Jess McGuigan
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of women and acknowledge improvements to gender equality. It’s also a time to reflect and examine where improvements still need to be made. We should be honouring the incredible women in our lives and making sure we are role models for future generations.
What comes to mind when you think of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Embrace Equity?
This year’s theme is about truly embracing and understanding the power structures that create inequality and unpicking them. Women often suffer from imposter syndrome, and we doubt ourselves in roles or systems where equity isn’t shared, so it’s a great theme to focus on as more women tackle these power structures head on.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Since becoming an adviser, I have spent time developing myself, my skills and my career and as well as overcoming my own imposter syndrome. Over the next 10 years, I want to continue to work on myself, as a financial adviser in my professional life and as a mother in my personal life, whilst also helping to inspire and mentor the next generation of advisers.
Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what’s one lesson they have taught you?
Throughout my career there have been several women who have inspired me, mentored me and given me valuable guidance.
Sarah Soar, Chief Executive of Hawksmoor Investment Management – who has had a huge impact on women in investment initiatives – took me out for lunch when I was a trainee adviser. I was only 22 at the time, and she spent two hours giving me the most fabulous insight and inspiration around my career whilst bringing up a young child – insights which I still apply to my work/life balance today.
There’s also Kingswood’s very own Managing Director, Hayley Burton – who has a very similar background to my own. She has shown me what women in business can achieve with the right mindset. Finally, I have to give credit to all the great female advisers I work alongside, such as Kingswood’s Rebecca Mattingley, who works in the same office as me.
What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?
Aim high – you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Tell us about a stereotype you’ve had to overcome?
Advising in my early 20s whilst also being a woman, and meeting clients who were often much older than me and had never had a female adviser. Sometimes, the nerves would get the better of me, but if anything, it made me so much stronger and yearn to prove myself even more.
What’s the best thing about being a woman?
Women are amazing. The ability to juggle so many different things whilst still staying grounded – such as running a family and a business at the same time – will never cease to amaze me!
Do you have one highlight of your career?
I couldn’t name one, my career has been the most rewarding journey and I still feel the best is yet to come.
What are the challenges facing women in business today?
Flexibility is still a big challenge – having the time for families and young children whilst thriving in a business environment can be tricky, and the notion of having to “catch up” after having time out can also be daunting.
What can women / businesses / the industry at large do to overcome these challenges?
We should be offering flexible working, and we need to be supportive and understanding, making women feel safe so that they never have to choose between their family and their career.
What are three key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?
Drive, authenticity and passion for what you do.
What made you want to get into Financial Services?
I ended up in financial services somewhat by accident as my dad owned a financial planning business. However, I quickly saw that financial advice isn’t about numbers, it’s about helping people meet their goals and this convinced me it was the right career for me.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a female looking to get into financial services?
Don’t see being in the minority as a hindrance but rather use it to your advantage. Businesses want to attract more female employees, and clients want more financial advisers – stand out and make a difference and your career will reward you!
Ellie Pilkington
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women’s Day is about highlighting the barriers and challenges women continue to face in their careers. Gender equality has come a long way so it’s easy to overlook the challenges that remain. International Women’s Day brings focus to these and how we can develop workplace policies and practices to better support women and close the gender pay gap.
What comes to mind when you think of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, EmbraceEquity?
To me, the theme represents an enthusiastic and sustained approach to gender equality. It’s about acknowledging barriers and challenges women currently face and identifying equitable ways to support them in overcoming these.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am always looking for a new challenge whether that be projects that push me out of my comfort zone or additional learning and qualifications. I hope that in ten years’ time I have gained a solid breadth of experience to inform my passions and interests so I can shape my career around these.
Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what’s one lesson they have taught you?
One lesson that stands out to me is the importance of having a strong support network. As responsibilities in both work and family life mount, you need people you can rely on and confide in to bolster your resilience.
What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?
Don’t fixate on getting your ‘dream job’ immediately. Every new role is a learning experience and will guide your next career move. Gaining a breadth of experience is valuable so it’s useful to move both laterally and vertically in your career journey.
Tell us about a stereotype you’ve had to overcome.
As a woman people often don’t take you seriously or think that you are not serious about your career.
What’s the best thing about being a woman?
Having support networks of other women, whether these are friends, family, or people in your industry. There is a narrative that women can be unsupportive of one another and competitive, but this doesn’t match my personal experience.
Do you have one highlight of your career?
My career highlight was coming into a green field site and building a successful learning and development strategy. Given L&D was new to most people it was fantastic to see the response and watch people flourish with the right support in place.
What are the challenges facing women in business today?
One of the biggest challenges I have observed is the lack of diversity within senior leadership teams. Although female representation at this level has improved, there remains a lack of intersectionality and diversity of thought.
What can women / businesses / the industry at large do to overcome these challenges?
We need to create greater awareness and understanding of the value that diversity of thought provides when making critical business decisions. This involves throwing out the traditional mould of what an executive looks like and redefining our expectations. No one can excel at everything so it’s about creating a healthy balance of perspectives and skills within a senior leadership team.
What are three key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?
- Self-advocacy – know your worth and don’t be afraid of self-promotion (as embarrassing as it may feel) people need to be aware of your successes to recognise them.
- Authenticity – as women we can sometimes feel we need to change ourselves to fit a mould but having a richness of diverse personalities and approaches is key to business success.
- Mentorship – having mentoring relationships throughout your career is incredibly helpful. Not only are they someone to bounce ideas off, but they can offer an outside perspective that you may have overlooked.
What made you want to get into Financial Services?
Coming from a completely different world (music) I was curious to explore a new industry and broaden my experience. I was drawn to the fact that the financial services sector has a learning culture at its core and most people in the industry are passionate about continuous development.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a female looking to get into financial services?
Don’t be put-off by the perception of the industry being a ‘boys club’. That type of culture can exist in any industry so it’s best to focus on the individual organisation. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions during interviews to find out if their values align with your own. Look at the make-up of their leadership team and what career development support they offer.
Eilidh Anderson
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day (IWD) is quite simply a day to acknowledge and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. On IWD, I always enjoy hearing inspiring stories, bringing attention to key issues and gaining some perspective on my own challenges.
What comes to mind when you think of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, EmbraceEquity?
Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. But providing equal opportunities assumes everyone started in the same place. Embracing equity puts the spotlight on recognising everyone’s unique circumstances and characteristics and allocating the right resources and opportunities to achieve equal outcomes for all.
Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what’s one lesson they have taught you?
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with a many successful women throughout my career. What I’ve learned is that if you want to retain good people and have them do their best work, they need to feel respected, appreciated and know that their voice is being heard.
What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?
When you are a teenager and in your early 20s, a lot of emphasis is put on going to university and getting a graduate job. I would say don’t be afraid to take an entry level role in an organisation and work your way up. I know many successful people who have done just that, and their well-rounded, real-life experiences have shaped them into incredible leaders.
Tell us about a stereotype you’ve had to overcome.
It is quite difficult, in my opinion, to rid ourselves of stereotypes. Everyone has unconscious biases. They are ingrained in society, and we begin learning them from the moment we are born. People of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds can fall into bias traps. I believe most can be diffused by a sincere apology and a commitment to unlearning and counteracting any deep-rooted assumptions we discover we hold. While not everything you face can be changed, nothing can be changed until it’s faced.
What’s the best thing about being a woman?
According to Shania Twain, it’s the prerogative to have a little fun!
What are the challenges facing women in business today?
Women face many challenges from day-to-day unconscious bias to limited access to venture capital funding. A common issue I see as an Investment Manager is the Gender Pension Gap whereby women tend to have lower retirement income and poorer outcomes than men due to a disparity in pay compounded over their working life, and time spent out of the labour force caring for loved ones. A Now: Pensions report estimates that women would need to start working in full-time employment at the age of four in order to retire at the age of 65 with the same pension income as men.
What can women / businesses / the industry at large do to overcome these challenges?
Workplace culture will only truly change if men are both given, and encouraged to take, the same parental leave opportunities as women. It is encouraging to see some UK companies introduce policies that offer men up to 52 weeks paid leave giving families the choice and flexibility in navigating their personal and professional lives.
What are three key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?
It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in and to live outside of societal norms. Whatever your career dreams are, having the conviction to overcome resistance and the resilience to keep going even when times are tough will help you stay the course.
What made you want to get into Financial Services?
I actually fell into financial services by chance – an answer which I have found is quite common among women. A temporary job turned into a rewarding career, and I am passionate about using capital to address some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a female looking to get into financial services?
I would recommend joining a women’s network and surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded and ambitious women. I’ve been a member and volunteer on the Future Leaders Shadow Board at Women in Banking and Finance for several years where I have met some wonderful mentors and friends.
Rebecca Mattingley
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, International Women’s Day celebrates the progress society has made in addressing gender inequality both in the workplace and in our personal lives, whilst also serving as a reminder that there is still more that can be done.
What comes to mind when you think of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, EmbraceEquity?
The first thought that comes to mind when I think of this year’s IWD theme is: challenging stereotypes, to move away from old fashioned, ingrained belief systems. Challenging stereotypes to me means questioning and educating people and personally challenging my own self-belief and asking myself whether I think I can’t or shouldn’t try something for a valid reason.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
When I look back at how far I’ve come in the past 10 years, I am super excited to see where I will be in the next 10! I think this is going to be a really exciting time not only for me, but also my female allies. In terms of personal goals, I believe that when you become an adviser and take on clients you make a commitment to them, and I am extremely passionate about continuing to support them in achieving their goals.
Looking forward, I would like to take on a more senior position within wealth planning, which would include coaching and mentoring my fellow colleagues as they enter the industry. I know how important coaching is, my mentors made a huge impact on my career when I joined financial services, and it is one of my goals to provide the same experience for new entrants to the industry.
Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what’s one lesson they have taught you?
Yes, absolutely! When I first came out of university, I initially did a short stint working in London before I fell into financial services. At the time I was in an administrative role and was lucky enough to be working with two senior female colleagues. Whenever producing a piece of work, they both took the time to explain the purpose behind the work, and if there were any changes, they always took the time to explain the reasoning behind them. This taught me the value of constructive criticism and being fully informed as to the reasoning behind a task and why it must be done. If you know why you’re being asked to do something and the impact it has on others, then you’re more likely to do the job to the best of your ability!
What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?
My advice would be simple – firstly make sure to listen and take on any feedback you receive, the aim is that you improve each time. Quality of communication is key, so be sure to fully proof what you’ve written before you hit send. Lastly, be kind to yourself! I truly believe that it takes most individuals at least a year in a new position before they really know what they’re doing. Be patient with yourself and success will come.
Tell us about a stereotype you’ve had to overcome.
Sadly, stereotyping still happens. I think most of the time, it’s due to unconscious bias and can come from either a man or a woman. I was shocked at a recent industry event where I was introduced to an adviser within the industry who immediately assumed that I wasn’t a Wealth Planner. It was clear that he made this assumption based on my gender.
When I had my children, I noticed people make assumptions that my career is less important than my husband’s and that the bulk of childcare or organisation would fall on my shoulders. Modern parenting and workplace flexibility means that this simply is not true. However, men don’t usually get questioned around family life and how it will affect their career when having children.
No one should be judged in a professional setting based on their choices in their personal life.
What’s the best thing about being a woman?
This instantly makes me think of the Shania twain song – Man! I feel like a woman!
For me, the best thing about being a woman, specifically in my role is the level of intuition that a woman has. I feel that in my advising role and speaking to clients on a daily basis, I can really and truly dive into their feelings, providing input into some subjects which can be quite emotive.
Do you have one highlight of your career?
I would say the highlight of my career so far has been completing my Level 4 exams in lockdown during the pandemic, whilst home schooling one child with another at nursery age! This must be one of my proudest achievements and I really do feel like a superwoman being able to juggle work, mum life, personal life, and studying for my career.
What can women / businesses / the industry at large do to overcome these challenges?
For me, the most important thing a business can do to help overcome challenges for women in the workplace is promoting flexibility. For example, implementing a ‘no meetings’ policy during the times when people may be on the school run so that parents don’t miss any important conversations due to outside commitments.
What are three key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?
Being able to receive and adapt to feedback well. If there’s something you don’t understand, be sure to reach out for clarification. Do ask colleagues for help when needed – utilising someone else’s strengths in the workplace should not be feared – we can all help each other in different ways!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a female looking to get into financial services?
My advice to anyone looking to get into the financial services industry would be to get your foot in the door. Get into the industry in an entry level position whilst studying and the only way from there is up! Working in the industry whilst doing exams makes the learning so much more meaningful. Living and breathing financial services day in and day out (regardless of role) provides so much knowledge and experience and puts you in such good stead for whichever direction your career grows, whether that is advice, compliance, marketing or operations.
Jade Rose
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me represents sisterhood, both on the professional and personal front. It is an opportunity to recognise how far we’ve come thanks to the work and courage of the incredible women who came before us, but also serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go.
What comes to mind when you think of this year’s International Women’s Day theme?
Intersectionality hasn’t always been at the forefront of the feminist movement so I’m glad to see equity, rather than equality, is the centrepiece of this year’s IWD theme. Financial marketing to women can be somewhat homogenous, yet there are a million ways to be a woman. I feel this year’s theme reflects that.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
One of my favourite quotes is ‘When you’ve been fortunate to reach the top, you must send the elevator back down.’ In ten years’ time, I see myself continuing to serve my community of creatives and ensuring they are as financially free as possible, whilst inspiring and nurturing other women to join this industry.
Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what’s one lesson they have taught you?
There have been various women who have inspired me on my journey, some directly in my life who have provided guidance and mentorship, and those whom I don’t know but have inspired me with their poise, intellect, and contribution to their fields. The prevailing message is to be heart-led and authentic in all that you do.
What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?
You’re going to mess up, many, many times, so don’t let the fear of failure stop you from pursuing the things you want to do. Mess up, get up, and try again. Rinse and repeat!
Tell us about a stereotype you’ve had to overcome.
Being a young woman in this industry can be challenging, however there is strength to our differences. For example, the shift to technology during the pandemic was second nature to most millennial and gen z advisers.
What’s the best thing about being a woman?
Sisterhood. There’s truly nothing like it.
What are the challenges facing women in business today?
Although there has been a lot of emphasis on equal opportunities for women in the workplace, women will never achieve true equality until there’s a normalisation of men taking on more responsibility at home, i.e. running the household, childcare and caring.
What can women / businesses / the industry at large do to overcome these challenges?
In addition to creating opportunities for women in the workplace, we must also redesign the systems to ensure women remain there. For example, current maternity/paternity policies tell us fathers are expected to go back to work and not be at home, and families with two working parents often don’t benefit from child support which can result in the woman leaving the workforce.
What made you want to get into Financial Services?
I didn’t see myself reflected in this industry and I wanted to change that. If someone tells me I can’t do something, my usual response is ‘watch me!’
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a female looking to get into financial services?
The difference you can make to people’s lives with the knowledge you have makes this an incredibly rewarding career. The journey may not be easy or linear, but it’s worth it.
Hayley Burton
What comes to mind when you think of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Embrace Equity?
Each year I look forward to seeing the theme for International Women’s Day. Embrace Equity surprised me as I am still shocked that in today’s world we are still striving for something which seems so simple. With this being said, each year the theme brings a great deal of awareness to the topic and encourages everyone around the world to educate themselves.
To me, gender equity essentially means creating a fair and equal world, where all women are equal to men. In an ideal world, gender equity would be a given. This is the world I want to live in. I don’t think this is a naïve view, and it is possible. We can all contribute to making a positive change and take action in our day-to-day lives. For me, the theme is a great opportunity for me to help educate others on the importance of embracing equity and the small things everyone can do to ensure that it becomes a part of every society’s DNA. Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I would like to think I’ll have retired, and be travelling and enjoying some well-deserved free time. I have worked full time for 33 years with a short 9-month break for maternity leave, so I think I’ll be ready to relax in 10 years time!
Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what’s one lesson they have taught you?
There are three that come to mind. Each of them all taught me to ‘be myself but with more skill’. They showed me that being true to my own morals is the most important thing you can do, and to stand up for what I believe in, but most of all the they gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. The most important factor I have learned is to be honest but balance that with kindness – (I see too many people get that balance wrong).
What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?
Find a mentor, find something you love and go for it. Never let anyone tell you that you are too young, too inexperienced or your family commitments are too complicated. Stay focused and gain your energy from sponsors, not mood hoovers!
Do you have one highlight of your career?
I do! Getting my first Bank Manger role in at Lloyds Bank and receiving the prestigious award for ‘most recommended bank manger’ out of more than 3,500 branches across the UK. I was both gobsmacked and thrilled at the same time!
What are the challenges facing women in business today?
We are still a minority in many working environments, and the imposter syndrome is there for many of us. The key is understanding this and learning to overcome it.
What can women / businesses / the industry at large do to overcome these challenges?
Businesses shouldn’t hire to get the percentages right, they should do it to foster the best results – and a diverse workforce is key to this. Shape a better performance with a well balance and diverse workforce. We need more women at board level – and more companies that will give us these leadership opportunities.
What are three key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?
Confidence, sponsorship, and resilience.
What made you want to get into Financial Services?
I would love to give an educational account to this answer, however the truth is that I fell into it in 1998. I absolutely loved it and have stuck at it ever since.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a female looking to get into financial services?
Understand what makes you tick, and go for it – financial services is a life career.