Technology leadership
with purpose
Enterprise Architect, Fractional CIO and strategic advisor. 25+ years driving secure, future-ready digital transformation across financial services, defence and emerging technologies.
Danette Copestake
Founder · HYPATIA Smart Technologies · Top IT Leader 2025
Who we are
Named for a pioneer
Built for impact
Hypatia Smart Technologies takes its name from Hypatia of Alexandria: the ancient world's foremost mathematician, astronomer and philosopher. A woman who led with intellect, clarity and courage in the face of complexity.
Founded by Danette Copestake: Enterprise Architect, Fractional CIO and strategic advisor with 25+ years across defence, national security, central government and financial services. Recognised as Top IT Leader 2025 by Computer Weekly.
Danette specialises in AI readiness and governance: helping organisations adopt AI safely and at pace. Her AI-augmented delivery models double consultant capacity and deliver 5× return on investment.
Clients include Chainvine, Digital WoW, Conquip Engineering Group, Sigma, RMS Networks and S:CRAFT.
How we think
Our principles
i.
People-First Leadership
Technology transformation succeeds when people are brought along. Danette leads with empathy, building the trust and capability that makes change stick.
ii.
Responsible Innovation
From AI governance at Citi to post-quantum readiness, we champion innovation that is ethical, secure, and built to last: not just fast.
iii.
Calm Under Pressure
Forged in the Royal Navy and tested across regulated environments, we navigate complexity and high-stakes decisions with clarity and composure.
iv.
Agility and Transformation
Like the dragonfly, our symbol, we bring agility, adaptability, and the ability to see clearly across dimensions of complexity.
Qualifications
Credentials & certifications
Architecture & Agile
- ·SAFe® 6 Certified Architect (ARCH)
- ·SAFe® 6 Certified Agilist
- ·TOGAF Aligned
- ·Enterprise Architecture & Governance
AI & Emerging Technology
- ·ISO 42001 AI Management Systems
- ·ISO 27001 Aligned Security Governance
- ·Responsible AI & Ethics
- ·Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
- ·Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- ·Digital Sovereignty
Cloud & Infrastructure
- ·Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- ·Cloud & Data Transformation
- ·Cyber Security & Operational Risk
Programme Delivery
- ·PMP: Project Management Institute · ID 1607921
- ·Prosci Change Management (Certified Practitioner)
- ·Agile · Waterfall · DevOps
- ·ITIL Service Management
Education & CPD
- ·BA (Hons) 2:1: Business Administration, Systems Analysis & Design
- ·ESG & Sustainable Leadership
- ·STEM Ambassador
- ·Running · Skiing · Sailing (RYA1)
Recognition
- ·Top IT Leader 2025: Computer Weekly
- ·Ex-Forces in Business 2023: Awards Finalist
- ·Royal Navy Veteran (WRNS, 1989–1995)
Ventures
Entrepreneurial ventures
Founder & Enterprise Architect
Hypatia Smart Technologies
Enterprise Architecture, Fractional CIO, Digital Transformation Advisory and Digital Sovereignty & AI Readiness assessments. Clients include Chainvine, Digital WoW, Conquip, Sigma, RMS Networks and S:CRAFT.
Founder
Libélula River Lodge, Belize
Boutique eco-retreat demonstrating sustainable hospitality and ESG-led small-business leadership: applying the same strategic rigour and values-driven approach to a very different kind of transformation.
Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.
Hypatia of Alexandria, c. 360–415 AD