In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the incredible women in data at Capco. Meet Furnisha Lycett, a Principal Consultant and co-lead of the Data Strategy and Advisory Capability, specialising in Data Governance within Financial Services. She shares her journey into data, the challenges she’s faced, and her advice for women aspiring to enter the field.
Q: How did you get into data and what made you apply for a role in Capco’s Data Practice?
Furnisha: I initially joined Capco as a Consultant, and my first project was a GDPR and Data Privacy initiative. This project exposed me to Data Privacy concepts, and I had the opportunity to work with legal, technology, and business teams—which I found incredibly interesting. From there, I aligned myself with the Capco Data Practice, where I’m now a Principal Consultant and co-lead of the Data Strategy & Advisory Capability at Capco. My specialism is in Data Management, with a focus on Data Governance best practices in Financial Services.
Q: What has been the most interesting data project you’ve worked on?
Furnisha: One of my most interesting projects involved helping a client achieve BCBS 239 compliance. I worked with technology teams to document data lineage and controls, while also collaborating with business teams to define a Data Management Operating Model. Designing this model from scratch, blending industry best practices with client-specific needs, was an exciting challenge.
Q: What challenges have you faced in your data career?
Furnisha: A key challenge has been the lack of women in senior leadership roles within data—something I’ve observed across the industry. However, I’m encouraged by the many initiatives working to address this gap.
Q: What three key traits make someone successful in Capco’s Data and Analytics team?
Furnisha: Success in Capco’s Data & Analytics team requires creative problem-solving to enhance client solutions, adaptability to thrive in an ever-evolving data landscape, and strong communication skills to effectively collaborate and convey insights.
Q: What does #BYAW (Be Yourself at Work) mean to you?
Furnisha: It means being able to develop and contribute ideas without judgment.
Q: What advice would you give to young women starting a career in data?
Furnisha: Take advantage of the many free resources available online and gain experience across different data areas, such as Data Management, Data Architecture, and Data Science.
Q: What are your future goals in data?
Furnisha: I’m focused on expanding my knowledge in AI, so we can better integrate new technologies to tackle Data Management challenges.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of data?
Furnisha: I love staying active—going to the gym and running—and I also enjoy getting creative by designing and making clothes.
Q: Any game-changing resources in your journey?
Furnisha: The Code First Girls coding course was a fantastic way to develop new skills and meet other women who are passionate about data and technology.
Q: If your data journey was a movie, what would the title be?
Furnisha: The Accidental Data Consultant: A Global Journey.
