By Business & Finance 
Rebecca Keenan leads Expleo’s global digital transformation strategy, with a focus on AI, automation, and data innovation. She played a central role in launching the company’s Global AI Centre of Excellence. She helped organisations align technology adoption with business goals, ensuring smooth adoption and guiding organisations through the people and change aspects of AI and automation.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What was your first job?
I started as an assistant tennis coach when I was a teenager and continued in the role as a part-time job throughout college. It taught me patience, the importance of clear communication, and that coaching outdoors in an Irish winter builds character fast!
My first professional role came after I finished university, when I joined Expleo’s graduate programme. I spotted a gap in our automation offering, asked if I could explore it, and ended up helping to build a capability that scaled globally!
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I grew up in a house full of gadgets and was always drawn to how technology could make life easier. That early curiosity never left, and it naturally evolved into a career where I get to explore the practical side of emerging technology every day.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Looking back at my career to date, my greatest achievement is the transformation that my team and I have been able to deliver for clients.
We’ve taken organisations from early automation experiments to enterprise-wide AI and automation programmes that have saved millions, enhanced the customer experience, and transformed how people work for the better.
Leading teams through that kind of real, measurable impact is the fuel that drives my passion for innovation in technology.
Career-wise, would you do anything differently?
I’ve been fortunate to take on opportunities throughout my career that have shaped the person I am today and ultimately brought me to a role I genuinely enjoy.
If I were to change anything, I’d have backed myself sooner. I spent my early years trying to prove that I deserved a seat at the table, instead of realising that I already had the skills and perspective to make a real impact.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
For me, success is being proud of the work that I do, the impact it has and the way I show up while doing it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Stay curious and stay kind.” It sounds simple, but it’s shaped how I listen, how I make decisions, and how I work with others. I think empathy is one of the most underrated traits in business and leadership.
When you give people a chance and approach them with compassion, they often surprise you with creativity, innovation and dedication you never expected. At Expleo, this is fundamental to how we work and underpins our approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and delivering meaningful impact for our clients.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I focus on clarity, trust, and giving people room to shine. I know I work best when I’m encouraged rather than micromanaged, so I try to create that same environment for my team. When people understand the vision and feel genuinely supported, motivation follows naturally.
How do you handle adversity?
I’ve learned to pause before reacting and give myself a moment to find perspective. It helps me to approach challenges with a clearer head and a bit more compassion for myself and others.
For me, resilience isn’t about pushing through at all costs; it’s about staying grounded, asking for help when you need it, and focusing on the next right step rather than getting overwhelmed by the whole problem.
How do you relax?
A long walk by the sea and some truly terrible TV usually do the trick!
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
I want to help our clients unlock real value from AI and automation by focusing on grounded, ethical and practical change that genuinely improves how they work. The potential is enormous, and my goal at Expleo is to support organisations as they navigate digital transformation – not just through the technology, but through the people, processes and culture that make these solutions actually deliver real results.
Helping clients turn ambition into success is what drives me, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping that future with them.
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