Marc Russell

My daughters. I want to play a role in collaborating and shaping our community, to grow and scale the North East region across business, education and technology for the future generations, so they have a plethora of opportunities in the North East and do not feel like they have to leave and pursue opportunities outside of our amazing region to develop a successful and rewarding career.

I have always led companies, across small, medium and enterprise levels. At CGI, I am Vice President of Consulting Services and lead our regional team of over 200 people and have responsibility for setting strategy, leading and scaling operations, managing budgets and resources, and serving as the primary link between the board, employees, customers and external stakeholders.

1. Throughout my career, in every role I have performed, I have championed and advocated the progression and development of many people’s careers in business and technology. As I reflect, it makes me proud to think that across all the companies I have been involved in, we have provided the opportunity, support, coaching and training to allow many people to achieve their potential and their desired roles in technology, especially from those from underrepresented groups and non-linear career trajectories.
2. Another achievement has been either being a key part of or building amazing leadership teams across the many businesses that I have been involved with. The pride in building a leadership team is rooted in bringing together people from all different walks of life and the collective effort to create a cohesive and high-performing business. From my experience it involves learning, collaboration, empathy, fostering trust, and ensuring that every member feels valued and motivated. The success of each and every team I have been involved with is testament to the people in those leadership teams in their ability to inspire confidence, trust, and collaboration among all team members.
3. Digital inclusion, education and diversity are key initiatives that I am passionate about and throughout my career, in each company I have worked in and each role I have performed, I have always strived to make time, explore and support initiatives within our region and beyond in many different forms including sponsorship, charity fundraising, volunteering, matching donations, raising profile of key causes, advocacy, embedding DE&I initiatives into business strategies and leading by example.

I find the best way to stay informed is to join communities of experts, practitioners and enthusiasts, actively network, learn and listen to what’s happening in other countries and cultures. I also leverage various online platforms, newsletters, podcasts and blogs that follow trends that are shaping the future of technology, work, society and business. I also believe in experimenting with the latest tools and technologies is another great way to keep informed.

My personal time is consumed as the number 1 supporter of my two young girls in their early yet budding football careers. In addition, I like to go on regular adventures with my family and experience new towns, cities across the UK and different countries and cultures across the world. A personal mantra of mine is to always have multiple things booked, planned or scheduled to look forward to.

As my point above, the best way to stay informed and make a difference is through community. Working together collaboratively, collectively and holding leaders and policy makers to account is key and Dynamo is a mechanism to do exactly that, it has achieved so much over the years and has so much more to do for our wonderful region. To be a part of that is a privilege and an honour.