Across four decades in the IT industry, Tracy Pound has built a career defined by curiosity, conviction and a talent for making complex technology practical and accessible. In this Q&A, the founder of UK-based IT service provider Maximity Ltd. reflects on the headstrong early decisions that propelled her into leadership, the hands-on client work that shaped her people-first view of digital transformation and the moment she joined the CompTIA—now GTIA—board of directors a turning point in her professional life.
We asked Pound, now immediate past chair on the GTIA board, how global board service has broadened her influence, why helping solution providers succeed remains a personal mission and what it means to use technology as a force for education, growth and good. Here’s what she had to say.
You’ve built an impressive career over four decades in the IT industry—from programmer to consultant to founder of Maximity Ltd. Could you share the key milestones that shaped your journey and what inspired you to launch the consultancy back in 2000?
Being a little headstrong, when I was 21 I decided I wanted to be a manager. My employer wouldn’t let me so I went and got a job elsewhere as a manager—learnt a lot of lessons through that! Being headhunted twice in my 20’s to work in automotive manufacturing then for a large consulting firm gave me great diverse opportunities to grow before setting up Maximity in 2000 when I had my first child and wanted the freedom to work for myself. Being asked to join the board of CompTIA in 2015 was a real pinnacle.
Much of your work centers on demystifying technology. How has your hands-on approach to training, business systems and digital adoption shaped the perspective you bring to GTIA’s mission?
Working directly with end clients to design and implement tech strategies and seeing their relationship with ITSP’s who support them, looking at business vs tech language, cyber, AI, consulting needs and business drivers, gives me a unique position to understand and share the value of GTIA, its resources, toolkits and communities.
You’ve held prominent leadership roles in the global technology sector, including serving as Chair of both the CompTIA and now the GTIA board of directors. In what ways has GTIA shaped your professional outlook or created new opportunities for influence within the broader IT channel?
Being part of a global board has raised my profile immeasurably! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity as the founder of an SME tech business to have the honour of serving on the board. From a client perspective it’s elevated my standing with key decision makers and the knowledge I’ve gained gives me a powerful platform to work at a much higher business level, with a greater understanding of the role of the channel and technology globally.
As a GTIA board member, what initiatives or priorities are you most passionate about championing, whether around education, digital inclusion, workforce development or helping solution providers accelerate their growth?
Do I have to pick one?! Being in a position where I have a say in grant making and charitable work is an incredible opportunity to see some good done in the world and that makes me super proud. From a membership perspective helping solution providers succeed more is a passion I’ve held for years and one of the drivers behind my business joining back in 2010.
And finally, let’s end on something personal—outside of your professional accomplishments, you’ve shared your love of fast cars and the joy of recharging through travel. What’s one fun fact or personal passion that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love mechanical engineering and got to drive a steam train last year—as well as shovel coal into the firebox!
Meet the GTIA Board of Directors! Read the blog series.
