Helena is a force in digital transformation, combining empathy with strategic rigour to lead change that puts people first. In the NHS, she has championed services that genuinely serve citizens, not just systems.
Drawing on years of experience building and scaling digital products, Helena brings a transformational mindset rooted in human insight, systems thinking and inclusive leadership. She thrives between boardrooms and front-line workshops, turning complex challenges into shared purpose and real outcomes.
An accomplished product leader, Helena has shaped award-winning digital experiences across NHS England, Expedia and ASOS. As Product Director for Expedia and Hotels.com’s Checkout Experience, she led global teams to deliver seamless, user-focused journeys for millions of travellers worldwide.
Helena has led large-scale national programmes, from the NHS App to NHS England’s Vaccination Digital Services, bridging strategy and action with people, empathy and purpose at the heart. Known for her collaborative style and tenacity, she brings diverse voices together to solve complex challenges and empower others to lead.
A passionate advocate for inclusion, prevention and digital equity, Helena believes that collective progress starts with listening deeply and leading with humanity.
As a Collectively Better thought leader, she champions the power of digital to connect, uplift and transform - building services that truly meet needs and delight users.
Articles by Helena Powell
Articles by Thought Leaders
Helena Powell
Transformational Digital Product Leader with extensive experience across health, retail and travel, blending strategy, empathy and innovation to create digital experiences that truly serve people.
Simon Hardie
Simon is CEO & founder of Findexable - Global index for benchmarking digital finance innovation across advanced and high growth markets, and home to the Global Fintech Index.
Dominic Hilleard
Seasoned talent strategist and advocate for inclusive leadership. He specialises in delivering end-to-end talent consultancy solutions across the not-for-profit, technology, and digital sectors.
Andy Elphick
Andy is an experienced Financial Services Innovation leader and former Head of Innovation at Barclays Bank. He has led high-impact initiatives across digital, GenAI, FinTech, and ESG, delivering transformative solutions for customers, employees, and organisations.