60 Seconds with Nicola Magennis

Monday 20 April 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation.
I’m a senior leader at First Derivative, part of EPAM Systems, responsible for go‑to‑market strategy across financial crime. My focus is on building solutions that actually work — combining domain expertise, data, and technology to help clients meet regulatory demands in a practical and scalable way.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far
I joined First Derivative as a graduate and have built my career there over the past decade (and a few years more). Much of that journey has come from being given opportunities early on, learning on the job, and being trusted to take ownership — building experience across different clients and challenges along the way.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?
A big influence throughout has been the culture set by Brian Conlon: the expectation to be sharp, work hard, and enjoy what you do. That mindset has shaped how I’ve approached my career, alongside learning how to balance that with life outside of work.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?
Curiosity. The work we do is rarely straightforward, so being willing to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and really understand how things work is key. It helps you get to the root of problems and build solutions that truly deliver value.

What advice do you have for women in your sector?
Don’t wait until you feel ready — most of the time you learn by doing. Put yourself forward, take the opportunity, and back yourself to figure it out.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of asking questions and being curious. You don’t need to have all the answers to add value.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?
I’ve been fortunate to work with many strong women throughout my career, so it’s hard to pick just one. Growing up, my mum, her colleagues, and her wider network of female friends shaped that early on — it was always normal to see women working hard, leading, making decisions, and progressing in their careers.

That’s carried through into my own experience, where I’ve worked alongside women who lead in a way that feels authentic to them while still delivering at a high level. That has had a significant influence on how I approach my own career.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
It’s hard to beat Mr Brightside!

How can our members best connect with you?
You can find me on LinkedIn.

Monday 20 April 2026