In the latest episode of the GSC Executives podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Ruth Todd, former Chief Commercial Officer at HS2.
Her career trajectory, spanning automotive, defence, and public sectors, offers a wealth of insights for senior executives navigating today’s complex business landscape.
Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries
Ruth’s journey began in the automotive industry, where she was one of only three female managers among 12,000 employees. This early experience laid the foundation for a career marked by resilience and innovation. “I come from a group of women that are used to doing stuff that’s a bit unconventional,” Ruth reflects, highlighting the importance of breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her expertise in manufacturing, logistics, and procurement eventually led her to pivotal roles in national projects, most notably the UK’s COVID-19 vaccine taskforce.
The Diversity Imperative
One of the most striking aspects of Ruth’s leadership philosophy is her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. “The best teams I’ve been involved in have been diverse,” she asserts. This diversity extends beyond protected characteristics to include experience, age, and ways of thinking.
Ruth emphasises the need for deliberate action in creating inclusive environments: “You need to be deliberate if you want change. You can’t make excuses.” Her success in achieving a 46% female team and 26-27% ethnic minority representation at HS2 demonstrates the tangible results of this approach.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Looking to the future, Ruth is enthusiastic about the potential of AI and machine learning in business processes. “I’m a bit addicted to AI and machine learning… I love to think about those new techniques and how we can apply them,” she shares.
This forward-thinking approach is crucial for executives aiming to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven business landscape.
Leadership Traits for Success
Ruth identifies several key traits for effective leadership:
- Courage: Being willing to make tough decisions and stand by them.
- Kindness: Understanding the whole person, not just their work persona.
- Passion and drive: Getting things done without overthinking.
- Humility: Recognising that everyone has a part to play.
“You don’t need to have a big ego because you’re reliant on them doing a great job and you’re only as good as they are,” Ruth advises, highlighting the importance of empowering team members.
Balancing Professional and Personal Responsibilities
For executives grappling with work-life balance, Ruth’s experiences as a working mother offer valuable perspective. She advocates for learning forgiveness and compartmentalisation: “When I’m at work, I’m genuinely all about work. And when I’m at home with the boys, then there’s some boundaries around that.”
The Future of Commercial Leadership
Ruth’s vision for the future of commercial leadership encompasses several key areas:
- AI and Automation Integration
- Talent Development and Retention
- Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
- Supply Chain Optimization
These areas reflect the evolving priorities of modern business leadership and offer a roadmap for executives aiming to future-proof their organisations.
Join the Conversation
Ruth Todd’s journey from the automotive industry to leading critical national projects offers a wealth of lessons for today’s executives. Her emphasis on diverse thinking, inclusive leadership, and embracing technological advancements provides a blueprint for success in an ever-evolving business landscape.
To hear more of Ruth’s invaluable insights and leadership wisdom, listen to the full episode below or subscribe via Spotify, Apple, Youtube or anywhere else you get your podcasts:
This blog post is based on the GSC Executives Podcast episode “HS2, Vaccines, and Beyond: Ruth Todd on Managing Mega Projects”.
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