From Telecoms to Leadership: Gillian Hickey’s 18-Year Return to Corporate Life
“My name is Gillian Hickey and I’m happily married and a mom of six… and I still start with that when I introduce myself.”
That’s not an accident.
For Gillian, being a mother of six isn’t separate from her professional identity — it’s central to it. It’s her why. It’s the reason she stepped away from a successful global career in telecoms. And it’s the reason she chose to return.
Her story is one that so many midlife professionals will recognise — the quiet, organic stepping away from work… and the powerful, deliberate decision to step back in.
A Global Career — And an Unexpected Pause
Before her career break, Gillian built an impressive path in telecoms.
She started as a technical trainer delivering software programmes internationally. From there, she moved into systems engineering — living and working in Stockholm, and later Italy. The roles were technical, customer-focused, and people-driven. They offered travel, challenge and opportunity.
Then life shifted.
What began with the birth of her eldest daughter in 2004 slowly evolved into a full career pause. Her children arrived close together. Caring responsibilities deepened. At some point, she realised she had stepped away entirely.
Eighteen years passed outside corporate life, but not outside growth.
During those years, Gillian worked part-time. She volunteered extensively — school boards, committees, parents’ associations, community groups. If her children joined something, she got involved.
And she’s clear about something important:
We often underestimate the value of what happens during a career break.
Stakeholder management. Negotiation. Leadership. Conflict resolution. Strategic thinking. Community engagement. These weren’t lost years. They were skill-building years — just in a different arena.
The Moment That Changed Everything
A few years ago, things shifted again.
Her youngest turned eight. Her parents, whom she had also been caring for, moved into a nursing home. For the first time in years, Gillian wasn’t needed in the same intense way.
And in that space, she asked a powerful question:
What about me?
It was also the middle of COVID. Education had moved online. Opportunity became more accessible.
Gillian began re-skilling — a certificate in digital marketing, communication courses, project management. She was curious. Intentional. Proactive.
And she was motivated by something deeply personal:
She wanted to be a role model for her children.
A strong advocate for women in STEM, she believes women can have it all — or at least as much of it as they want.
The Real Challenge: Self-Doubt
When Gillian talks about returning, she doesn’t pretend it was easy. The biggest barriers weren’t external, they were internal.
Eighteen years is a long time in tech. The industry evolves at lightning speed. She worried her technical skills wouldn’t measure up. She feared failure. She questioned whether she still belonged.
And yet, she discovered something profound:
- Technology changes , but he people behind it don’t change nearly as much.
Her ability to work with people, build trust, communicate clearly — those strengths were still there. Stronger, in fact.
She sought coaching to rebuild confidence. She leaned on mentors. She connected with others on the same journey. That decision to ask for support became a turning point.
The Power of a Supportive Programme
Gillian joined the Women Reboot Academy with her current employer — and describes it as transformative.
It wasn’t just about technical upskilling (though that mattered). It was about project-based learning. Hands-on experience. Structured re-entry, but most importantly, it was about community.
Being surrounded by other women navigating the same doubts and ambitions created something powerful: shared belief.
Her employer didn’t just offer a role. They offered development, mentorship and psychological safety. And that made all the difference.
Finding the Right Fit
Gillian began her return as a Business Analyst — challenging and rewarding, but not fully aligned with her strengths. She quickly realised something crucial: her real strength lay in people development.
So she asked for a rotation, and she got it.
Today, she leads her organisation’s Senior Leadership Programme. She works in coaching and mentoring across the business, helping leaders grow — drawing directly from her own lived experience of vulnerability, resilience and reinvention.
Her journey wasn’t accidental. It wasn’t luck. It was driven by effort, growth mindset, curiosity and consistent learning.
What Returning Gave Her
Returning to work significantly boosted Gillian’s confidence. She now knows — without hesitation — that she brings value.
The lessons learned raising a family. The governance experience from school boards. The people management from volunteer work. The empathy. The perspective. They are not secondary skills, they are leadership skills. And they matter.
Her Advice to Other Returners
Her message is simple. Direct. Honest.
Just do it.
- Seek a supportive environment.
- Get coaching
- Build a network
- Be vulnerable
- Upskill continuously
- Ask questions
And most importantly:
- Don’t be afraid
- You don’t have to know everything but you do have to be willing to learn.
A Message to Employers
Gillian is clear about this too.
Returners bring:
- Deep life experience
- Strong stakeholder skills
- Perspective
- Motivation
- Commitment to impact
Employers who offer flexibility, professional development, mentorship and structured return programmes don’t just “help” returners — they strengthen their organisations.
The Bigger Picture
Gillian’s story isn’t just about one woman returning to work. It’s about redefining career breaks. It’s about challenging outdated assumptions. It’s about recognising that growth doesn’t stop when paid employment pauses. And it’s proof that midlife returners aren’t starting over. They’re starting from experience.
At Back to Work Connect, we are committed to supporting midlife Returners not just with practical tools, but with the confidence and community needed to take that next step.
And if you’re considering your own return-to-work journey — know this: you are not alone, and you are more ready than you think.
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