International Women's Day 2024 // Emma Fox, Senior Graphics Developer
SailGP celebrates Inspiring Women driving SailGP forward for International Women's Day 2024 - proudly recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of the incredible women within our organization, particularly those driving innovation and excellence in technology.
In the lead up to #IWD2024 this Friday, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable females in tech at SailGP whose passion, expertize, and leadership continue to propel us forward. From engineering to data analytics, from software development to broadcast operations, these trailblazers embody the spirit of innovation and empower our organization to reach new heights.
First up is Emma Fox (Gregory), Senior Graphics Developer. Emma and team have developed the redesign of SailGP’s in-house augmented reality broadcast graphics package - LiveLine FX. These graphics enhance SailGP’s broadcast by providing key storytelling graphical elements to viewers, enabling the sport to be understood and accessible to all fans regardless of technical sailing knowledge.
Can you share with us your journey into the world of tech and how you became involved with SailGP?
I studied animation at Edge Hill University and loved the combination of animation and graphic design. After graduating, I went to become a Junior Motion Graphic Designer at 1 Media which was a Production company and I learned so much. Over my career, I slowly started developing more into the TV Industry. My first real role in television was at Liverpool Football Club as a Motion Graphic Designer but after nearly 6 years of being there, I realized that I wanted to push myself into a more challenging role as I felt too comfortable. I kept my eyes peeled for a new job in an exciting field and I saw a job at SailGP as a graphics developer. I now love the fact that no day is ever the same. I constantly have a puzzle to solve and it’s very satisfying when I manage to work it all out. Most of the time you have to think outside of the box!
What does your day to day look like over an event weekend? What are the specific roles and responsibilities you undertake within SailGP?
On event weekends, I am based in the London Broadcast Studios and my main responsibilities on an event weekend are to check that LiveLine FX has all the correct logos for our sponsors and be on support for the 2D operators as last minute graphics get created with new data stats. However, recently my role has been a little different as we’ve just released the new 2D graphics deck which has required lots of testing and amending.
As a woman working in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Many challenges have come to light working in a male-dominated industry. The biggest challenge is gaining a positive reputation and in order to do that you have to work harder to prove yourself. Women tend to not be quite as forceful in a conversation so we’re having to learn to speak louder. However, I feel like sometimes silence is key and just take everything in around you and formulate and voice your opinion after you’ve heard everything.
In your opinion, what unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to the world of sport and to SailGP in particular?
The more diverse the workforce that you have the more varied ideas you have, which I believe in this industry is important. Women's brains see things differently and don't see things quite as rigidly. This is good because it brings a fresh perspective and fresh ideas.
How do you envision the future of women's involvement and leadership roles within SailGP and the broader sailing community, and what steps do you believe are necessary to continue promoting gender equity and diversity in the sport?
The new course, which is the SailGP Women's Accelerator Program, is a positive step in the right direction. I feel like more of these courses would be helpful, as I feel like some women lack the confidence or feel intimidated to be in a leadership role when they are more than capable to do the role.
Who inspires you within your life?
It would be unfair to say there's one person that inspires me in my life. My family inspires me to be a stronger person which I feel is needed in this industry and my colleagues inspire me to develop and push my own boundaries.