Q&A: Meet the new additions to the WICT UK & Ireland Board
We’re welcoming new faces to the WICT UK & Ireland Board, the team behind our award-winning chapter’s programming and events, sponsorship and fundraising, content and social media, mentoring and membership – and more.
Our Digital & Media Co-Chair, Carmen Chai, caught up with our newest additions. Read more about why WICT’s mission matters to them:
Carmen Chai: Welcome to the Board. Tell us, the WICT Community, more about yourself.
Anne Nguyen: I’m Managing Director of Corporate Strategy at Liberty Global, leading our strategies across connectivity, video, AI and future trends. Previously, I was a Managing Director and Partner at BCG, focused on digital platforms, media, and advertising – areas that have faced massive technology disruptions; and before that four years at a digital startup in California. I’m passionate about inclusion and developing talent— through various roles throughout my career and at LG, notably through mentoring of Fast Forward teams and our REACH initiatives. It’s a privilege to serve as President and help grow a community grounded in mentorship, inclusion, and bold thinking.
Iulia Furdean: I’ve spent my entire career in finance — starting at EY in 2011, then joining LG in 2018. I’m passionate about what I do because my mind naturally thinks in numbers. For me, numbers are a way to understand and explain the world around me.
Outside of work, I’m an avid reader who loves to balance light, fun reads with more technical, thought-provoking ones. I’m also someone who thrives on being active and outdoors. Whether it’s running, hiking, cycling, or rollerskating with my son, I grab every chance I get to move. I’m especially enthusiastic about skiing and swimming — two things I’d do year-round if I could! Life is busy with a demanding job and a full family life, but I try to make the most of it by exploring the world whenever I can. Travel is not just about new experiences for me—it's also my excuse to indulge in great food without guilt!
Aline Deglas: I joined Liberty Global in November 2023, after having worked as Strategy consultant at Monitor Deloitte, focusing on the Tech, Media and Telco industry. Within Liberty Global, I am part of the Corporate Strategy team, supporting the Group and our Operating Companies. I love the idea of working together with teams across Europe on how to tackle the interesting challenges in today’s media and telco landscape.
Why did you decide to join the organisation – what does WICT, and its mission to Inspire, Connect and Grow, mean to you?
AN: WICT’s mission really resonates with me. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the powerful impact women have when they’re empowered to lead, whether driving innovation, navigating M&A, or shaping the future of connectivity and content. Being part of WICT is an opportunity to contribute to that dynamic, to help build a network where women across our industry can grow, thrive, and inspire one another. For me, this is about ensuring that the next generation doesn’t just have access to opportunity, but also the encouragement and community to make the most of it.
IF: I’ve been incredibly lucky to have mentors who guided me through moments of self-doubt and helped me grow into every new stage of my career. But I also know that mentorship and networking don’t always come easy — especially at the start. WICT, for me, is a way to give back. It’s a space where women can lift each other up, share experiences, and grow together. Even now, I still feel like I’m learning every day, and I believe in the power of women supporting women. That’s how we all get better. I want to play an active role in building that kind of community.
AD: WICT’s mission truly resonates with me. I believe in the power of empowered women lifting others —and in creating spaces where that support is the norm. I’ve been fortunate to learn from inspiring women whose guidance has shaped my path, and I’ve seen how transformative that support can be. That’s why I’m so excited to join WICT: to connect, and help foster the kind of empowering environment that’s made such a difference in my own journey.
What do you plan on achieving in your first year on the WICT UKIE Board? What are some challenges and opportunities you’d like to take on?
AN: This year, I’d like to focus on increasing visibility and engagement, making sure WICT UKIE continues to be a vibrant, inclusive community where members feel informed, inspired, and truly connected. There’s already been incredible work done in the past years, and I’m excited to help build on that momentum. A key opportunity I see is in reaching women earlier in their careers—those who may not yet see themselves as leaders but who have all the potential to be. At the same time, we must continue supporting those navigating senior leadership and board-level transitions. Bridging those touchpoints across career stages is where I think WICT can make a lasting impact. It’s a exciting time in business with the massive advances in AI and technology changing so much about how we will work and live, and the essence of strong leadership and openness to change remain critical for us to succeed. I would like WICT to support our members in grabbing the opportunities as well as to manage the challenges.
IF: For me, WICT is all about connection—meeting new people, learning from others, and creating a sense of belonging. My focus this year will be on expanding our network: bringing in new members and finding meaningful ways to engage the amazing members we already have. There’s so much knowledge and experience in this community, and I want to help make those connections happen more often and more naturally.
What are you most excited about for the TMT industry and the people contributing to it for 2025? Are there certain topics or trends you’re most passionate about?
IF: I truly believe technology is at the heart of all future progress. But before we get too excited about what’s next, we need to acknowledge the work it takes to stay current. The pace of change is fast, and we all have a responsibility to keep learning and evolving. Of course, AI is reshaping our world—especially the workplace. If we embrace it fully, I believe we can become more efficient, more innovative, and ultimately more impactful in our roles. I’m excited to explore how we can integrate these tools meaningfully into our day-to-day work.
AN: There are many topics I’m passionate about – and the transformative power of AI and the even faster pace to digitisation of our telco businesses are intertwined. While AI will definitely shape our sector in the following years throughout many applications, I also believe rethinking business models, delayering of Telco companies, and the search for more sustainable practices in Telco will be top of mind in 2025 and beyond.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received so far?
AN: True leadership is about helping each individual thrive, regardless of their level or experience. We all bring unique backgrounds and perspectives, and great leaders create the environment and confidence that allow people to bring their best selves to work. That’s something I strive to do every day.
IF: The best advice I’ve received was very personal to me — and I’m aware it might not apply to everyone. As a lifelong perfectionist, being told, “it’s okay not to know everything. Focus on what you do know and what you’re great at” was liberating. It gave me permission to stop obsessing over gaps in my knowledge and instead trust the strengths I bring to the table. It also helped me appreciate the diverse skills of the people around me and grow into a better, more collaborative leader.
AD: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received — and something I now think of as a personal mantra—is: “The biggest risk in life is not taking one.” It’s become a reminder to stay bold and step outside of my comfort zone. Another piece of advice that’s stuck with me is to stay curious and keep exploring. It sounds simple, but in the rush of day-to-day work, it’s easy to forget how important it is to keep learning and asking questions.