Hayley Rabbets | Head of The Verve Foundation | The Verve Foundation
My journey into finance began in 2007, the classic tale of ”falling into it.”
Over the years, I’ve worked in nearly every role within an IFA firm, from Receptionist to Senior Management, and I’ve now found my true passion at The Verve Foundation. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the challenges the industry faces, and I hope I can continue to make a meaningful impact in addressing them. I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment that supported my professional growth, enabling me to achieve the Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Advice. This qualification allowed me to become a Chartered Associate of the London Institute of Banking & Finance. I am deeply committed to breaking down stereotypes within the financial services sector and removing barriers to both financial advice and career entry. I strongly believe that everyone should have access to basic financial education, that we should normalise open conversations about money, and that we should use our expertise to make a positive difference in the world.
Rachel Drayton | Executive Assistant & Business Coordinator | Royal College of Anaesthetists
After dropping out of college age eighteen, I had no idea what I wanted to do.
An ad in the local paper for a Business and Administration apprenticeship programme led me to working in the healthcare sector, learning the ropes on all the behind-the-scenes admin required to run a very busy business. Following this, I have been fortunate enough to spend time travelling the world, both exploring and working in various administrative roles from Executive Assistant to Patient Liaison to Project Manager, from working for an overseas NGO to New Zealand government – you name it, I’ve probably dipped my toe in it! The last six years have seen me plant roots back in the UK where I currently work as an Executive Assistant and Business Coordinator which allows me to put my organisational skills to use, whilst also having a platform and voice to implement new projects and processes I’m passionate about.
Jodie Campbell | Senior Education Community Manager | Apps for Good
In my current role, we use a term called ”squiggly career path” which sums up my journey well. I began my career working in hospitality at a young age, and continuing for years after.
After school I began studying medicine, then decided it wasn’t right from me. From there, I did some travelling, got my undergraduate degree in English Literature and entered the world of non-hospitality jobs. My graduate role was managing a children’s tuition centre - working alongside the management team to support upwards of 40 staff at some points. The role was fast-paced, hard work and a steep learning curve, but it set me up well with with a whole host of skills I’ve taken forwards. From there, I wanted to set my sights on the charity sector, inspired to make a difference. My current role uses a lot of the same skills - working with people, tailoring to fit individual needs and being a part of a really strong team. It’s expanded my horizons to include working with people, schools and companies from across the UK and beyond. I was very fortunate that my current employer allowed me the opportunity to study further alongside my role. After completing a part-time Masters, I am now a qualified person-centred psychotherapist, and am happily performing both roles on a part-time basis, allowing me to find purpose and fulfilment in several different ways in my career.
Lydia Hawthorn | Delivery Director | Cprime
I started out within the cyber security and e-forensics space implementing software to help litigators and criminal defense and prosecution teams identified key assets to support their cases.
In these roles I really developed a love for delivery and tech transformation as I saw the positive impact I was having on how somebody went about their day to day. I self funded my Prince 2 and Agile PM qualifications and never looked back, quickly rising through the ranks as a Delivery Manager, into being a Delivery Lead and eventually Head of Product Delivery. In these roles I led company wide Agile transformations and led teams of Scrum Masters, coaches and delivery managers quite often building teams from scratch and embedding best practices into org structures that had very little base level agility. The experiences I gathered doing this in house led me into consultancy 2.5 years ago where I know have the ability to design and advise on transformations for a portfolio of clients.
Shauna Roper | Chief of Staff | HSBC Bank
I have built a 20-year career transitioning from the civil service into financial services, starting as a personal banker in a branch and now serving as Chief of Staff in Global Procurement at the world's largest global bank.
At every stage, I have driven meaningful impact, combatting money laundering, leading Brexit readiness efforts, supporting businesses through COVID, and spearheading a global diversity and inclusion strategy in response to a worldwide reckoning on equity. Now, as Chief of Staff, I apply my breadth of experience to drive change through supplier diversity, sustainability commitments, technology platforms, and the products we offer clients. My journey has been one of joy and accomplishment, but also challenge and resilience. At times, I was seen as too young to have a voice, outside the right social class to belong, or disruptive for challenging the status quo as a Black woman in leadership. These experiences fuelled my commitment to breaking barriers, leading me to found a leadership program for Black women in business. This initiative not only pays forward my learnings but also creates a network of sisterhood, ensuring the next generation thrives without carrying the same scars. My career has been defined by transformation, and I remain dedicated to driving change that dismantles systemic barriers and reshapes the world.
Lesley Sackey | Founder | Fight Forward CIC
Lesley Sackey is a pioneer in women’s boxing, social enterprise founder and most recently founder of tech start-up Pillow, a digital platform to power survivors to thrive.
Lesley was the first British woman to win gold at the EU Championships in 2008 on first entry and has represented England and Great Britain on numerous occasions. Following her success from competitive boxing Lesley began to use boxing as a tool to champion and empower women. First with The Boxing Boutique, a training business established over 10 years ago, and more recently, Fight Forward C.I.C, a pioneering social enterprise that uses boxing as a tool to improve the mental health of survivors of domestic abuse. Other notable achievements include: Co-producing an independent documentary with BBC Sport that explores female boxing in Ghana, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the sport globally. She has also appeared as a guest trainer on Channel 4’s ”How To Get Fit Fast” and was an athlete on BBC 3’s ”Last Woman Standing.”
Rakhee Shah | Technology Control Lead - MD | Citi
I am a financial services professional with over 25 years of experience, specializing in audit, risk management, and control functions.
I graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Accounting and Finance in 1994. My career began at KPMG, where I honed my skills as an auditor, conducting independent audits for various financial institutions. In 1998, I joined Citi as a junior auditor and progressed within the Internal Audit team, managing audits across diverse areas such as Markets Front Office, Operations, Compliance, and Finance. I also managed the Audit Quality Assurance function for two years, further solidifying my expertise. Transitioning to a functional role, I established and led the in-business control and Quality Assurance function for the Information Services Group. Over 11 years, I spearheaded the identification of recurring risks, root causes of data quality issues, and the implementation of systemic solutions. My leadership resulted in the continuous expansion of the team’s scope, encompassing KYC Operations, Lending operations, technology, client onboarding, account opening, and Data Engineering. The independent QA function under my management identified recurring themes, root cause of data quality issues and systemic solutions. In 2024, I assumed the critical role of Head of CTO and Data Solutions Technology Controls. In this capacity, I am responsible for developing and implementing a robust risk and control framework to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and risk mitigation. This includes overseeing regulatory reviews, audits, and assessments. I also manage Citi’s Cross Border Data Clearance function.
Alishya Artwell | Chief People Officer | Pareto Facilities Management Ltd
I am a dynamic and strategic HR leader passionate about creating exceptional people experiences and driving business growth through innovative human resource management.
As Chief People Officer at Pareto Facilities Management, I bring over a decade of expertise in global HR systems, employee relations, and payroll management. I have played a pivotal role in scaling the business from £18 million to over £50 million, with a vision to expand beyond £150 million by leveraging people-driven initiatives, enhancing performance, and transforming the organisation into a high-impact learning environment. My career in HR began in 2011, and over the years, I have worked with leading organisations, including Lloyd’s Register, where I led a £20 million global HR transformation project. My ability to implement forward-thinking HR strategies, streamline processes, and introduce impactful people initiatives has contributed to long-term business success. At Pareto FM, I have been instrumental in designing and executing an inclusive people strategy that fosters innovation, engagement, and high performance. From implementing progressive policies to building an agile and high-performing HR team, I continuously strive to create a workplace culture where employees feel empowered and valued. Beyond my professional achievements, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and CIPD Level 7 qualifications, I am dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends and championing transformational HR practices that drive both business and employee growth.
Dr Natalie V Bailey | Psychologist, Founder & CEO | Thriving Pathways CIC & Well Minds Together
Dr Natalie V. Bailey defied expectations, rising from a young mother at 18 on a council estate to become a Chartered Psychologist, Founder & CEO, TEDx Speaker, Published Researcher, and a leading voice in early intervention in mental health, parenting, and caregiving services.
Dr Bailey plays a key role in the Reach and Resilience team within the NHS, advancing mental health accessibility for Black Caribbean and African communities. Recognising the importance of representation, she initiated a mentorship initiative within her NHS team for assistant psychologists from the global majority—providing guidance, coaching, and a psychologically safe space for career progression. Through Thriving Pathways CIC, she delivers workshops and resources for underserved communities, ensuring that mental health and parenting education remain accessible. Her research-based publications include work in the International Review of Psychiatry (2020) and Mental Health, Mental Illness, and Migration (Springer, 2021). Her thought leadership on race and mental health is featured in Reimagining Race in Psychology (Routledge, 2024), shaping conversations on representation, inclusion, and systemic change. Dr Bailey is shaping the future of mental health accessibility by championing the power of intentionality. Through her work, she leads conversations on intentional growth, intentional well-being, and intentional parenting, equipping individuals, families, and communities with the tools to thrive. As she expands her impact through keynote speaking, training, and community-based workshops, she remains committed to breaking barriers and ensuring psychological knowledge is not just accessible, but transformational.
Jenna Bristow | Executive Assistant | Barclays
I am a wife, mother of two incredible children aged 9 and 15, and a dedicated Executive Assistant. My organisational skills are my greatest asset, benefiting me both professionally and personally.
With over two decades of experience in support roles, I have developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise that enhances performance and efficiency for myself and the teams I support within the organisation. I began my career as a Personal Assistant in 2003, refining my skills and gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in this position. I play a crucial role in supporting my executives and their wider teams (currently c. 900 people) and contributing significantly to the organisation’s success. I feel that being an Executive Assistant is my true calling, as it aligns with my strengths and passions. It provides a platform for professional growth, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities, allowing me to make a tangible impact. I am also extremely passionate about mental health advocacy and am a co-founder and chair of a Men’s Mental Health support group at Barclays. This initiative creates a safe space for open discussions, empowering men to share their experiences and seek help. I strive to foster a workplace culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, breaking down stigma and promoting well-being. My commitment to creating a supportive environment extends beyond my executive role, as I aim to make a positive difference in the lives of my colleagues.