"I believe that it is hugely important that we all work together to promote diversity and ensure equality across the industry. "
FR: What does winning a Women’s Recognition Award mean to you and why are awards like this so important for the industry?
I feel genuinely proud as well as absolutely delighted to have been identified as an award winner by industry colleagues at the inaugural FRWRAs. The calibre of the finalists in all of the categories was first rate, so to have been named the winner in the category of ‘Woman in Management’, was an absolute honour. I’m also relatively new to this world compared to many of my counterparts, so I feel quite humbled by that fact as I know that they have all achieved great things in their careers and will continue to do so.
I feel extremely passionate about the whole issue of women in finance and I have been heavily involved in work to promote the Women in Finance Charter and in encouraging industry colleagues to sign up and get involved in this campaign. I believe that it is hugely important that we all work together to promote diversity and ensure equality across the industry. Therefore, events such as these awards are crucial in highlighting the contribution that women make in this industry and for acknowledging what they achieve, but they are also important because they highlight the fact that, regrettably, there are just not enough women in senior positions in FS at the current time. In truth, all of us shortlisted and whom were nominated for awards, undeniably, do great things, but, sadly, there are just not enough of us! Look at company hierarchies, social media, awards events, judging panels, magazine contributors, round tables, discussion panels. Is there balance overall?
In acknowledging the contribution that women are making in FS, these awards will hopefully present role models to other women in the industry to aspire to. Whilst some might argue that they want to compete on an even playing field and thus dislike the idea of ‘women only’ events, the fact of the matter is that we cannot have an even playing field until there are enough players on both sides! We all want ‘women only’ events to be a thing of the past, but events such as these are a nursery step on the journey towards achieving complete parity and in ensuring that women are recognised and have the confidence to go for senior positions and to progress their careers in financial services.
FR: Tell us more about your role in financial services.
I have an extremely interesting and rewarding job role which I absolutely love! As well as a business owner, I am the Director of People Development at Brightstar and as such, am responsible for supporting all of our people on their individual career journeys, whatever they might be. I lead our companywide coaching programme, ensuring that all team members have sacrosanct one on one time for reflection, self-realisation and personal goal setting. I am involved in recruitment, induction and all aspects of individual, team and whole business training and development and I also lead our various training programmes and manage our team of Learning Champions. I am responsible for our Investors in People status and commitment, for reward and recognition, staff engagement/voice and also for staff wellbeing, staff happiness and mental health awareness and support. I lead on Customer Service and our ACE principles. I am also a ‘guardian’ of our company culture, values and business ethos and in ensuring that we all work in ‘the Brightstar way’ and in tune with the values of the business and the principles of Investors in People so as to achieve our mission statement.
Beyond Brightstar, I am a passionate campaigner, thought leader and commentator on women in finance and the Women in Finance Charter. I have worked with HM Treasury and Virgin Money in various aspects, I have organised workshops and events to progress the agenda and I am also an active supporter of International Women’s Day on an annual basis.
As an Investor in People Gold business and global award winner for people development, we also commit time and effort to supporting other businesses in various aspects of people development. I also lead our Young Learners Programme so as to contribute to securing the next generation of FS employees. I also coordinate out charity committee and charitable activities.
I am a regular contributor and commentator on all things ‘people’ and ‘people development’ and I write all of my own material, including my extensive social media.
FR: What are you most proud of in your career so far?
That’s a difficult one. We’ve had so many memorable moments and I feel so passionate about every part of my job. I am hugely proud of everything that we have done surrounding the Women in Finance Charter, our commitment to the Charter, the mobilisation of industry colleagues for this cause and of course, our two FRWRA awards! I am also proud of the work that we have done surrounding the issue of mental health awareness: this is a big part of our whole inclusive agenda at Brightstar and our support of all people whomever or whatever they are.
The biggest personal achievement however, must be not only securing Investors in People Gold status for the business in record breaking time, but also winning the Global Award for being ‘Best Investor in People Gold business (with under 250 employees)’ on the planet, beating more than 300 companies from 29 countries across the globe. Brightstar won from the top 7% of all IIP certified businesses in the world and I felt absolutely elated to collect that award on stage alongside members of our amazing team.
FR: What one change would you like to see in financial services in the near future?
I would like to see financial services become an industry that young people aspire to be part of. It’s a fantastic sector in my opinion, offering varied and hugely rewarding career opportunities, but through my work with our Young Learners Programme and through attending career events and speaking at schools, it is evident that FS isn’t necessarily an industry that young people even consider entering. Therefore, my desirable change for the future would be for a change the image of the industry so that it has much more appeal to young people. This will of course be aided by businesses and organisations being part of this crusade, be it through offering work experience, supporting local schools and college careers events and offering apprenticeship opportunities.
FR: If you had one piece of advice for someone starting out in financial services, what would it be?
Oh this one is simple. My advice would be never be intimidated by anyone; whomever they are, whatever role they do, however they come across, however many industry years they have ‘notched up’. Believe in yourself, be confident and use those around you as your teachers and mentors. Everyone has to start somewhere and we are all on a constant learning journey, thus making us, effectively, equals!
