Niki Dow
Senior Director of Technical Communications
Arm
Arm is a company that designs and develops technology – intellectual property (IP). That IP is then licensed to semiconductor companies who design microchips that you can find in many of the everyday devices we all use. We do not manufacture any chips ourselves. I lead a team of 100+ people who write technical documents explaining the products we design. I also lead a team of people who look after our technical website, and product delivery channels.
There's never a dull day! I have always loved writing, and writing for people who are doing their jobs using technology is really interesting. I love to see how the work my team does helps our customers be successful. I also love working with people and helping them get better at what they do.
My day starts with my to do list. I make sure I know what I need to achieve by the end of the day and then I move on to checking emails. I like to make sure that all the emails I've received overnight are either actioned straight away, or that I have a plan for actioning them. I do delete a lot of emails, too! I will then check my calendar for meetings that I need to attend and make sure that I am prepared. Some of those meetings will be with people on my team, where we talk about what they are doing, and how I can help them in their own development. Other meetings will be about how we can progress the projects we're working on. I will get some time to think and plan on some days. Other days are full of meetings and discussions. I always make time for a cup of tea in the garden if I'm working at home. If I'm in the office, I like to make sure I spend some time catching up in person with people I have not seen for a while. The end of the day is never at the same time. My goal is to always leave my emails read, actioned, or ready for future action.
I started work after I graduated from a technology company as a secretary. Soon I was asked to join their technical graduate programme. I went to France to work and became interested in translation, so I spent some time translating some technical documents from French to English. It was then that I discovered I loved technical writing and applied for a new job. I worked my way through a few companies, learning about different technology and how to write good technical content. I was fortunate to be offered roles in management and then senior leadership.
I want to keep working for as long as I can while I think I can offer something new and fresh. I see retirement in the not too distant future, but I don't think I'll ever sit down and do nothing! I envision running a farm shop, gardening, making cheese, or baking bread. Seems like food and flowers will feature prominently in my future!
I love cooking, baking, gardening, and walking my dogs. I like to be as active as I can where we live supporting our neighbours if they need it. I also edit our village newsletter.
I have been inspired by a few people throughout my life. The current one is short and sums up how I'm approaching life at the moment. "Say less, do more." ~ Prince Philip, late Duke of Edinburgh