Inspiring Women Leaders

Our iGROWW network explores topics of gender and equality through a series of Q&As with inspiring women leaders.

In conversation with Janet Barberis

What’s it like being a female leader in professional services, and how has the sector changed? Nina Haldorsen from Protiviti’s iGROWW network interviews Janet Barberis, managing director at Protiviti UK about her career and why ‘being yourself’ matters.

“I wanted to look good in a suit” … In conversation with Fortune Chigwende

A careers event at school inspired Fortune Chigwende to become an accountant. She tells Anisha Pithwa from Protiviti’s iGROWW network how she channelled self-belief, drive and confidence to reach the top of her internal audit career.

“My father gave me a strong sense of self”… In conversation with Fiona Hathorn

When Fiona Hathorn was a child, her father took her into the office, and encouraged her to dream big. After a career in the City of London, she is now helping other women to find their professional presence in the boardroom. Rhianne Williams from Protiviti’s iGROWW finds out more.

“You have to pick yourself up and find a job” … In conversation with Sharon Torpey

Dealing with setbacks is a familiar part of professional life, but if they happen repeatedly, then bouncing back can be tough? Sharon Torpey speaks to Rhianne Williams from Protiviti’s iGROWW network about how she learned to build resilience the hard way.

In conversation with Jennifer McGuire… ‘I wanted to see the world’

Jennifer McGuire, global portfolio head for audit and change at HSBC, opens up to Jas Hullait from Protiviti’s iGROWW network about early career ambitions, faith in tough times – and learning to be comfortable with change.

‘Be brave and be kind’… In conversation with Angela Craca

After starting her career in Italy, Angela Craca moved to London in 2017 to work for the asset management firm, Invesco. As part of a series of articles with inspiring women leaders, she tells Rhianne Williams from Protiviti’s iGROWW network why adversity is opportunity in disguise, and why risk-taking matters.

‘Don’t ignore your intuition…’ In conversation with Leonor Diaz Alcantara

The chief executive of Montessori Group has navigated an eclectic career. In this interview with Anisha Pithwa from Protiviti’s iGROWW network, she reveals how ambition, variety, and gut instinct have been her guide – and why, sometimes, it best to ignore other people’s advice.

One piece of advice can change someone’s life” – In conversation with Nicolina Andall

Nicolina Andall, a Senior Corporate Counsel at Swedish engineering giant Atlas Copco, has had a flourishing non-executive career. But she’s faced some big challenges, especially at the beginning of her working life. Jas Hullait from Protiviti’s iGROWW network hears a story of rejection, resilience and helping others to achieve their dreams.

‘Don’t fear the unknown’… In conversation with Victoria Sprott

Learning difficulties at school left Victoria Sprott feeling confused about her abilities, but a sales job in Australia, helped launch a career in recruitment. Rhianne Williams from Protiviti’s iGROWW network hears a story about finding a calling, embracing the fear of change, and nurturing a healthy family life alongside a successful career.

Amie Pinder’s squiggly career “I wanted to see inside the black box”

What’s it like to change professions and gain a variety of experience? Amie Pinder, director of technology resilience risk at the London Stock Exchange Group, started her career in audit, but realised the world of technology was waiting for her. She speaks to Simran Sadhra and Rhianne Williams from Protiviti’s iGROWW network about her journey.

‘Surround yourself with people who care’… In conversation with Valeria Locatelli

Putting yourself first when navigating a career isn’t easy, but Valeria Locatelli, chief internal auditor at Pension Insurance Corporation, has some good advice to share. In a candid interview with Simran Sadhra from Protiviti’s iGROWW network, she explores priorities, purpose and passion – and the power of people in your corner.

‘I’m lucky – I enjoy variety, change and building things’… In conversation with Bernadine Reese

What happens when you discover your entrepreneurial streak in professional services? Bernadine Reese, managing director at Protiviti UK, speaks to her colleague Jas Hullait about developing businesses, working with passionate people, and the challenge of work-life balance.

“Neurodiversity is not a problem to be solved; it’s something to be embraced…” In conversation with Grace Erin Reid

Neurodiversity is an essential element of the equity, diversity and inclusion agenda. But what does it feel like to be neurodiverse? Grace Erin Reid, founder of urlifeurbusiness, reflects on her unique set of skills – and navigating most of her career without knowing she had dyspraxia.

“Who is saying you need to do all of this” – in conversation with Eilish Jamieson.

Unconscious behaviours can help us to operate more easily in a busy world. But what happens when they stop serving our deeper needs? Kausar Qureshi from Protiviti’s iGROWW network speaks to Eilish Jamieson about changing course, learning what makes us tick, and finding balance.

“Be bold and believe in yourself”… In conversation with Dane Pedro

Dane Pedro is a senior compliance leader in financial services; she has also been a magistrate for the past nine years. Alice Buchanan, consultant at Protiviti UK, hears a story of drive, determination and a desire to progress.

Say ‘yes’ and the world is your oyster…in conversation with Marie Lodňanová

For Marie Lodňanová, her fearlessness to step into the unknown and her openness to say ‘yes,’ rather than to look for an excuse to say ‘no,’ saw her travel from the Czech Republic, to Poland and Mexico – all in the name of work. Currently calling the UK home, Marie is Global Head of New Business Onboarding with Visa FinTech subsidiary, Currencycloud. She tells one of our senior consultants, Valentyna Sydorenko, her story.

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