Women’s Business Council Member of the Month Sue Langley has been telling us about her interests and her work. She is currently the CEO of UK Financial Services Organisation at the UK Trade and Investment and the Financial Services Representative on the Women’s Business Council.
Day to day I’m motivated just by knowing I’ve done my best in any job and I enjoy a challenging role. I am a huge advocate of women in business and diversity in the boardroom. Not only because boards should be better representative of society, but also because a diversified board has been proved to improve profitability.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I admire talented and capable women who are prepared to be themselves and not conform to stereotypes. Individuality is important. I’m pleased to see a number of senior women now, who are successful role models.
I have a keen interest in raising funds for charities and am one of the previous highest fund raisers for the Lord Mayor’s “Fit for the Future” appeal which focused on charities that support some of the UK’s most deprived areas such as Tower Hamlets where infant mortality is double the national average. On that occasion, I abseiled down the Lloyd’s building but to make it a little more challenging did so in a pair of Jimmy Choos,which helped to raise over £10k.
I mentor a number of women across a variety of industries and take this very seriously. My style is pragmatic, open and honest, with the aim of encouraging my mentees through practical steps to develop self confidence in their abilities and I’ve had the privilege to work with some wonderful women.
My door is always open for women of all levels and I love working with talented individuals. My simple advice is that women should just go for the jobs they want and to have the belief that they can do it. Start by finding a mentor – any mentor, male or female – as they can be a valuable sounding-board for ideas! But have the confidence to go for it.
I was a speaker at the recently held Tedx Whitehall Women event. The theme this year was ‘Invented Here’ and speakers were invited to explore how women and girls are reshaping the future. My speech was called ‘Anything is Possible’ because with the right attitude, I really believe that’s true.
Some of my past blogs and interviews include:
Women on boards
International Women’s Day
More than just a voice
CATEX News Interview
Getting to know Sue Langley