I graduated from Cardiff University and was fluent in German so naturally I thought this would lead to a job utilising my languages. It was never my plan to work in recruitment. When looking for roles, I was really intrigued by people and the recruitment industry in general so decided to make the move into an executive search firm. I joined Hanover Search Group in 2003 as a Consultant before being promoted to become a Partner. I specialise in digital, marketing and product within asset and wealth management. I work closely with Paul Groarke, one of HSG’s Group Directors. He has been a great mentor. He lives and breathes the asset management sector.
Over the 15 years I have been here, the HSG brand has strengthened considerably. Our Board of Directors have always been keen to hear our thoughts and ideas, more now than ever.
How was your market in 2017? What were the highlights and flagship searches you ran?
2017 was a record-breaking year. Digital marketing, channel marketing and product development have been particularly buoyant. I am currently building out regional channel marketing teams in Frankfurt, Munich, Milan and Zürich. A highlight for me has been bringing people from outside the industry into asset management. I have also relished my clients’ appetite for greater diversity and inclusion and I’m enjoying educating clients on how to become better employers by being more inclusive. The asset management team have been instrumental in helping businesses diversify further into the wholesale or institutional space.
As a senior female figure at HSG, what advice would you give to young women starting their careers in this industry?
Believe in yourself. Don’t feel intimidated by people who are more experienced than you; learn from them. Finding a mentor that you respect can be hugely beneficial. Never be afraid to ask questions and admit when you haven’t got the whole picture. Take as many opportunities that come your way. If you get the chance to be seconded to your company’s NY, LA, HK office, (for example), jump on it! Those kinds of opportunities are invaluable.
I have really noticed a change in the women I interview in recent years. They have a new confidence which I find inspiring and empowering. In the past I have interviewed numerous women that had a tendency to focus on what they couldn’t do. I see a new strength and self-belief in the women I meet. I feel relieved and excited that my young girls will enter into a very different workplace to the one I joined after graduating, all those years ago. Being female won’t define what they can do. I want them to truly know that they can do anything and be anything they want to be. There was a time when some of my female candidates were almost afraid to ask if my clients would consider flexible working.
This has all changed. My candidates, male and female, now want me to tell them about highly reputable, successful groups out there that are focused on attracting top talent yet see the value of offering flexible working to enable parents to progress and enhance their careers, whilst managing the challenges of family life. It is these kinds of forward thinking firms that I love representing.
My eight year old daughter read a great book recently called ‘Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls’ about inspirational women, including Michelle Obama who sums up what all young women should do, aim high and strive for what you want. “Anything is possible...if it can be done, you can do it”.
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself that no-one at HSG would know?!
I was once invited to be a front row guest to the daytime talk show ‘Kilroy’. Enough said!
