Introducing Version 1 2023 Shadow Board Members
What is a Shadow Board?
The Shadow Board is a forum in Version 1 made up of a diverse group of younger members of the Version 1 team, and all under the age of 30. The group is sponsored by the CEO, Tom O’Connor, and its primary directive is to provide insights, feedback, and ideas to senior decision-makers in the business, representing their generation’s perspective, as well as to hear about the company strategy and decisions so they can share with their peers.
Traditionally younger people with less experience would rarely be offered an opportunity to air their thoughts, suggestions, and feedback to their more senior peers. Version 1 wanted to change this. As a result of this, Version 1 established its first Shadow Board in 2020, and has run 2 very successful cohorts since then.
In 2023, our third Shadow Board takes the reigns. We look forward to the impact they will create for our organisation and our customers’. The Shadow Board members will work closely with the senior executive team which consists of our CEO Tom O’Connor, CFO Andrew Langford, and, Director of Strategy, Planning and Communications, Louise Lahiff.
Our Shadow Board for 2023 is made up of 14 members under the age of 30 from across Version 1 and a variety of our locations including Malaga, Dublin, Bangalore, Newcastle and Belfast.
Meet our 2023 Shadow Board Members
Jonathan Gillespie
I’m Johnny, I’m 27 years old and I’ve been a part of Version 1 through acquisition for over a year and a half now. I’m currently working as a Senior Software Engineer in our Capital Markets sector with a Chicago-based financial tech provider. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Shadow Board for 2023 and am most excited to get to envision and shape some of what Version 1 will look like for this year and beyond, with my fellow Shadow Board members.
Catherine Geddis
My name is Catherine, I am based in the Belfast office and I joined Version 1 through the graduate programme in 2016. I am currently working as a Business Analyst on a project with the Department for Communities and have previously worked on several projects as a .NET developer. I am most looking forward to working with the other Shadow Board members to share our ideas and perspective with the management team.
Adrian Parra
My name is Adrian Parra and I joined Version 1 in June 2021. I have been working on several projects with one of our biggest insurance clients. I finished my degree as a Software Engineer at the University of Malaga, and I have worked in several tech companies since then. During this time, I was promoted to Senior Software Engineer and I have been involved, along with the rest of my colleagues, in the growth of the Malaga office and being part of the Buzz Committee. I am delighted to be part of the Shadow Board 2023 and hopeful to make a positive impact on the company.
Orla Stafford
Hi, my name is Orla and I am based out of our Dublin office. I am most looking forward to working collaboratively with the other young, talented, and forward-thinking individuals on the Shadow Board 2023. Not only will this experience enable us to grow individually but also enable us to learn from team members with a similar drive and ambition from all locations and roles. This opportunity allows us to make connections and have the exposure that may not otherwise have been formed. I also look forward to gaining insight into the viewpoint and decision-making of Senior Management, understanding the decision-making process, acting as a sounding board, and impacting change within Version 1.
Damien Cooke
My name is Damien Cooke, and I am a principal test engineer with 8 years of experience in developing and delivering government services. I joined Version 1 in 2021 as part of the Evoco acquisition. I started my career as an apprentice developer as part of the civil service fast track. I am really looking forward to seeing how an executive board functions as well as implementing projects which help Version 1 employees.
Ryan Nesbitt
My name is Ryan Nesbitt and I have been working at Version 1 since October 2021. I am an Associate Consultant currently working on the HMCTS account within the Immigration & Asylum Tribunal team which focuses mainly on Java development. Being a public sector project, my work contributes to giving citizens access to digital services to help them with their current circumstances. My background before moving into IT was as a Maths Teacher and so I have enjoyed getting involved in the Education Collaboration aspect of Version 1 as well. I joined the Shadow Board because I want to help across other areas of the company, particularly with respect to Early Careers. Outside of work I enjoy traveling, cycling, and reading
Jashwanth Jegadeesan Vijayalakshmi
Hi, my name is Jashwanthand I joined Version 1 in February 2021 after completing my MSc in Computer Science at UCD. It has been a positive and demanding journey so far in Version 1 and Version 1 as an organisation, has grown tremendously over the past two years. I am an AWS DevOps Engineer who is into novel technologies surrounding the Cloud and DevOps domain. Ireland is my home away from home, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. Outside of Version 1, I am passionate about football, travel, and music. I am really excited to be a part of the Shadow Board 2023 and am looking forward to making an immense impact during my tenure.
Muskan Dhingra
Hi, I am Muskan Dhingra and I work as an Oracle HCM Cloud Consultant. I joined Version1 in June 2022 and I am a proud member of the Shadow Board 2023. This opportunity is exciting for me as I will be able to closely observe and feel the magic of mentoring by working closely with the top management of Version 1. It is an amazing platform wherein the youth can make an organization-wide impact through our decisions. I see the role as a way of developing my career to become forward-thinking as a decision-maker and confronting business-related challenges and learning the art of strategizing end-to-end management processes.
Raghavendra Bagalur Nagesha
Hi, I’m Raghavendra BN based out of Bengaluru, India. I joined Version 1 in May 2021 and am currently working as a DevOps Engineer within the Foundations Team, (part of the Innovation Labs) looking after Accelerators and mainly involved in infrastructure provisioning using terraform and also application deployment using Azure DevOps for CICD.
I’m very excited to be part of Shadow Board this year and make use of this opportunity to grow my network and learn new skills and ways to work apart from my actual role.
Silvia Gorgone
Hello, I’m Silvia. I’ve been working at Version 1 since July 2021 as an HR Consultant while completing my Master’s in Human Resources Management at NUI Galway. Since I joined, I’ve been working within compliance, and I am now the owner of Security Clearances and the UK Visas process for both current employees and new joiners. I am delighted to be part of the 2023 Shadow Board and to have the opportunity to build new connections along with talented and ambitious young colleagues. I am looking forward to gaining exposure to different sides of the business, bringing ideas forward for the future, and contributing to what makes Version 1 a great place to work. Outside of work I’m passionate about travel and football, but don’t ask me about the results of that match back in 2005, my memory is not that good. I also love cooking, walking and I enjoy the outdoors.
Laura McKeague
I’m Laura McKeague. I joined version 1’s UKDDC Commercial team as an AWS Business Development Lead in 2022 and was responsible for the growth of our UK AWS business. Prior to joining Version 1, I worked in Kainos for just under 10 years, heading their global AWS Partnership! I am passionate about helping our customers embrace new AWS technology and take great satisfaction from seeing the great real-world outcomes that our customers achieve. I’m delighted to be a member of Version 1’s Shadow Board 2023 and look forward to developing deep connections across the business, and engaging in meaningful projects that will have an impact on my generation for years to come! If I’m not at work I will either be traveling the world, on a golf course, or indeed at CrossFit!
Matthew McNally
Hello, my name is Matthew. I am a software developer and technical consultant with experience in working with Microsoft and Oracle technologies and databases, supporting the NI Courts Service systems. I am excited to be part of this year’s Shadow Board. I see it as a way to learn more about how the business works, develop my own skills and work with others to drive meaningful change. I am looking forward to learning from the experiences and building professional relationships with my fellow Shadow Board members and the Executive Board while contributing my own ideas to help drive the organization forward.
Amy Hughes
Hi, I’m Amy. In 2018 I joined Version 1 as part of the Finance Team, during which I studied a Masters in Management. In true Version 1 fashion, I rotated onto the Talent Development Team in 2021. While there, I discovered my love of facilitation and coaching. This led me to complete a Diploma in Executive Coaching and I am now working as a People Success Coach within the Organisational Development Team. My role involves supporting and working in partnership with individuals and teams right across Version 1, in areas such as resilience, personal development, team effectiveness, management and leadership development. I am excited to work alongside the 2023 Shadow Board, particularly to build new relationships and learn from Senior Management. Outside of work I enjoy being active. I play GAA, I also love to travel and spend time outdoors.
Rachel Wong
My name is Rachel Wong, and I am a Project Manager within the Private Sector Practice. I am currently working on the VHI Future Ways of Working Programme and have managed projects across AWS and Azure previously. Apart from this, I have also been involved internally with the Women in Tech initiative and Project Management Methodologies. I have been with Version 1 since September 2021, previously having worked for a start-up, and therefore I can see a lot of differences between the ways of operating. I am hoping to meet more peers and colleagues across the business through working on the Shadow Board. I have a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering and I am hoping the blend of Data Analytics and Project Management will bring value to the Shadow Board.
About Version 1
Version 1 proves that IT can make a real difference to our customers’ businesses. We are trusted by global brands to deliver IT services and solutions which drive customer success. Our team of over 3000 dedicated difference-makers works tirelessly to provide independent advice and deliver impactful changes to help our customers navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. Our greatest strength is balance in our efforts to achieve Customer Success, Empowered People, and a Strong Organisation, underpinned by a commitment to our values. We believe this is what makes Version 1 different and more importantly, our customers agree.