Nathalie Majlis ǀ Barclays
Nathalie Majlis joined Barclays’s Corporate Banking Insurance Coverage team in 2013. She is responsible for building strategic relationships at the C-Suite and Treasury level to deliver Barclays’ global Corporate Banking product capabilities including cash management, debt and trade finance as well as risk solutions in the context of foreign exchange and rates. Nathalie also focuses on excess reserve financing and collateral transformation solutions for life insurance companies.
Nathalie has over 12 years of experience in the insurance and banking sector. Prior to Barclays, she has worked at HSBC in Dusseldorf, Hong Kong, London and New York for over 7 years. Her experience includes roles insurance and FIG coverage roles in corporate banking and debt capital markets as well as corporate and investment banking strategy positions.
Prior to HSBC, Nathalie ran an insurance and financial broker franchise business for three years and later specialised in mortgage sales.
Nathalie attended the University of Cologne and studied Business Administration with focus on Corporate Finance and Insurance Science.
Emma Mason ǀ Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
I am a trainee solicitor at the firm of Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP but alongside this I have held a number of positions within international badminton and am also currently a member of British Showjumping’s Disciplinary Panel. I set out below a brief outline of my journey, my education, publications and awards in the sporting world to date.
JOURNEY
I would like to start by saying that I’m incredibly honoured to have been nominated for a WeAreTheCity Rising Star Award and would like to thank whoever was responsible for nominating me. Throughout my sporting and professional life I have been inspired by both male and female role models. Consequently, I am a strong believer that the celebration of female accomplishments plays an essential part in inspiring others and that it can help to close the gender gap by showing other females what is possible. Therefore, regardless of the outcome of my own nomination, I believe that the Rising Star Awards are an important aspect of supporting and promoting female talent in the City.
My life in the sporting world began in earnest in my early teens, although, there had been a great many years before that stage where my parents ferried me round from tournament to tournament; from city to city; and from one cold badminton hall to the next. I am sure that is a debt it will be nigh on impossible to repay. However, I hope that it went someway to making their sacrifices feel worthwhile that for approximately 5 years I was a full time international badminton player representing Scotland at European, Commonwealth and World Championship level. Very unfortunately, through a combination of illness and injury in my mid-twenties, my career was cut short and I was forced to reconsider my future.
By the time I retired, I was already heavily involved in sports administration and governance as Vice-Chair of the World Badminton Federation’s Athletes Commission (a peer elected body of 6 that represents the views of the athletes to their International Federation). It was my enjoyment of this role that prompted my decision to re-train as a solicitor following the completion of my undergraduate degree in Chemistry. In 2013 I was appointed Chair of the Athletes Commission, a role which I carried out for approximately 2.5 years with my term coming to a natural end earlier this year. Working with the athletes and representing their view to the World Badminton Federation was a role I was passionate about and one in which I took great pride. I was the first female Chair of the modern day Athletes Commission since Gill Clark MBE who was President and Chairman of the Athletes Commission’s predecessor the International Badminton Players’ Federation from 1990-1995. I was also incredibly proud that my election meant I was one of the 6 women who became Council Members of the World Badminton Federation in 2013. This was a historic first for our International Federation and one which meant that we were one of the few International Federations to surpass the International Olympic Committee’s then recommendation of 20% of women on decision making bodies in sport. During my term as a Council Member of the World Badminton Federation, we collectively worked together and approved: (i) the introduction of Hawk-Eye to some our premier events, (ii) a US$400,000 end of year bonus for top 10 Superseries players, and (iii) a record breaking deal that would see the end of year Superseries finals be located in Dubai for at least 4 years. During my time in the Athletes Commission I was also proud to, as Vice-Chair, personally contribute to the Athletes Commission’s successful campaign to have a controversial clothing regulation (that required females to only wear skirts or dresses in competition) overturned and, as Chair, to successfully argue that (for purposes of protecting the players’ health and safety) the regulations relating to the standards and types of flooring that could be used in competition required tightening up.
My experience as a Council Member of an International Federation also opened up a great many doors for me professionally and allowed me the opportunity as a young female sports administrator to develop my network and enhance my profile. It was through this role that I was asked to Chair the Women in Badminton Working Group for Badminton Europe and to participate in UK Sport’s International Leadership Programme. As I have previously mentioned, I am passionate about promoting the achievements of women and also firmly believe that visible role models are an important part of attracting and retaining young and talented females to an organisation. To that end, during my term as Chair of the Working Group we: (i) published regular “Women in the Spotlight” features on the Badminton Europe website, (ii) put on two international conferences on Women in Sport, and (iii) hosted a networking breakfast for International Women’s Day 2014 in conjunction with the All England Badminton Championships. UK Sport’s International Leadership Programme, was a great opportunity for me to grow my profile within the UK, to learn from experienced sports administrators and to develop my professional skills. It was through the programme that I was offered my current position with British Showjumping and for which I can now be called upon to adjudicate, review & punish potential breaches of British Showjumping’s Disciplinary Rules by their members. While I will shortly be taking up another post within badminton, I am looking forward to doing so alongside a new challenge in a new sport. I hope to be able to bring my experiences from badminton to my role in Showjumping and to learn as much as possible from my new colleagues in the Equestrian world.
Despite retiring from international sport, I have retained my competitive mentality and love of an active lifestyle. I am now a regular runner and gym goer, or as my flat mate would say, addicted to exercise(!). I have put these to good use by participating in a number of charitable sporting events including the MoonWalk 2012 (Edinburgh) and 2015 (London) for WalkTheWalk, the Halloween Moonriders (2014) and the Loch Ness Marathon (2013) for Kidney Research. I really enjoy the physical challenge and raising money for worthy causes and hope to continue participating in these throughout my professional career.
Julia McColl ǀ Capco
Julia McColl is a Principal Consultant at Capco London, with a proven track record of defining and delivering transformation programmes in Retail and Wealth Management, excelling in customer experience and return on investment. She has a strong track record of defining and delivering digital portfolios of over £30m of annual investment and is passionate about developing propositions that meet customer need whilst delivering business results.
As a leader she is passionate about career development and invests time both in diversity and inclusion initiatives under the #BeYourselfAtWork banner within Capco and in coaching others to support their progression.
Lauren Cooper | PwC
I joined PwC back in 2007 at the age of 19 following a gap year. I was unsure whether to go to uni or start work but having worked for a year at the Bank of England and really enjoying it I decided to quick start into the world of work would be something that I would enjoy. I joined on PwC's HeadStart scheme as it was known then, aimed at school leavers. I soon realised I had made the right decision!
Having worked at the firm for a little over a year (and still in the midst of exams for my qualification) I found out I was expecting. I has my son in July 2009 and returned to work later that year on a part time basis and returned full time after a year and a half. I expected this time to be a real challenge but PwC were so supportive and allowed me to fit back in at my own pace. Ultimately it was a smooth transition and I have enjoyed being back full time and the flexibility PwC offer since. My progress was not affected in anyway and in July I was promoted to Senior Manager.
My background at the the firm has been asset management focused and I work predominately in the Retail Funds space within our practice. Aside from my day job I also play an active role in learning and development for our first five years and audit transformation which looks at how to develop our product as the world around us changes so rapidly.
Samantha Sherwood ǀ Women's Sport UK
Samantha is a passionate and life-long sports fan. She has been involved in sport either as a player, spectator or volunteer for over 20 years. From playing national league basketball, to being a games maker, to being treasurer at her local rugby club she has always dedicated her spare time to sport. As a qualified accountant and management consultant she has used these skills to set up and develop Women’s Sports UK. Samantha is a determined, enthusiastic person who, along with her co-founders, has developed a media outlet to give a platform for elite sports women to be able to showcase their successes. The site also allows the general public to engage with and follow elite women’s sport, Women’s Sports UK is the only website to offer this level of comprehensive coverage.
Amy Hughes ǀ The 53 Foundation
I am a runner, adventurer, personal trainer and nutrition coach. Last year I raised over £53,000 for the Isabelle Lottie Foundation by running 53 marathons in 53 consecutive days, a world record for both women and men. The previous record for women was 17. This incredible achievement led to securing the no. 27 spot in the Telegraph’s Top 100 Britons of 2014. I also made the Runner’s World Top 5 Running Heroes of 2014 and picked up ‘Running Moment of the Year’ at the prestigious Running Awards.
As a Dame Kelly Holmes Trust athlete, I am dedicated to inspiring other young people, girls and women in particular, to keep fit and healthy. Unbelievably, just 6 years ago, I had never run a marathon before. After successfully completing her 53 challenge, in April 2015 I ran 250 miles in one week from her home town of Oswestry to London, so I could help Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell to run her own first London Marathon.
Originally hailing from West Felton, Shropshire, I now live in Wilmslow, Cheshire, where I run my own private personal training business. My partner and I are currently in the process of setting up our own charity ‘The 53 Foundation’ with the aim of helping disabled people to become more active.
Manjit Kaur Kang | Natwest
Manjit is a loyal and longstanding employee of NatWest Bank now completed 24 years continuous service. Accredited Chartered Banker specialising in real estate finance and managing a portfolio of 150 business clients. Manjit remains a top performer year on year & offers outstanding customer service to her clients, out performs all her colleagues with lending objectives & still finds time to mentor & coach other members of staff. Manjit is seen as a role model by many of her colleagues at NatWest.
As a Women in Business specialist, Manjit supports, encourages & empowers women to set up their own businesses by making it easier for them to get access to finance, shares their ambitions & offers the expertise. Manjit has lead & ran high profile networking events for Women where guest speakers have included Lorely Burt MP for Women in Business & Pinky Lilani (UK’s 100 most influential woman).
As Diversity Ambassador for NatWest West Midlands, Manjit has made a real difference to the diverse communities of Birmingham by engaging, communicating & supporting these communities to gain access to finance. Her dedication & determination was recently rewarded as Winner of the prestigious external Award from Institute of Asian Business ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’ 2014’ Manjit has been recognised for all her hardwork as winner & finalist of many other awards, including as Winner of RBS Focused Womens' Global Sapphire Award in 2015.
In her own time, Manjit volunteers for Unique Home for Girls, Punjab, India, which is a Home that looks after abandoned & unwanted girls in India - recently raised £30,000 for the charity through various cultural events. Also is a senior member of the Sikh Network who are a group of Sikh professionals actively engaging with politicians on matters that affect the Sikh community in the UK. Sikh Network also launched the Sikh Manifesto in readiness for General elections 2015.
Mother of 2 children, 15 & 8
Manjit's life motto is 'To achieve & aspire against all odds, but with integrity'.
Mel Aston | Merlin Entertainments Plc
I currently work as Group Talent & Development co-ordinator, the role began 3 ½ years ago with me supporting the Group Talent & Development Director and the rest of the team on admin and the logistics of the global programmes, with no previous HR experience.
I have grown and developed the role enormously. Working within a small team, that delivers Leadership and Management programmes to a global business with over 100 attractions in 23 countries, liaising with HR Director’s and L&D Manager’s around the globe and external suppliers. I have also been instrumental in the creation of several new programmes and initiatives as well as leading on Merlin’s Diversity Agenda. Working closely with the Group HR Director, and Executive Diversity Champions, I ensure that improving our Diversity is a priority across our business.
Previously I started my career in Hotel Management, working within operations and guest relations departments, with companies such as Marriott / De Vere / Crown Plaza and Le Meriden. My next move took me into the Conference & Events industry working at the Royal College of Physicians in Regents Park, London for 6 years.
I am extremely passionate about Merlin, they’re a great company with so many opportunities that gives you the chance to put your own personal touch to the role and the support you are able to offer to the wider global team.
April Pardoe | The Breastfeeding Network
I am a 39 year old married mum of one 15 year old daughter. I have worked my way up from Admin Assistant to PA to the CEO over the past 12 years and am finally in my dream job! I spent 10 years working in various branches of the public sector and now work for a small charity The Breastfeeding Network. I am passionate about the work we do supporting women and their families as I have seen the good it can do and know how I would have benefitted from it when I was struggling to breastfeed my daughter. I am proud to be the first and only PA in the organisation and I enjoy being the “go to woman” when people need something! I enjoy the flexibility and freedom of working from home and have a close relationship with the CEO Shereen who is a very supportive and encouraging boss. I enjoy working with our volunteer Trustees and am pleased to have introduced better organisation and more structure to their meetings.
Away from work, I am a keen actress and work with several different amateur groups in my area. I am involved in setting up a local branch of the Women’s Equality Party in Northampton and will be using my PA skills to get this up and running.
I love being a PA and am passionate about the importance of the role – I would love the opportunity to show young people considering their future that there is more to administration work than “typing and filing” and that being a PA is a highly skilled and respected role.
Zoe Taylor ǀ Aon Hewitt
Zoe joined Aon Hewitt in 2003 and is a Principal within the London Investment Practice. She has provided advice to a broad range of clients in both size and structure, including Trustee and Corporate, and currently advises one of the world’s largest Institutional Investors. Zoe enjoys public speaking and has represented Aon Hewitt at conferences and in the media.
This Summer, Zoe joined the London Leadership team to look after Clients and Growth for the practice and to help develop strategic thinking in these areas. She is also an active mentor and coach within the practice, taking special interest in helping coach women in developing their careers at Aon Hewitt, including managing the transition back to work after having children.
Outside of work Zoe is kept very busy looking after her two young children and is an active member of her son’s school community. She has reached lego ‘master builder’ status and is an avid film and book enthusiast when time permits!
Zoe is a CFA Charterholder and holds a first class Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Kings College London.