Women Who Lead: Inspiring the next generation

Confidence, identity and resilience were among the themes explored as senior business leaders shared lessons from their careers with young women during an open and honest panel discussion titled Women Who Lead.

Investec CEO Ruth Leas was joined by Emily Shenton, co-founder of Arrival Education, and Professor Francesca Cordeiro, founder of optical technology company Novai, to reflect on the challenges and opportunities they have encountered throughout their careers – and what they would tell their 16-year-old selves.

The audience included ambitious young women aged 16–18 from Investec's community partners, including Arrival, We Speak, Morpeth School, 2-3 Degrees and Set Them Up Foundation CIC. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and build relationships with the senior cohort of female business leaders in a speed-networking format.

1. What question do you wish you had asked yourself earlier in your career?

Emily: I wish I’d asked myself whether my career path was the right one for me. I didn’t stop and ask: What would make me happy? What am I uniquely skilled at? How could I apply those skills in the best way possible for myself and the world?

At Arrival, we meet excellent, talented and smart young people, including many from lower-income communities, who will drive this country's future prosperity. With Investec’s support, we're helping many of these brilliant young people into careers. I think one of the most valuable things we can do is encourage people to think about what's right for them as early as possible.

Ruth: I would urge people to consider different options and keep an open mind. You don't know what opportunities are out there. After all, you can't be what you can't see.

2. What is the biggest challenge young leaders face today, and how can they tackle it?

Emily: In a world that's becoming more complex, it can be overwhelming to know where to focus.

I would say not to worry too much about what everyone else is doing. I think it’s important to spend time trying different experiences to work out what gives you energy.

3. What has helped you build confidence as a leader, particularly when stepping into more senior roles?

Ruth: Confidence builds over time. I think you gradually become more comfortable with who you are as you move through different stages of life. Everything you do helps shape you and builds your resilience.

Francesca: I’ve learned never to be afraid of being wrong because that’s how we learn. I’ve also learned never to be afraid to ask questions because they’re key to broadening your horizons.

4. What would you say to young people who want to step into leadership roles but don't feel they fit in?

Emily: I think leadership is about not fitting in. I never felt I fitted in anywhere and, if you want to do something interesting with your life, it can be hard to fit in.

For me, thinking about what I wanted to make happen was what kept me motivated.

5. With artificial intelligence (AI) changing the way many industries work, what skills should people be investing in?

Francesca: I don’t think any of us should be frightened by AI – I think it’s exciting.

Technology will change job opportunities, but I also believe there will always be trades and skills that AI can't replace.

I also think it's interesting that you don't need a degree to work with AI. Many successful people in the industry didn't go to university. In many ways, that may be why they're so successful – because they think outside the box.

Emily: I think AI is accelerating what we do and changing our understanding of things, but it's not always right. I also think you need experience and knowledge, which come from working, so you can judge whether what AI is giving you is accurate.

For me, AI is a tool. Its outputs are only as good as the information people put into it, so I would encourage people to embrace AI and use it to help build their careers.