and shape a role for myself. ”

Two years into her time at eCom, Emma faced a sudden and difficult pregnancy-related complication that forced her to begin maternity leave much earlier than planned. The company’s response during this period became a defining moment within the business as they quickly showed empathy, flexibility, and unwavering support. After her son was born, Emma was able to work from home - something far less common at the time – and this reinforced a working culture that genuinely prioritised people over process.

Over the next five years, Emma developed a deep understanding of the business, gaining experience across multiple areas, but by 2022, she had reached a natural ceiling and made the decision to leave eCom (on good terms) to explore a leadership role with international company, Avanti.

Emma recalls that her time away was important on many levels - it allowed her to expand her skillset, particularly in leading larger teams and understanding operational efficiencies at scale.

“ Support, flexibility, and long-term relationships are not just internal values - they shape how we work with customers every day. ”

But it also brought clarity on how the pace, long hours, and lack of flexibility in a larger corporate environment can take their toll. During an informal conversation with Wendy, an opportunity emerged for Emma to return - this time in a newly created role as Chief Operating Officer, following a shift in the company’s structure.

The return felt right and the fact that leaving eCom had never been held against her, meant that it was an easy decision for Emma. She knew that her growth outside the company was being recognised and valued and so she came back as someone who could bring new perspective and experience into the business.

Now as COO, Emma has visibility across the entire organisation and works at a strategic level, while still drawing on her detailed operational knowledge of the business overall, and the same themes that shaped her early career at eCom remain present today - trust, support, and a belief in developing the whole person.

The eCom journey through the years: Emma speaking at the eCom Conference in Edinburgh (2020); Emma discussing eCom's tech platforms at the eCom Conference (2018); Emma, alongside our British Council colleague, accepting the Silver Award for 'Best Learning Technologies Project - Public and Non-Profit Sector' at the Learning Technologies Awards (2024))