Home: London, UK. Age: Experienced enough to lead, curious enough to keep learning. Birthplace: Born and raised in the United Kingdom. Profession: Finance and strategic advisory. Organization: Charterhouse and Mishcon de Reya LLP. Title: Senior Strategic Adviser. Alma mater: Durham University.
Current project: Driving inclusion and organizational growth strategies in finance and law. Recent professional development: Joined Mishcon de Reya as a senior strategic adviser. Latest contribution to others: Supporting female entrepreneurship and inclusion initiatives, including advisory work on gender equity in business and organizational development in finance and law. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Becoming the first female CEO of a major UK bank and leading NatWest through transformative changes, including a strategic shift toward inclusion and sustainability. Hobbies: Reading, mentoring and exploring sustainable innovations. Last book read: The Infinite Game, by Simon Sinek. Recent unique acquisition: A rare, vintage edition of a childhood book.
Personality profile: Decisive, empathetic, forward-thinking. Moral compass: Creating positive impact with integrity. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Collaborative, transparent, and purpose-driven. What is your greatest joy? Supporting others in realizing their potential and seeing meaningful change take root. What is your greatest fear? Forgetting the people at the heart of every decision. What is your guilty pleasure? Indulging in British crime dramas after a long day. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers and social workers. How do you relieve stress? Taking long walks outdoors to clear my mind.
What was your favorite college course? Psychology, for the insights into human behavior and decision-making. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? A set of dolls I loved for the stories and friendships I created with them. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My art collection. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Senior colleagues who challenged me to think differently and led with empathy, shaping my approach to leadership. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Always surround yourself with people who challenge you. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Cloud-based collaboration tools that allow for seamless, flexible teamwork across global teams. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Talking to people who think differently and bring new ideas to the table.
What is your big idea?
Break down the barriers preventing women from starting and growing businesses.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Working to create more opportunities for diverse leaders and encouraging businesses to make a positive impact on society and the environment. What change would you like to see in the world? I’d like to see more women in leadership roles across industries, with equal access to mentorship and funding. What message do you want to send out into the world? Stay true to your values, take risks, and remember that the best ideas come from working together. What widely held belief do you reject? That leadership is about having all the answers. Rather, it’s really about listening and learning from others.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Queen Elizabeth II. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a detective and solve mysteries. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A collection of family letters and mementos. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? I’d spend my last day surrounded by loved ones, at home, creating lasting memories through simple moments and conversations. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be afraid to take risks, and remember that failure is just a stepping-stone to growth. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I became CEO of NatWest. Seeing the culmination of years of hard work and knowing I could make a difference was truly unforgettable. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early thirties when I was still finding my footing as a leader and learning to strike a better balance between work and personal life.
Personal mission: Reshaping the financial industry to be more inclusive and ethical while empowering diverse leaders to thrive in business. Personal motto: Lead with purpose, embrace change, and always learn from others. Favorite quote: “It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult” (Queen Elizabeth II).
