Holy Cow — A Woman Who Can Do Intelligence?

So here’s why I’m writing this: I’ve been applying for user research roles recently, and honestly? It’s starting to feel like no one’s taking me seriously.

I don’t know if it’s because AI’s reading my applications, or if there’s still an unspoken belief that women aren’t quite “logical” enough for certain roles.

Or maybe it’s a mix of both. Either way—it’s exhausting.

But today, some genuinely good news: MI6 has just appointed a woman to lead the agency. For the first time in its over-a-century history. That’s right. In 2025. Well done, lads. Took your sweet time.

Her name’s Blaise Metreweli, and according to the BBC, she’s been in the Secret Service since 1999. Now she’s the new head of MI6. Formerly known as Agent K, and now officially Q—which, come on, is cool. (I have also been reading about Odette Sansom, Code name: Lise - highly recommended if you're into that kind of thing - another overlooked lady who did some really useful spy based stuff in real life)

No, I’m not claiming to be anywhere near that level of badass.

And yes, of course I thought of James Bond. We all did. But what gets me is the assumption (still!) that intelligence, data, logic, cyber security... that’s “a man’s game.” We've all grown up watching Bond films. We know the trope (and for the record, I really like the Bond films in the main, especially that one where he has to stick on a third nipple. What kind of plot is that?!)

I’m not some crazy feminist (though, side note: what’s so wrong with being one?). But I am a feminist. And as a woman—and a mixed-race woman—I’ve lost count of how often I’ve had to push extra hard just to be taken seriously in roles involving research, analysis, or systems.

Here’s a real gem: I always sign my emails as “Nat.” More than once, I’ve shown up to meetings and workshops—after weeks of back-and-forth with stakeholders about data and system integrations—only to be asked if I’m Nathan’s secretary.

(No, I didn’t slap anyone. But yes, I thought about it.)

That’s why Blaise’s appointment matters.

Not just because she’s clearly brilliant and deserves the job, but because it reminds us that logic, leadership, and intelligence aren’t gendered skills. They never were.

The funny thing? I can’t remember hearing any fuss when a man was appointed to lead MI6. But the first woman? Front-page news. That says everything.

So here’s to Blaise Metreweli. Here’s to women doing “serious” work. Here’s to being strategic, technical, curious, and cool as hell. And here’s to the hope that maybe one day soon, it won’t be headline-worthy when a woman takes charge of something complex.

Because, as Beyoncé (who could probably out-market and out-strategise most CEOs) says:Who run the world? Girls.