From Law graduate to Telecoms leader

 When Vikki graduated with a law degree, a future in telecoms was not on her radar. She began her career as a graduate for a software company, working in tracking and scheduling. It was there, through partnerships with networks like EE, that she caught a glimpse into the telecommunications industry.

Curiosity and drive quickly became the driving force behind Vikki’s career moves. She explored roles in IT and security before making the crucial leap into telecoms by joining EE, where she built a reseller channel, one that Radius currently resells.  From pre-sales to desk sales or reselling and consulting, Vikki has held a variety of management and leadership roles, each one broadening her expertise and sharpening her leadership skills.

When asked what first drew her into telecoms, Vikki smiled: “I kind of fell into it”.

But what made her stay was much bigger. “It’s the ever-evolving technology in the industry. It’s not just mobile phones. Telecoms is the enabler for business communication.  There are so many different parts that are ever evolving. It’s what kept me excited about the industry all these years”.

The evolution of Telecoms

 After 16 years in the world of telecoms, Vikki has witnessed her fair share of change. But one shift stands out above the rest.

For her, the real turning point was the move from fixed and wired systems to cloud technology. “It was transformational”, she reflects. “We saw massive consolidation across the industry. There was a huge rise in mergers and acquisitions between the big networks, reshaping the industry drastically”.

This wave of change also forced major suppliers to rethink how they delivered value, Vikki explains, “They had to find complimentary services that supported customers in their digital transformations”.

Future challenges

When discussing the future of telecoms and challenges ahead, Vikki highlighted that the evolving nature of technology and the rapid advancements in AI leave the industry with uncertainty about what comes next.

Amongst this is also a bigger challenge of consolidation, Vikki believes. With a saturated market and established market leaders, telecoms companies must overcome legacy systems and outdated infrastructure.

Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity. Providers that will modernise and take customers on a seamless journey will stand out. The future of telecoms and success within the industry will be defined by how effectively the industry balances innovations with the need to upgrade its foundations and deliver excellent service.

Leveraging emerging technologies

In our conversation, Vikki acknowledges the existing fear surrounding emerging technologies. However, she notes that businesses need to change their perspective. Emerging technologies should be used to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences.

In response to a question around AI replacing humans, Vikki explained, “The focus isn’t on replacing people, but on freeing them from repetitive admin tasks so they can focus on higher-value conversations where human intelligence matters most."

An example Vikki used was automating routine service queries, which allow customers to get quick answers through self-service, while employees gain the capacity to take on and solve more complex issues.

In short, AI and automation should be used to support employees, making them work smarter.

Staying secure amongst rising cyber threats

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, Vikki stresses the importance of being proactive.

“Businesses that protect themselves are those learning from peers, trialling and testing approaches, and acting early”.

Security risks often sit within the network rather than at the data entry point, Vikki explains. This is why it is vital to work with trusted experts who can consult on vulnerabilities and build resilience. Looking at industry best practices and addressing the weak points now can safeguard your business today and in the future.

Conclusion

Vikki’s story reminds us that telecoms is an industry built on change, and its future will be shaped by those willing to adapt and modernise. From navigating consolidation and legacy systems to embracing AI, automation and stronger security, there are multiple challenges ahead. Her message however is clear: technology should be seen as an enabler, helping people, businesses, and customers connect more efficiently, securely, and meaningfully.