Walking the talk.

Do you think there is a benefit to being a woman in your industry?

I don’t think there is, nor should there ever be a situation where gender is considered beneficial for the recruitment of a role. What I’ve learnt from academic studies on the subject of gender and leadership is that the styles of leadership of women and men leaders can be quite different. Harvard Business Review wrote a good article on the leadership lessons men could learn from women, citing that women generally would lead through transforming people’s attitudes and beliefs, aligning people with meaning and purpose, using their emotional intelligence [EQ].

How do you approach a leadership role as a woman in business?

‘Walking the talk’ or leading with EQ is certainly how I have conducted myself throughout my career, and it has proven to serve me well. Joining the IQ-EQ business in September 2022, I became responsible for almost 300 people in the Jersey office. How was I to connect with all of my new colleagues in a meaningful, engaged, and authentic way?

My response to this was to communicate in my first week with the business that I would be holding a one-toone with every member of the Jersey team. Most people thought I was crazy, and would never achieve this number of meetings, but through balancing my day to day work with a number of one-to-one’s a day, I’ve managed to meet everyone and connect. Whilst it has certainly been a huge investment in time, it’s been so worthwhile.

Did you learn anything from getting to know everyone?

I looked to create a safe space for each colleague so they would feel relaxed and take away something positive about our interaction which would create a meaningful relationship. I asked each person what they like about working for IQ-EQ, and also what they might change if they could. I listened to the feedback and have committed to respond to each suggestion with an action.

What is the best bit of your job?

The people in IQ-EQ. We have an amazing network of people all around the world.

And the hardest bit?

Time management – it’s a busy job. I’m also a mum to triplets, and I’m training for the London Marathon in April, plus have an excitable Labrador to entertain. A machine that freezes time for a few hours to reply to emails would be great!

Is there a woman who inspires you in business?

There are many successful women who I admire. Her late majesty Queen Elizabeth was always the woman I would state as being the best role model. In terms of empathetic leadership, as evidenced through lockdown and the COVID pandemic, Jacinda Ardern (former Prime Minister of New Zealand) stands out for me as a leader who is both strong and compassionate in equal measures.

What’s your career highlight, so far?

Over my 15 years in the Channel Islands, I’ve been fortunate to support a number of businesses undertaking operational change and risk remediation. I have met, mentored, and coached a number of superstars, who will know who they are! More importantly, I work in an industry that is constantly evolving, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my new team at IQ-EQ.

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