Leading with Impact: Teri's Story at Speechmatics

What first attracted you to Speechmatics?

I came across Speechmatics while looking for new opportunities. What really caught my attention was the company’s focus on inclusivity and its mission of “understanding every voice.” I’ve always been passionate about technology that works for everyone and brings people together. Exploring their online presence, I saw a video of a company knowledge-sharing event and interviews with employees. Everyone was so positive, talking about growth and how supportive the company is. It felt like the perfect fit for me—technology that makes an impact globally while supporting personal growth.

Can you tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like?

I’m the Director of Engineering, which means I oversee engineering processes—hiring, managing people, upskilling, and fostering a high-quality culture. My days are a mix of strategic planning, feedback gathering, and managing teams. I also lead a few teams directly, so my time often involves one-to-ones, supporting team success, and coordinating with stakeholders to deliver impactful projects.

How did your career path lead you here?

My career began in video games, where I worked for six years at a studio known for its inclusivity. I loved collaborating with artists, musicians, and animators, which taught me the value of diversity in tech. After moving to London, I took on leadership roles, eventually focusing on projects involving large-scale interactive systems. I had incredible managers who supported and encouraged me, even when I doubted myself. Those experiences solidified my desire to lead and work on tech that makes the world better, which made Speechmatics a perfect fit.

What has been the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

Definitely Flow! It’s incredible how intuitive and impressive it is. I led the team that developed the mobile app, enabling users to access Flow from their phones. It was a whirlwind project—our first app—with a tight timeline, but seeing it come to life was amazing.

What’s been the biggest challenge in your role?

The hardest part is aligning brilliant ideas from diverse perspectives. We have experts in branding, technology, artistry, and market strategy, and while we’re lean, we need to focus on the highest priorities. Deciding on the final direction when you can’t do everything is always a challenge.

How has Speechmatics supported your career growth?

I’ve felt more supported here than in any previous role. The People team genuinely cares about employee development, and my manager helped create a career plan tailored to my goals and the business needs. The learning and development budget allowed me to work with a coach, giving me invaluable outside perspectives. It’s a collaborative, supportive environment that helps everyone bring their best.

How would you describe the culture at Speechmatics?

It’s warm, inviting, and open-minded. People here see the best in each other, reflecting our core values of inclusivity. Our mission to “understand every voice” applies not just to our technology but also to how we treat one another.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Speechmatics?

Jump in! Reach out to me, or apply directly. We’re in a fast-moving, competitive tech space with exciting opportunities, so come with enthusiasm for inclusive technology and a drive to make a difference.

How do you see your role or the industry evolving over the next few years?

AI has moved from being a playful novelty to becoming a part of everyday life. While it’s exciting, it’s also critical to approach this responsibly to ensure the technology is inclusive and empowering. My focus is on fostering thoughtful development practices that create positive, impactful change.