Insights

Q: Can you tell us about your career journey so far? 

I began my career journey 25 years ago at a fast paced and rapidly growing telecoms company called Orange.  With a degree in managerial accounting and MSc in international banking and finance, I began working as a financial analyst and qualified with the Chartered Institute of Managerial Accountants. After working in many different financial roles throughout my time there, I made the move to Bank of Ireland in 2015. 

For me success is primarily about having self-confidence, a positive outlook and unwavering commitment. I’ve always been passionate about learning and I grew my skills through collaborating with people, contributing to a team, balancing priorities and working effectively to support  company objectives. When I look back, I can see the time I stepped outside of my comfort zone, whether through role changes, secondments, or projects, were the times my career accelerated the most. I’m a big advocate of the ‘growth mindset’ and believe our abilities and talents can be developed through our efforts, practice and willingness to learn.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you and what are some of your key responsibilities?

My day normally starts with reviewing the market for lender movements, new products, and swap rates. With the help of my amazing team, we assess how the daily market changes affect our lending volumes and margins and plan and readjust accordingly to deliver our targets. We produce various pricing reports, trading forecasts, and mortgage market trend analysis to help model product profitability, enhance our pricing model, and support sales, propositions and transformation projects.

Each day brings new opportunities and challenges and things can change quickly. New trends may come to light and new solutions may need to be sought, and this is what I love most about my role. My team and I work closely with Sales, Operations, Strategy, Finance and Risk to achieve positive outcomes. Days are busy, but very rewarding!

Q: What might surprise brokers when it comes to how a lender prices its products?

Rate or product changes may not always align with expectations and other lenders’ actions, but we balance many objectives when launching new products. We consider our customers, commercial targets, risk appetite, operational capacity and new propositions. There’s some confidence in the overall direction of the market, but even with the best economic forecasts pricing remains a challenge given how influential economic and political factors can be.

Q: As someone who speaks English as a second language, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? Do you have any tips for others in a similar situation?

It's definitely harder being a non-native speaker in the workplace and at times it's held me back. I often feared not being understood and found articulating points clearly in presentations or debates, or asking questions in meetings, a challenge or I'd begin to doubt myself. I also found at events where it's often loud it could be harder to understand others. 

Over time, I realised this negative perception was mostly in my head. I've never faced hostility as a non-native speaker and no longer see it as a disadvantage. At Bank of Ireland, we have great diversity and inclusivity initiatives and everyone is welcome and respected. For others who speak English as a second language who worry about presentations and meetings, preparation is key. Rehearse, ask for feedback and be clear about the message you’re communicating.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in the mortgage industry you think women face and what would your advice be to those balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of family life?

Historically, leaders and role models in the financial services industry have predominantly been male but this has changed and continues to do so. There are now many amazing female role models across our industry, including our own CEO and senior leaders at Bank of Ireland UK. It's incredibly valuable to have this support network and see other women succeeding. 

I have three children and without a doubt it’s impacted my career, but again I think help for working parents is changing in so many positive ways. There’s more recognition for the challenges we face and the support which can be offered. At Bank of Ireland, the combination of progressive wellbeing and parental policies, alongside the adoption of hybrid working, means it’s easier to balance professional and personal commitments. I used to miss many of my children's performances and appointments when stuck in traffic between the office and home. My children grew to learn mum was always late! But the option to work from home now and stay local to schools is a gamechanger.

Taking a career break or not getting that promotion doesn't mean we can't get there eventually - the road just might be a little longer. Be honest with yourself, make necessary adjustments, and don't hesitate to ask for help or take time off when needed.

Q: What else would you like women in the workplace to know? 

We should celebrate our achievements and everyday successes, without being discouraged by setbacks. These are part of life and help us grow. And no, we don’t have to be perfect at all times and at everything we do, we just have to do our best and keep going with an ambitious plan in mind. It will get easier and your time will come.

Happy International Women’s Day to all my inspiring female colleagues, leaders and mentors.