Laura Heery is the Senior Manager – AI & Data at EY.
Here, Laura Heery sits down with SyncNI to talk about the Tech Trailblazer challenge, sharing her journey into a tech career, what her daily work looks like, and why EY is a brilliant place to grow and build your skills.
What does your typical day look like?
No two days are the same, but they all start with a strong coffee. As the proud holder of the unofficial EY title "coffee-powered consultant," that’s non-negotiable!
I kick things off with a daily touchpoint with my team to align on priorities, offer support, and make sure we’re all pulling in the same direction. Teamwork, clarity, and collaboration are at the heart of how we work, so I carve out time for check-ins and teaming moments throughout the day.
My projects span multiple time zones, so a big part of my day involves connecting with colleagues and clients from around the world. It keeps things dynamic and brings a global perspective to everything we do. I also am mindful of making space for the people side of work - whether it’s mentoring, celebrating wins, or catching up over a coffee (or two).
What are you currently working on?
Currently I’m leading a workstream focused on building bespoke solutions and rolling out technology to centralise, standardise, and automate payroll processes - typically for large, global organisations. In simple terms, we’re helping transform complex, manual systems into something smarter and more efficient, so people spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on what really matters.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is the global nature of the work. I get the opportunity to collaborate with teams and stakeholders across different regions and cultures, each bringing their own unique perspectives and ways of thinking. That diversity not only enriches the solutions we build but also challenges us to think more broadly and creatively. In addition, every client brings a new set of challenges, which means we get to be creative in how we design and deliver solutions.
What inspired you to join EY?
I was drawn to EY because of the opportunity to work on meaningful, high-impact projects while continuously learning and growing. From day one, I’ve been exposed to a wide range of challenges that have helped me build both technical expertise and leadership skills. Whether it’s working with data to drive smarter decisions or supporting clients on their digital transformation journeys, the variety of work keeps things exciting and pushes me to stay curious.
Did you always want to work in this industry?
Absolutely not! Growing up, I had no idea about the types of careers that existed in technology, and I didn’t have any role models working in this space. It wasn’t a path I set out on intentionally.
At school, I studied sociology, economics, and politics at A-level where I was introduced to frameworks that helped me explore real-world questions. I later went on to study economics at university and then started my career as a professional economist. In this role I really discovered the joy of working with real-world numbers and using data to tell meaningful stories, break down complex issues, and turn evidence into actionable insights.
As I progressed, I wanted to work more efficiently and broaden the impact I could make so I started exploring tools beyond the traditional economist’s toolkit. That curiosity led me to coding, automation, and eventually data science and from there, my journey into tech really began.
It wasn’t a straight line, but that’s what makes it exciting. I’ve built a career at the intersection of people, data, and technology, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a diverse and talented team with expertise spanning data science, engineering, strategy, and more. There’s always someone to learn from, and that diversity of thought creates an environment where support is freely offered, collaboration is second nature, and you’re constantly encouraged to think differently.
Mentorship has also been a cornerstone of my journey - I’ve had the privilege of learning from inspiring leaders who’ve challenged, guided, and supported me throughout my career. It’s something I now pay forward, and I’ve really valued the opportunity to mentor others and support their growth as well. Being shortlisted as a finalist for Tech Advocate of the Year 2025 at the NI Women in Tech Awards was a real honour. It felt like a reflection not just of my own journey, but of the culture of growth, encouragement, and purpose that EY fosters every day.
I also love being able to get involved in initiatives with purpose. Most recently, I’ve contributed to Business in the Community NI and supported National Numeracy Day - work that brings together my passion for tech, people, and social impact.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry?
I’d say absolutely go for it - make the jump, even if you don’t see yourself as the “stereotypical” tech person. Curiosity is the first step. One of the things I love about this industry is that it thrives on diverse perspectives. Different backgrounds and ways of thinking are what drive innovation and help create better solutions.
Personally, I see myself a bit like a private investigator - spotting patterns in data and telling the story behind the numbers. You don’t need to fit a stereotype to succeed, whether you’re a natural problem-solver, a creative thinker, or someone who loves connecting dots, there’s a place for you.
Tech isn’t just about coding or sitting behind a screen, it’s about using tools and insights to solve real-world problems and make a difference. If you’re curious and ready to learn, you’ll find a welcoming and exciting space in tech.
Who inspired you to work in your current role?
Honestly, nobody inspired me at the start. I wasn’t really aware of or engaged with the tech space growing up. It was more about following my curiosity and exploring new skills and opportunities.
I’m grateful that this path has brought me into a space where I get work with colleagues who inspire me and I have the opportunity to learn from them on a regular basis.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
Not necessarily a unique answer – but I do work in AI & Data after all! So, for me, it’s definitely the rise of artificial intelligence. Tools such as ChatGPT have brought AI into the mainstream and made it accessible to everyone. In my view, AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering us by combining the strengths of humans and machines.
What I find exciting is how AI can enhance human creativity and decision-making, helping us analyze data faster, automate routine tasks, and uncover insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. This collaboration between human intuition and machine efficiency is opening new possibilities across industries and making technology more inclusive and impactful.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
Honestly, I could probably live without my phone and enjoy some peace and quiet, though I’d definitely miss the convenience! If I had to choose one tech gadget I really can’t live without, it’s my air fryer. It’s like having a personal chef in my kitchen that makes delicious meals with hardly any effort. While my phone keeps me connected, my air fryer keeps me fed so it takes the win!
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