My Duvet Flip by Jackson Parsons
My Duvet Flip by Jackson Parsons
Jackson Parsons
Andrew Hawkins, Technology Director at Compare the Market: How to Launch Your Career in Tech in 2026
37 minutes Posted Mar 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
Introduction0:22 Andrew’s first job and early career lessons2:14 Taking risks and stepping into the unknown3:40 The failure that changed Andrew’s career4:39 Failure is framing: a powerful mindset shift5:34 Using failure to build resilience and confidence6:06 Curiosity, open-mindedness and career growth7:22 How to become more curious in your career8:17 Dropping fear and leaning into new opportunities9:20 Why AI feels like the early internet10:04 How to think about AI in business and problem-solving11:02 Why AI won’t replace engineers12:27 Andrew’s non-linear career journey13:09 Do what makes you happy and plays to your strengths14:11 Why traditional career advice is broken15:03 Transferable skills from unexpected jobs15:37 Why having fun at work matters16:31 Handling periods when you don’t enjoy your job17:14 Self-awareness and taking responsibility for change18:10 When to adapt vs when to move on19:05 How Andrew joined Compare the Market20:07 The role of AI in business transformation21:04 Why company values matter when choosing a job22:46 Top interview tips to stand out24:07 Building rapport and being yourself in interviews26:15 The best question to ask in a tech interview27:34 How companies should approach AI transformation29:20 Becoming a world-class engineering organisation30:19 Why now is the most exciting time in tech31:38 Lessons from the early internet boom32:32 Will AI replace human conversations?32:50 What keeps Andrew motivated at Compare the Market34:11 Why technology is all about people34:44 The best career advice Andrew follows36:12 Andrew’s duvet flip: making an impact every day37:05 Final thoughts and reflectionsEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53SvjDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
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Episode GuestAndrew Hawkins is Technology Director at Compare the Market, where he focuses on building world-class engineering capability and helping teams embrace AI-led transformation. He is known for his thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership, with a strong emphasis on curiosity, impact and continuous learning.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:22 Andrew’s first job and early career lessons2:14 Taking risks and stepping into the unknown3:40 The failure that changed Andrew’s career4:39 Failure is framing: a powerful mindset shift5:34 Using failure to build resilience and confidence6:06 Curiosity, open-mindedness and career growth7:22 How to become more curious in your career8:17 Dropping fear and leaning into new opportunities9:20 Why AI feels like the early internet10:04 How to think about AI in business and problem-solving11:02 Why AI won’t replace engineers12:27 Andrew’s non-linear career journey13:09 Do what makes you happy and plays to your strengths14:11 Why traditional career advice is broken15:03 Transferable skills from unexpected jobs15:37 Why having fun at work matters16:31 Handling periods when you don’t enjoy your job17:14 Self-awareness and taking responsibility for change18:10 When to adapt vs when to move on19:05 How Andrew joined Compare the Market20:07 The role of AI in business transformation21:04 Why company values matter when choosing a job22:46 Top interview tips to stand out24:07 Building rapport and being yourself in interviews26:15 The best question to ask in a tech interview27:34 How companies should approach AI transformation29:20 Becoming a world-class engineering organisation30:19 Why now is the most exciting time in tech31:38 Lessons from the early internet boom32:32 Will AI replace human conversations?32:50 What keeps Andrew motivated at Compare the Market34:11 Why technology is all about people34:44 The best career advice Andrew follows36:12 Andrew’s duvet flip: making an impact every day37:05 Final thoughts and reflectionsEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53SvjDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/