Nicola Martin is a Consultant at Lights-On Consulting. A fairly new face, she joined back in November 2024 but had worked with the team for cica 18-months prior to that. As a Consultant, Nicola’s main focus areas are ITDaaS and IT Executive Reviews. We spend 5-minutes getting to know Nicola more…
What does a typical work day look like for you?
A lot of travel. Being present is a key part of the success of the ITDaaS role and while remote working has its place, physical presence onsite is a key part of the role. So up with the sunrise often, coffee in the go mug and off I go. It’s hard to say what a typical day is as usually there are no two days that are the same, but always a variation on meetings, from Board meetings right through to catch ups with end users. Talking with Suppliers. Reports. Documentation. Project oversight. Usually a tender of some sort. A lot of talking – which if you ask my LOC colleagues they’ll tell you I’m good at that!
What types of IT projects do you enjoy most or specialise in?
Anything I can make a difference in. My niche over the last 15 years has been operational transformation – transforming functions and services, people and even cultures – which have become fragmented overtime and are no longer effective / deliver value. I work with the business to evolve them. I often say I’m like the Nanny McPhee of IT. When you need me but don’t want me, that’s when I must stay. But when you want me but don’t need me, it’s time for me to go. I get such a buzz out of seeing that shift in capability, restoration of faith in the service, things running smoothly again that used to be clunky and seeing the change in people, the self belief return that they CAN do it.
How would you describe your approach to your work in 3-words?
Dedicated. Enthusiastic. Unique.
What’s the one IT challenge you wish more law firms took seriously?
Digital Security and Security Awareness training. It seems like such a mundane task but is SO effective at mitigating the risk of cyber threats. And should the worst happen, being prepared and knowing what to do in that scenario can really be the make or break difference on the impact to your business.
What trend in Legal IT do you think firms need to keep a closer eye on?
The obvious go-to would be AI, but I think the focus needs to also be on the adverse impacts of AI. The security element of threat actors. We are seeing such benefits and advancements being driven through the use of AI, however, so are the ‘bad guys’. Education, a proactive and preventative approach, coupled with awareness in digital security is now even more paramount.
In one sentence, what makes Lights-On Consulting different from other IT Consultants?
What drew me to working with LOC was their integrity. Their impartiality is the foundation of that integrity and that to me is a key value. One I’m proud to put my name to.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a sucker for a happily ever after romance!!
What’s on your music playlist right now?
I’ve just added a load of Country music, not sure if my recent boxset binge has something to do with it…….but I mean like Luke Combs Country, not Jonny Cash Country!
If you weren’t in legal IT, what would your dream job be?
A Teacher. All day long!
For more information about the projects that Nicola Martin has delivered, or any of the services that Lights-On Consulting offer, please get in touch.