As we approach International Women’s Day on 8th March, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible women at Nimble Approach by sharing their stories, career journeys, and insights on leadership.
For this spotlight feature, we spoke with our Chief People Officer, Penny Arnold, about her experiences, the lessons that have shaped her career, and her perspective on leading with impact.
From leading high-rope adventure courses to performing as a 7-foot animated movie character, Penny’s path to the C-suite has been anything but linear. Today, she leads our People team with a focus on radical empathy, psychological safety, and the belief that true leadership is about building trust through balanced decisions and lifting others up.
Q: You’ve had a fascinating career journey. How did those early experiences shape your role as Chief People Officer (CPO) today?
Penny: If you’d told me years ago I’d be a CPO, I’d have laughed—I was too busy performing as a 7ft movie character! My early career was all about people, from leading high-rope courses to supporting children with diverse needs. It was a masterclass in empathy and seeing the world through different lenses.
Later, a personal health journey taught me the power of a clear plan. If you have a big goal, you have to step back, figure out the ‘how,’ and just go for it. When I entered tech, everything clicked. I saw that helping people thrive while scaling a business was exactly where I wanted to be. I applied that grit to my first tech role, navigating the business through rapid growth and a successful acquisition before joining Nimble five years ago.
Now, I work with an incredible, tight-knit People Team focused on what really matters—creating an environment where people can show up, be themselves, and do their best work.
Q: What is something people might not realise about your role on a daily basis?
Penny: People might not realise how much intention goes into keeping our culture feeling like ‘us’ as we grow. I see my role as being a steady hand in the background—staying tuned into the team’s energy, making balanced decisions, and ensuring the environment is right so people can focus on doing what they do best.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have all the answers. Real value comes from being transparent and fostering an environment where different voices are heard- the best ideas can come from anyone. Being okay with saying ‘I’m not sure, let’s talk it through’ has been the most powerful way I’ve found to build trust and lift others up.
Q: In honour of International Women’s Day, what advice would you give to women starting out in tech or considering a career change?
Penny: There are four things I think every woman stepping into tech should remember:
1. Find your people: Surround yourself with those who support and lift you up.
2. Embrace the “wiggly” road: It’s not a straight path. You often learn more from the things that don’t go your way than the things that do.
3. Trust your voice: If you are in the room, you deserve to be there. Imposter syndrome is real, but remember you’ve earned your seat.
4. Prioritise yourself: Have a full life outside of work. It keeps you balanced and provides perspective when things get heavy.
Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a leader?
Penny: It’s a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come, but also to be honest about the work still left to do. It isn’t a side activity, it’s a leadership responsibility. For me, it’s about actively clearing the way so that anyone – regardless of their background or level – feels they can stand up and be heard. You don’t have to change who you are to have a voice at the table.
Q: Finally, what brings you joy outside of the office?
Penny: My two dogs, Brodie and Bramble – they are my world and force me to disconnect and get some fresh air. I also love getting stuck into creative projects like home renovations, making candles, or arranging flowers.
But the biggest joy right now? We have a baby boy joining us later this year! That’s definitely the most exciting “project” I’ve ever taken on.
