myGwork speaks to Josephine Spencer-Geoghegan from Checkout.com about her career and the importance of diverse teams
BY DYLAN MANN-HAZELL, IMAGES PROVIDED
In this interview with Josephine Spencer-Geoghegan, myGwork dives into her unique career journey towards the role of Design Director for Product at Checkout.com. Josephine opens up about her creative path, sharing stories about the ups and downs of her industry, and what it means to build diverse and inclusive teams.
Could you tell us a bit about your background and career journey leading up to your current position at Checkout.com?
I’ve always had a passion for creativity, which led me to my first job as a Graphic Designer at TimeOut magazine in 2005. It was there I really learned the ropes – designing magazines, commissioning illustrations, and directing photoshoots in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. It was where I met other creatives who shared my passion, and where I found my place in London’s vibrant design scene.
From there, I explored a variety of roles – working in design agencies, freelancing as a designer, teaching design at universities, and later joining the Southbank Centre. Then came a big chapter at the BBC, where I moved into UX and product design, eventually becoming Creative Director for UX. It was a challenging and rewarding time that really broadened my experience in shaping user experiences across digital platforms.
After that, I moved to Barclays, where I led design teams within the customer banking division. It was an exciting opportunity, but the next adventure was at Checkout.com. I joined three and a half years ago where I helped build out our design team. Now, I’m a Design Director for Product, leading a team focused on designing the Dashboard, our core product that helps merchants manage payments and gain insights into their financial data.
What’s really made this journey so fulfilling isn’t just the roles or the titles – it’s the people I’ve worked with, the diverse teams I’ve been a part of, and the chance to help shape things from behind the scenes. The growth and support I’ve experienced, and been able to provide to others, has been the most rewarding part of all.
Can you tell us about your childhood? Where did you grow up? Did you have any hobbies?
I had a happy childhood growing up in a small town in southeast Devon, where my parents moved shortly before I was born. As one of four sisters, our house was always busy with activity. I spent countless weekends at the beach and exploring the outdoors on anything with wheels – skateboards, bikes, go-carts… When I wasn’t outside, I was indulging my inner nerd, building all sorts with Lego and creating “shows” with my friends.
Can you share your personal journey with the LGBTQIA+ community?
I realised I was gay in my late teens — though looking back, the signs were definitely there! But it wasn’t until I was 21 that I fully came to terms with it. Coming from a traditional family, I knew being gay would be difficult for them — especially my parents.
When I eventually came out, it was challenging, and we’ve been on a long journey to reach a place of understanding and comfort.
Throughout all of this, my sisters were my rock. Supporting me from day one, their unwavering love and understanding made such a difference during a time when I felt unsure.
Throughout my 20s, I was in a long-term relationship but kept my distance from the LGBTQIA+ community. I was still trying to conform, proving that, despite being with a woman, I could lead a so-called “normal” life. My parents worried about me being “on the scene,” so I avoided it. Instead, I quietly socialised with gay friends from work, enjoying nights out in Soho — but kept this side of my life hidden from family and some of my straight friends.
When this relationship ended in my late 20s, I felt a new sense of freedom. I knew I needed to embrace myself fully. I’ll never forget sitting alone in a queer bar, watching the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, feeling terrified. But that night, I met incredibly kind and welcoming people. It was a turning point — I began to let go of my internalised homophobia and embraced the LGBTQIA+ community.
That summer, I met my wife, who helped me become more open-minded and self-accepting. Together, we’ve built a wonderful life, surrounded by a diverse and supportive community. Now, in my 40s, I want to give back — to help others feel safe and supported as they discover and embrace their authentic selves.
What has been a standout moment in your career so far?
One of the standout moments in my career was working on a project aimed at designing an accessible, user-friendly sign-in experience for a diverse audience, following new legal requirements mandating user authentication. Given the broad user base, including children, the elderly, and individuals with varying levels of digital literacy, this was a complex and high-impact challenge.
A particularly sensitive aspect of the project was the collection of personal data, including gender. At the time, gender inclusivity wasn’t as widely discussed as it is today, and there was initial resistance to expanding gender options beyond the binary choices. However, through user research and advocacy, I championed the need for a more inclusive approach. Working closely with my team, we successfully designed and implemented a gender field that allowed users to select an identity that best represented them.
This experience was incredibly meaningful, as it reinforced the power of user-centred design in shaping more inclusive digital experiences. Seeing this feature go live, knowing it gave people the ability to feel seen and represented, was a defining moment for me.
How does Checkout.com strive for inclusivity and provide an open space for LGBTQIA+ employees?
From day one at Checkout.com, I have felt comfortable being open about who I am as a queer woman, without fear of judgement or mistreatment. There is a culture of inclusivity, and I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues and a wonderful manager who has mentored me for the past couple of years. His kindness and empathy have made a huge difference in my experience.
One of the most personal and meaningful ways I’ve felt this support is through my journey with fertility treatment. Navigating this process has been challenging, with countless appointments, treatments, and procedures that can be emotionally and physically trying. Throughout it all, my manager and colleagues have been incredibly understanding, and I have felt able to be open about this aspect of my life.
Beyond the supportive culture, Checkout.com also backs inclusivity with tangible benefits. One standout example is “Carrot”, a fantastic programme offering financial support for fertility treatments. Thanks to this benefit, my wife and I have been able to access treatments we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. Having an employer that not only acknowledges but actively supports LGBTQIA+ family planning is truly invaluable.
Throughout your career, have you noticed any developments in attitudes towards the importance of diversity and inclusion?
While we’ve made significant progress in diversity and inclusion, there’s still a long way to go. I strive to make a positive impact every day in my roles as a leader, a woman, and an LGBTQIA+ individual, and I believe we must always be open to change and continuous improvement.
I have spent most of my career working in environments dominated by straight men. All leadership teams I have been part of, have been majority male which can sometimes create an echo chamber which can be hard to break down. That said, I recognise my own privilege — I am also white, with a neutral English accent, an English (and Irish now my wife and I have double-barrelled) name, and had the opportunity to attend university. I know my experience is not the same as others who face additional barriers, and I actively work to make space for underrepresented voices in every decision I make — whether it’s hiring, mentoring, managing or opening up opportunities where I can. Equality isn’t just about treating everyone the same; it’s about ensuring access to opportunities that have historically been out of reach for many.
Over my 20-year career, expectations around workplace behaviour have changed drastically. In my early 20s, I often found myself in uncomfortable situations. Male colleagues would try to include me in their “bro crew”, because I am gay, openly objectifying women in conversations. At the time, these kinds of experiences were far too common, and I didn’t always feel empowered to speak up. Today, I wouldn’t hesitate to call out inappropriate behaviour — but even now, doing so can still come with risks. That’s why true progress means not only setting higher expectations for behaviour but also creating environments where people feel safe and supported in challenging discrimination when they see it.
What immediate improvements would you like to see being made for LGBTQIA+ equality in the future – both in the workplace, and wider society?
I would love to live in a world where I don’t have to unintentionally “come out” every time I meet someone new. Unfortunately, that still feels like a distant reality. Even now, I often feel a sense of unease when mentioning my wife in certain situations, unsure of how the other person will react or whether they will be accepting. That uncertainty is exhausting, and I’d love to see a society where being LGBTQIA+ is so normalised that this kind of hesitation isn’t necessary.
In the workplace, I’d like to see greater investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) budgets, along with genuine, long-term commitments from businesses to support these initiatives. I’m proud to be part of the leadership team for the Pride community at Checkout, which is an incredible opportunity — but like many others involved in DEI work, we often struggle to find enough time to dedicate to these important projects alongside our day jobs. Businesses need to recognise that building an inclusive culture isn’t an “extra” — it’s essential, and it requires proper resourcing and prioritisation.
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