Jessica McNamee | Senior Manager, Customer and Colleague Strategy | Lloyds Banking Group
I grew up learning from two fantastic parents: my Dad an Assurance Analyst (methodical and quality-obsessed), my Mum an End of Life carer (full of warmth and zest).
This combination created in me a natural passion for creativity and collaboration, with a level-headed pragmatic approach to project delivery.
My career to date has been, without a doubt, a rollercoaster. The English language Graduate spent all her free time as the Station Editor of the university radio, responsible for the station and its 100+ volunteers.
Neither are a natural translation towards banking, but I quickly differentiated myself from Economics and Accounting graduates with my innovation, project management experience and, critically, ability to tell a story.
This language of storytelling has continually set me apart, applying its benefit to everything from data visualisation, to senior stakeholder engagement, to inciting change.
My thirst for knowledge and change has characterised a broad set of roles across my 8 years, from customer co-creation and design through to proof of concept, strategic vision setting, and delivery of key core programmes for LBG.
In the latter I was promoted to Senior Manager with a team of eight, becoming one of the youngest leaders in the Bank.
I now lead a team of ten on Customer and Colleague Strategy, and also co-chair a regional team of 40 volunteers for the Breakthrough Women's network.
I love both roles and their platform for me to make a meaningful impact.
The bookworm... the broadcaster... now the banker and Breakthrough Co-Chair.
Rouya Mardani | Eagle Labs Proposition Delivery Manager | Barclays
Rouya embarked on her professional journey in banking and finance whilst studying Psychology and Counselling at the University of Huddersfield.
Despite initial doubts about fitting into the traditional banking world, Rouya was determined to pursue this career path becoming the first in her family to venture into banking. Born in the UK to parents that migrant in the 1970s, she recognised the industry's lack of diversity, which only fuelled her desire to pioneer within her family.
Starting as a part-time cashier at her local branch, Rouya quickly advanced to become a personal banker demonstrating her capabilities and earning recognition for her high achievement. Her leadership qualities were evident as she rose to the position of branch manager, overseeing a team of nine during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where she emerged as an influential leader.
In 2021, Rouya transitioned to Eagle Labs as a Digital Security Hub Lab Manager, dedicated to supporting Greater Manchester's cyber ecosystem. Alongside her main role Rouya advocated passionately for Barclays to promote diversity and inclusion, proactively engaging in related initiatives. Following a promotion, she extended her support to government-funded programmes such as Product Builder, supporting idea-stage founders in testing, validating, and developing their products. Rouya also contributed to the Female Founder Accelerator programme, providing women with tailored masterclasses and 121 support, and launched the Black Venture Growth programme, supporting Black founders in overcoming barriers to fundraising through targeted support and facilitating their scaling journey.
Vibhusha Raval | Business Agility Lead | Lloyds Banking Group
Vibhusha was discouraged to choose career in STEM while growing up by many due to the stigma, but her parents supported her and that’s when her love for technology grew.
At age 18, she migrated to the UK and not only paid for her university fees by working hard but also gained a competitive scholarship to obtain MSc (hons) in Information Systems. The hardships were turned into opportunities of growth, and she kept challenging herself to achieve more.
Vibhusha started her career as a technology graduate and has progressed rapidly due to her dedication, ambition and passion for making an impact that reaches far beyond her team. She is an emerging leader in the financial services world, who challenges the status quo to deliver the best results. She keeps the business value in mind to ensure the team knows the "Why" behind the work. Her strength is in leading complex deliveries affecting millions of banking customers.
Vibhusha currently is Business Agility Lead at Lloyds Banking Group, UK’s biggest digital bank. She is driving the transformation by promoting agile ways of working and empowering teams to deliver cutting-edge products faster for the 21.5 million digitally active customers.
Vibhusha is also a volunteer and gives back to the community by mentoring young women on Cajigo Programme. Vibhusha has spoken to BBC Radio Suffolk about her journey in Technology to empower more girls to take STEM subjects. She has taught coding to 230+ girls and is advocate for women breaking into Tech careers.
Anna Blomqvist | Director, Product Specialist, Investment & Wealth Solutions | HSBC Private Banking
After 12 years in investment banking and institutional research sales in both New York and London and took the leap to join HSBC Private Banking and wealth management.
I initiated and build the business we call Equity Advisory offering bespoke equity portfolio service in line with clients’ investment criteria and risk tolerance. Today we proactively manage 125+ portfolios and USD500m in assets on an advisory basis. Our Equity Advisory Service has become a ‘differentiating factor’ and a ‘competitive advantage’ for HSBC Private Bank with an established track record of outperformance. We recently expanded responsibility to also include the funds business with both active and passive investment solutions.
At home I am blessed with a supporting husband and three energetic young boys.
In Wealth Management we have the opportunity to help clients reach their dreams. With thoughtful dedication and perseverance, always putting the client at the centre of what we do, we can make a true difference.
In my spare time I am an active member of the Investment Committee of a UK Charity Girl Friendly Society that support unprivileged girls and young women.
Hacer Evans | Managing Director | Accenture UKI
Since joining Accenture 3 years ago, Hacer has led the Tax and Borders & Trade business, for the UK arm of this global consultancy. Prior to joining, she has spent the last 27 years working in the public sector.
Hacer started her career in the field of Forensic Science at Thames Valley Police, following this she held various leadership positions as Head of Forensic Science and Head of Profession for Justice and Forensic Science at BTP.
In 2014, Hacer graduated from the Strategic Command Course and in 2015 transferred to Sussex Police as an Assistant Chief Officer, taking up a national role as Director of the Digital Policing Portfolio. Here she was responsible for developing and delivering digitally enabled enhancements to national policing across four major programmes of work.
In 2020, Hacer joined NHS Digital as the Director of Screening Technology, responsible for the operational management of national screening services and the national Digital Transformation of Screening programme. During this time Hacer was also responsible for the Mass Flu Vaccination programme and mobilised the National Booking Service for C-19 Vaccinations.
As the UK Technology Gender Lead at this global consultancy, she is passionate about gender equality in technology and is an ambassador and advocate for STEM, investing time in making young women aware of the opportunities available to them.
Alishya Artwell | Chief People Officer | Pareto Facilities Management
My journey in HR commenced in 2011 as an HR Payroll Coordinator at the London School of Business & Finance.
Transitioning to the role of HR Advisor for SunGard Availability Systems in 2013. In 2017, I embarked on a new chapter with Lloyds Register, initially as an HR Specialist and later advancing to Senior HR Specialist and HR System Lead. During a pivotal 7-month secondment to payroll, I gained valuable insights, subsequently returning as the Global HR System Lead. In this capacity, I spearheaded a £20 million project introducing a new HR platform across 84 countries in regions spanning the Middle East, Asia, UK, and Americas. Concurrently, I attained my Level 7 CIPD post graduate diploma qualification.
Transitioning to Pareto in 2021 as the People Experience Manager, post-management buyout, I played an instrumental role in driving business growth by over £20 million.
I elevated to HR Director in early 2022, I continued to shape Pareto`s HR landscape by spearheading the establishment of a new HR team, implementing innovative systems and processes, and creating family-friendly policies and employee benefits.
My unwavering dedication, focused approach, and track record of tangible results led to my promotion to Chief People Officer. I have established governance for all stages of the employee lifecycle while leveraging system innovation, to enhance the overall people experience and led the buy out from the People division and Legal due diligence, for our second buy out which took place in November 2023, driving business growth to over £60 million.
Jo Lister | Head of Consulting Knowledge and Capability | BAE Systems
When Jo first started as a Graduate Management Consultant many moons ago, she and her female peers looked around and thought “where are the senior women?” She honestly believed that her stint as a Consultant would end in her early 30s because, otherwise, how could you be a Consultant and a Mum?
Instead, Jo`s shown that it is absolutely possible to do the job she loves, have kids, be the first person to achieve Chartered Management Consultant via In Depth Interview, and stand in the gap she saw when she started.
Jo has consistently championed women; from co-founding a Parental Leave buddy scheme to support parents returning to work, creating a pilot sponsorship programme targeting women in her account to being a visible and approachable role model on many leadership teams. Jo is also active externally to her organisation too, supporting the recruitment of woman into IT by telling her story on panels across the country.
Working as a Consultant, Jo to creates mixed teams to take advantage of the benefits of diverse thought. Jo ensures that everyone felt welcome and able to bring their own special something to the mix.
Jo is responsible for revitalising internal knowledge management, setting the consulting competency framework for our 600+ consultants to develop within, and defining training pathways for all consultants.
At the same time, Jo promotes her ‘Term Time’ only contract and the value of flexible working so she’s able to leave early for school pick up!
Katie Gerald | Director | K.A.G. Recruitment Consultantancy Ltd
Kate Gerald, Founder and CEO of K.A.G. Recruitment Consultancy, Business Coach, and passionate advocate for women in business.
With over 25 years in Recruitment, I have channelled my expertise into not just leading a successful business but also empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Empowering Women in Business: I am deeply committed to gender diversity in the workplace. My role extends beyond my company as I engage in female empowerment communities like Santander Women in Business, Round table forums and host regular women in business events to bring communities together. My work in these forums, coupled with my experiences, have provided me with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in business.
Expert in Coaching and Training: My passion for development has led me to focus extensively on coaching and training. I specialise in areas such as:
- Retention and Aftercare: Helping businesses develop strategies to retain top talent.
- Interview Training: Equipping candidates with skills to excel in job interviews.
- Leadership and Management Coaching: Guiding leaders to enhance their management skills and drive business success.
- Sales and Strategy Training: Assisting professionals in developing robust sales strategies and business plans.
- This focus on coaching and training is a reflection of my commitment to not just place candidates in roles but to ensure their long-term success and growth within their chosen fields.
Support for Candidates and Businesses: Beyond recruitment, we have launched initiatives like the Candidate Handbook and “By Your Side” service, offering comprehensive support to job seekers.
Kellie Kwarteng | Founder & CEO | Halzak / Elevate - Women in Tech
Kellie Kwarteng is a recruitment industry leader and champion for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
As Founder and CEO of Halzak, Kellie connects underrepresented talent with leading tech companies. She also founded and hosts Elevate - Women in Tech, spotlighting inspirational stories to empower women`s ambitions in the tech sector and as of 2024 a Leadership Mentor Program and inspiring community network for women and male allies to connect and inspire women to remain in tech.
Previously, Kellie served as UK Partner at SThree PLC a global $1 billion STEM specialist, spearheading the launch and growth of their Public Sector division into the group`s largest UK division. She then became Global Group President for a boutique tech staffing firm, supporting their growth and operations.
In addition to her recruitment experience, Kellie operates as a business coach to staffing companies and women in tech. She is passionate about opening doors for diverse talent and helping companies build inclusive teams.
Outside of work, Kellie is a dedicated wife and mother of two. She enjoys playing and coaching girls` netball in her spare time. With her multifaceted career and commitment to empowering others, Kellie is a leader driving change in the recruitment industry.
Jasmine Bishop | Senior Programme Coordinator - Attendance | Get Further
Jasmine began her career in education during her time at university, supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their GCSE science studies through tailored, one-to-one tutoring on the ASCENTS programme.
This ignited a passion for helping young people from all backgrounds to access to the support they need, to gain key qualifications and skills, and she hasn`t stopped tutoring since.
In 2022, Jasmine jumped at the opportunity to join tutoring charity, Get Further, as an opportunity to support young people on a wider scale. By coordinating English and maths tuition programmes for students at Further Education colleges across the North of England, she was able to make a big difference to the lives of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are missing the gateway qualifications they need to access opportunities and unlock their potential.
In her time at Get Further, Jasmine has overseen the delivery of programmes in some of England’s most remote locations, providing students with transformative, tailored support that would otherwise be out of reach. She has grown with the rapidly expanding charity, quickly becoming a leader in the programmes team and taking on responsibility for key areas such as tutor communications and student feedback. In her current role, she holds responsibility for driving charity-wide programme attendance, a notable barrier to student attainment in schools and colleges. She hopes to continue to make a positive change to the lives of students by ensuring excellent engagement with the support Get Further offers, and by collaborating with dedicated individuals across the sector.