Staff Spotlight: Anne Miller, Head of Client Relationships at Projective

This month, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on Anne Miller, whose journey from a curious student to a leading client-focused engineer at Projective is as inspiring as it is relatable. Anne’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a passion for making a difference, both in her work and in her personal life.

Tell us something personal about yourself that we may not know?

I learned to drive a motorbike in Vietnam, my friends and I rode from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh over two and a half weeks and I actually learned how to ride on the way out of Hanoi. More recently, I’ve started wild swimming along the Northern Irish coast, it’s like meditation, you have to focus your mind and stick it out, even in the cold. I just swim with a swim set, no wetsuit, so it’s a real test of mental strength and resilience.

What first sparked your interest in engineering and how did that lead to your current role at Projective?

I’ve always been interested in how things work, at school I found it easier to understand concepts and apply them, rather than just memorising facts. Maths and science came naturally to me and I wanted to do something meaningful, something that made the world a little better. So I went to Heriot-Watt to study Chemical Engineering with Energy Engineering, focusing on sustainability and process optimisation rather than the traditional oil and gas route. I did spend a year in construction at Heathrow Airport but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. That led me to Fleet and to Projective, where I’ve been able to work on the things I’m passionate about.

What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned in your engineering career so far?

The hardest thing isn’t the technical side, it’s people. You’re not really taught how to listen and understand your client, but it’s crucial. Without that understanding, you can’t develop the right solution or explain why it’s the best fit. My degree involved a lot of group work which helped, but the focus on people was still unexpected. The technical side is important, but the real challenge is understanding and communicating with others.

Can you share a moment at Projective that made you especially proud?

The thing that’s made me most proud is seeing the graduates I’ve worked with over the last seven years flourish. Watching them succeed and progress, knowing I’ve influenced their client focus and approach, is incredibly rewarding. It’s really nice to see people you’ve worked with closely do so well.

You’ve worked on some complex projects, what’s one challenge you’ve tackled recently, and how did you approach it?

The big challenge at the moment is the uncertainty around sustainability and net zero, especially with regulatory and political changes. It’s a complex web of solutions and you have to break it down into what you can control and deliver now, while developing strategies for the uncertain parts. It’s about giving people small wins and keeping them engaged, even when the direction isn’t clear. The technical side is tough, but keeping people focused and engaged is even tougher.

How do you stay motivated and energised in a role that blends engineering expertise with client leadership?

For me, it’s all about engaging with clients and building relationships. It’s a two-way street; I have to be open if I want my clients to be open. Understanding their expectations and making sure they’re happy drives me to deliver high-quality work. Whether I’m prepping for a meeting or delivering a technical output, it’s that drive to meet expectations and make sure people are happy that keeps me going.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in engineering and curious about progressing into leadership?

My advice would be to spend as much time understanding the softer side as you do the technical. There are often many technical solutions, but sometimes the simplest one works best for a client who’s had a lot of turmoil. Communicate with those around you, adapt your approach and understand what motivates people. Without those softer skills, you won’t be able to influence change or develop into leadership. The technical knowledge is essential, but it’s the people skills that really make the difference.

Anne’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience and empathy in engineering. Her journey reminds us that technical expertise is just one part of the equation, understanding people is what truly drives progress.