When Pooja Patel speaks, you listen. A civil servant whose career has been shaped by some of the UK government’s most pressing challenges – Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and national cybersecurity -Pooja’s story is one of grounded leadership, clear-eyed resilience, and fiercely held purpose.

This conversation, hosted by Nathan White from The Unofficial Guide to the Civil Service, unveils a career path and a blueprint for navigating high-pressure public service roles while staying deeply connected to your values. From her unexpected start through the Direct Appointment Scheme to heading cybersecurity policy at DEFRA, Pooja shares the wisdom you wish you had on day one.

Here are three transformative lessons we pulled from the session – each one a window into how values, reflection, and purpose fuel a fulfilling career in public service.

Lesson #1 – Your Personal Experience Is Your Professional Superpower

“Your strengths lie not just in your academic or professional experience, but also in your personal experiences.”

Pooja reminds us that authenticity is an asset in a sector often perceived as rigid or overly formal. Early in her civil service journey, she grappled with impostor syndrome – until she reframed it. Instead of trying to emulate others, she recognised the unique value of her lived experiences.

Pooja shared how her transition from academia to policy work was initially daunting. Having joined through the DAS program during the Brexit planning process, she found herself in roles ranging from food supply logistics to local resilience planning. Her cultural context, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving helped her thrive…not just her degree.

Actions you can take:

• Reflect on your lived experiences and how they shape your worldview, then bring that perspective into your work.
• When applying for roles, emphasise emotional intelligence and adaptability, not just technical skills.
• Don’t downplay impostor syndrome; reframe it as a sign you’re growing.
• Your authenticity can fill gaps that data and policy alone can’t.

Lesson #2 – Public Impact is the Ultimate Job Satisfaction

“I didn’t want to make rich people richer. I wanted my work to have purpose.”

Pooja consciously chose to leave the private sector, motivated by a need for meaningful work. In civil service, she found purpose in making a tangible impact, especially during crises.

While working in the Ministry of Housing during the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped lead policy efforts related to rough sleeping. The ‘Everyone In’ scheme temporarily housed over 4,000 homeless individuals in hotels, demonstrating how swift and compassionate policy can be a lifesaver. Pooja called it “the most human and powerful part” of her civil service career.

Actions you can take:

• Identify roles where you can see the direct impact of your work.
• In interviews, connect your motivations to tangible outcomes.
• Reflect on when you felt most purposeful, let that guide your next career step.
• Purpose doesn’t just motivate; it sustains you through hard times.

Lesson #3 – Strategic Thinking and Kindness Can Coexist

“Security is about ensuring you don’t have to think about food or water not being there.”

National security or cybersecurity leadership often conjures up images of secrecy and rigidity. But Pooja flips the script. Her approach to cybersecurity strategy at DEFRA is grounded in empathy, not paranoia.

From being mistaken for a spy to explaining the logic behind cyber investments, Pooja demystifies the field. Her team ensures that essential services, such as food and water, remain resilient and uninterrupted, even during cyber threats. The goal? Seamless, secure everyday life.

Actions you can take:

• Understand that strategy is as much about people as it is about policy.
• Communicate the human impact of your technical work.
• Break stereotypes by showing empathy in high-stakes roles.
• Security success often looks like… nothing happened.

Conclusion: Lead with Your Values, Navigate with Reflection

Pooja Patel’s career proves you don’t have to sacrifice purpose for progress. Her ability to navigate diverse roles, from Brexit logistics to cyber strategy, rests on an unshakeable foundation of purpose, reflection, and people-first thinking.

So the next time you’re facing a tough decision or wondering if you’re on the right path, ask yourself: 

• Am I showing up authentically? 
• Is my work meaningful? 
• What would my past self be proud of?

Now it’s your turn:

Your career is a series of reflections and recalibrations. Start with who you are, and let that shape what you do.

BONUS: FAQs

Q1: What is the Direct Appointment Scheme (DAS)? A: A fast-track civil service entry route used during high-urgency periods like Brexit to recruit non-Fast Stream candidates for key roles.

Q2: What is the ‘Everyone In’ scheme? A: A COVID-era initiative that housed thousands of rough sleepers in empty hotels to help them safely isolate.

Q3: How can I start a career in cybersecurity within the Civil Service? A: Look for roles intersecting policy, tech, and critical services. Pooja recommends showing transferable skills and curiosity.

Q4: What behaviours do Civil Service interviews look for? A: Leadership, communication, resilience, working together, and delivering at pace are some key ones.

Q5: How do I overcome impostor syndrome? A: Reframe it as a signal of growth. Own your unique background-it adds value that others can’t replicate.