Tech Careers Aren’t Just for Tech People

The brilliant Sarah Lewis and Emma Cooper join the We Are PoWEr Podcast – bringing insight, honesty, and a powerful message for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m not techie enough.” As leaders within MagTech, the technology team at Manchester Airports Group, they’re proving that building the world’s most intelligent airports takes far more than code – it takes communication, curiosity, and courage.

From law and public service to leading tech transformation, Emma’s career shows how transferable skills can open unexpected doors. Sarah shares how her role as a “translator” bridges the gap between technical ambition and business outcomes – making sense of the acronyms, aligning people across security, operations, retail, and air traffic, and ensuring technology truly works for everyone.

Together, they break down the biggest myths about working in tech, showing that airports operate like entire cities – filled with opportunities for project managers, designers, and problem-solvers of every kind. They discuss inclusion as a driver of innovation, from reverse mentoring and apprenticeships to creating space where every question is welcome.

Their conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to upskill, switch careers, or build confidence in a changing world of work. And beyond the terminals and runways, Sarah and Emma share personal stories of resilience – from skydiving for charity to climbing the Three Peaks in 24 hours – proving that growth often starts by saying yes to something that scares you.

In this episode:

• From law to tech: how transferable skills power transformation
• The real roles behind innovation – PMO, product, service design & more
• Myths about working in technology (and how to overcome them)
• Inclusion, mentoring, and building confidence in new spaces
• Airports as “cities”: connecting tech with real people and outcomes
• Superpowers: curiosity, courage, and translation

Find out more about We Are PoWEr here. 💫