Daemon sponsors the Sainsbury's Women in Tech event

At Daemon, we believe real transformation happens when bold ideas and human connection come together. That spirit was on full display at the recent Sainsbury’s Women in Tech event - proudly sponsored by Daemon. 

This event wasn’t just another date on the calendar. It was a vivid, inspiring reminder that change isn't just inevitable, it’s an opportunity. And when handled with courage, community, and clarity, it drives real progress.

A moment of firsts

Daemon has a strong relationship with retail, and a long-lasting partnership with Sainsbury’s. For Kirsta Rizzo, who has worked with Sainsbury’s as Senior Client Manager through Daemon for over two and a half years, the event felt especially meaningful. 

A standout moment was welcoming Judith Batchelar OBE, a legend in the retail and food industry and one of Daemon’s Non-Executive Directors, back to Sainsbury’s. Judith's keynote wasn’t just nostalgic; it was a powerful call to action on embracing change, trust, and adaptability in today’s increasingly nonlinear world.

Follow Judith on LinkedIn

Judith's reflections, drawn from the idea of moving from a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) to a BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible) world, underpinned that change today is more urgent and personal than ever. Success comes from building trust, creating transparency, and truly being the change we want to see.

Having Judith and our own Client Director, Elaine Shanks open the event together with Clodagh Moriarty, Elena Yegorova and Jess Brown was a milestone for Daemon: a moment of pride, resilience, and powerful partnership.

Gender balance in action

The event dealt honestly with the wider context: how political shifts, cultural backlash, and the persistent devaluing of women’s rights globally can feel heavy, even isolating, against the bright moments of progress. Yet, there’s plenty of cause for hope too. From inspiring conversations about AI and machine learning, to the wider cultural awareness at Sainsbury’s, there are reasons to believe in a future where women not only participate in tech, but lead it.

For women in tech, true representation still feels out of reach in many spaces, but at Sainsbury’s, it’s different. As Elaine Shanks reflected, ‘It’s inspiring to see gender balance embedded at the senior levels: from Clodagh Moriarty as CRTO, to Elena Yegorova leading data and technology, to Jess and others shaping the future.’

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn

At Sainsbury’s, inclusion feels genuine, and opportunities are driven by capability and leadership, not optics or quotas. The key is providing the flexibility, structure, and understanding that allows them to show up at their best whether they're leading teams, mentoring, or managing life's responsibilities. As Judith reminded us: change is constant, but progress is optional and creating a workplace where women thrive is a choice that organisations like Sainsbury’s are actively making.

A celebration of leadership and community

Kirsta also noted the value of hearing from Sainsbury’s newer joiners during the panel discussion hearing firsthand about their challenges and first impressions. It showed that change isn’t just happening at the top; it’s being lived, daily, across the organisation.

This year’s event also marked a leadership handover: with Karen Brown now Director of Supply Chain, Elena led her first Women in Tech event, bringing her own stamp of innovation and connection supported by Kirsta and the broader Daemon team.

The result was a day of collaboration, pride, and possibility, a moment where the lines between client, partner, mentor, and peer blurred into a real sense of community. Congratulations to Elena, Jess, and Zara for delivering an event that wasn’t just inspiring, it was transformational.

At Daemon, we’re proud to stand alongside partners like Sainsbury’s who don't just talk about change. They embody it. And we’re committed to continuing this journey: building trust, driving progress, and making tech a more inclusive, powerful space for everyone.

Find out more about how Daemon supports large retailers, and the services we offer