Five Minute Profile: interview with Christina Gilfedder

What’s your role at RDS and what does a typical workday involve?

I work within the Digital Delivery team at RDS as an Associate Product Manager, working closely with Adam Coulson, our Digital Delivery Lead, to manage and develop digital services for both internal stakeholders and external users, particularly researchers and applicants using the Researcher Access Service (RAS).

My role involves collaborating with colleagues, partners, and suppliers to plan, develop, and deliver improvements to our digital services. I balance business requirements with user needs, ensuring we offer the best possible online experience.

There’s no real typical day. We work in an agile way, with daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and regular reviews of progress and risks. My work spans multiple areas including service design, accessibility, data analysis, and user research, which suits my love of learning and working across disciplines.

What’s your background and how does it give you additional insight into your work at RDS?

I’ve had an unconventional career path. I originally worked in the arts, including theatre set design and as a studio assistant to a professional sculptor, before returning to university as a mature student. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in archaeology and focused my dissertation on how digital tools support heritage engagement and conservation.

Alongside my studies, I worked in digital advertising before moving into a Digital Officer role at Historic Environment Scotland, where I spent over eight years delivering a wide range of digital projects and campaigns.

That experience gave me strong foundations in project management, digital regulation, stakeholder engagement, and user-centred design. These skills underpin my work at RDS and allow me to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s digital vision.

I’m also a strong advocate for the idea that there’s no single “right” career path. Exploring different disciplines has shaped how I work and think, and all of it adds value to what I do now.

What’s a highlight and a challenge of your role?

The biggest challenge was joining RDS near the end of a complex project, while also learning about a new organisation, sector, and its way of working. It was a steep learning curve, and I experienced moments of imposter syndrome early on. Thankfully, the team has been incredibly supportive while I found my feet.

A real highlight has been seeing how I’ve been able to contribute value in a tangible way. Feeling trusted, supported, and recognised for my expertise has been incredibly rewarding.

What difference do you hope RDS will make?

I was inspired by RDS’s mission to enable access to public sector data in ways that benefit the people of Scotland. It’s important to me that this work is done ethically and in the public interest.

From a digital perspective, it feels meaningful to support better decision-making and collaboration between data controllers, researchers, and policymakers.

What would be your “Mastermind” specialist subject?

Gothic architecture. I studied it during my time at the University of Glasgow and completely fell in love with it. I’m the person who happily explains the differences between Romanesque and Gothic styles when visiting cathedrals, and how philosophy, faith, engineering, and science influenced architectural design.

From a heritage perspective, I’m proud to have contributed, in a small way, to the promotion and care of one of my favourite Gothic structures: Glasgow Cathedral.

Who has inspired or motivated you in your life?

My dad. He’s been a huge influence through his integrity, emotional intelligence, humour, and unwavering support. Growing up with such a positive role model shaped how I aim to treat others and how I expect to be treated.

He also inspires me through his love of learning. As a child, I remember seeing him study ancient Greek, and over the years I’ve admired how he continues to explore new subjects, from mathematics to post-war espionage. He’s currently studying German, so I planned a father-daughter trip to Berlin for a milestone birthday to support his learning.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

That we shouldn’t underestimate the impact of active listening to understand and validate another person’s experience.

I hope that everyone I interact with, no matter their background or path, feels valued and leaves feeling all the better for our time together. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.