Each March, the Leasing Foundation marks Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by putting a spotlight on the women shaping asset finance.
From 2 March, our Women’s Spotlight Series returns for its third year. Every working day, we’ll feature one woman from across the sector – sharing her path, the moments that tested her, the calls that changed her course and the advice she would pass on.
What began as a simple idea has grown into a chain of recognition. Many of this year’s participants were nominated by women who took part before them. One voice leads to another. One story gives courage to the next.
The 2026 International Women’s Day theme, Give To Gain, feels close to home. When we give time, support, credit or a platform, we all gain. Progress does not happen by chance. It happens when people choose to back each other, speak up and open doors.
Throughout March, we’ll share daily spotlights. We hope you’ll read them, reflect on them and pass them on. Because when women thrive, our whole industry moves forward.
Hayley Lawrence, Grenke
Our first profile this month is Hayley Lawrence from grenke:
What would you have done sooner if you weren’t afraid to?
I would have trusted my instincts earlier and spoken up with more conviction. I spent too long thinking confidence comes with time — when actually it comes from backing yourself.
What misconceptions do you think need correcting around women?
That confidence is aggression and empathy is weakness. The best leaders I know – many of them women – combine commercial focus with emotional intelligence. That’s not a contradiction, it’s a strength.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is… to continue supporting The Leasing Foundation’s gender programme and actively help create more space, visibility and opportunity for women in our industry.
Zardah Zaman, Mitsubishi HC Capital UK
I am Zardah Zaman, product and project manager, Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. My focus in my current role has been to digitalise and improve sales processes, introduce new systems, and bring more structure to delivery. I work across the full change lifecycle shaping requirements through to testing, training, and embedding change in the business ensuring change lands safely and delivers value.
How do you overcome imposter syndrome?
I keep a personal record of what I’ve achieved and what I’m proud of and regularly reflect on previous years and how far I’ve come, giving equal importance to big milestones and small daily wins. Things that once felt intimidating now feel normal, and I’ve noticed imposter syndrome usually shows up when I’m stretching myself which is often a sign that I’m growing. I’m learning to reframe it as a sign that I’m outside my comfort zone and about to be stretched. Instead of shrinking, I try to expand into it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Earlier in my career, I felt I had to know everything before speaking. I would tell my younger self to be braver about using her voice. Your perspective is valuable, even in rooms where you feel like the least experienced person.
I’ve learned that confidence comes from action and doing things before you feel ‘ready’ so put your hand up for projects that stretch you. Volunteer for cross-functional initiatives and build relationships beyond your immediate team. Influence often matters just as much as technical expertise. Focus on adding value!
And finally, trust that you are far more capable than you think. Growth will always feel uncomfortable at first, but what feels daunting today will become your new normal. Keep going!
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is… to contribute meaningfully to the work of the EDI and NextGen streams within The Leasing Foundation, supporting events that create visibility for diverse talent, and using my voice to encourage greater inclusion and exposure across the industry.
Leoni Brooke, Acquis Insurance
I am Leoni Brooke Cert CII, underwriter at Acquis Insurance. In my role, I look after the performance of our insurance book across the UK and the EU, ensuring we price in a way that’s sustainable, strategic, and supportive of our clients and insurers. It’s a great blend of data, judgement, and teamwork, and it’s one I’ve really grown to love.
How do you set boundaries and advocate for yourself?
For me, setting boundaries and advocating for myself starts with believing in my own judgement. When you trust your instincts, it becomes much easier to speak up, share your ideas, and stand behind the skills you bring to the table.
You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. You just need to be clear and confident. Disagreements happen, and that’s okay. The key is balancing the data, the facts, and the human side of the conversation while staying firm and respectful.
What values guide you?
One of the biggest values that guides me is having a growth mindset. I try to stay curious, ask questions, and say yes to things that push me outside my comfort zone. Doing that has led me to opportunities and experiences I never would have imagined for myself. And even when things haven’t gone perfectly, I’ve learnt from the mistakes and grown because of them.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is… to share my experiences and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way, so others feel supported and confident in reaching their full potential.
Chantal Heckford, marketing consultant
I am Chantal Heckford and I work with SMEs in the professional and financial services sector helping them create content and improve their external marketing and communications.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Believe in yourself. I used to compare myself to others all the time and often came up short. However what I realise now is that I have my own strengths (and weaknesses) and so does everyone else. If you keep measuring yourself against other people, you’ll never be happy with your own successes. Most of us – even the most capable of people – have moments when we feel we’re not quite as good as the next person. Do your best, believe in yourself and be proud of what you achieve. That’s all anyone can ask. I tell my daughter this all the time!
What would be the collective noun for a group of strong and capable women?
Maybe a STORM of women. It sounds like something that’s powerful and hard to ignore! 😊
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is… to compliment at least one woman every day, whether that’s her work, her outlook or even her shoes!
Emma Browne, Alfa
I am Emma Browne and I wear two hats – ‘mummy’ to three young children aged between 1 and 6 years and professionally ‘head of EMEA central delivery’ at Alfa Financial Software. I juggle a very busy household alongside leading a large team with broad responsibilities and driving strategic change. I am also on the committee for Alfa’s Women’s Community.
What do you think is the most important foundation for success?
To build a foundation for success as a leader, I believe you need a number of key pieces:
Your team – Build a team that is diverse, then look after them, celebrate them and provide what they need to be successful. Empower your team, but provide the guardrails. A successful team is driven by everyone.
Your manager and mentors – A good manager should empower and support you; they should advocate for you and provide opportunity.
Workplace flexibility – As a working parent, I’m extremely grateful to Alfa for the flexibility afforded to me. Because of this I can juggle school assemblies, kids doctors’ appointments, school holiday childcare and importantly spending quality time with my children alongside having a meaningful and rewarding career where I am contributing towards the company success.
Your personal network – all those people that are important to you – be that your partner, your family and your friends – your village.
What are the main barriers that still prevent positive change?
To enable women leaders, we must make leadership compatible with parenthood. I am lucky to work for Alfa who offers generous parental policies and flexible working; however I believe broader change is needed within the UK.
Unequal parental responsibilities block women from leadership. Women globally perform 72% of unpaid care work – a ‘second shift’ draining energy needed for advancement. The UK has Europe’s worst paternity leave, forcing women into the default caregiver role. Poor paternity leave weakens families, mental health, child development and perpetuates harmful gender roles. To break down this barrier support and follow Dad Shift UK – they’re actively campaigning for decent paternity leave in UK and audit your parental leave policies – ensure they are generous for the benefit of all.
Workplace flexibility benefits everyone but disproportionately affects women who statistically shoulder most caring and parental duties. Studies show workplace flexibility increases productivity, reduces turnover, and supports women into leadership – it is a win for all. Follow Mother Pukka on socials and embrace flexible working within your teams and organisations.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to... give visibility to and support for the changes needed to make leadership compatible with parenthood.
Becki Barrett, Interbay Asset Finance
I am Becki Barrett, collections officer, InterBay Asset Finance. I handle complex arrears and recovery cases within asset finance, navigating challenging conversations with clarity and fairness and I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported and confident to grow.
What can women do to help women?
Women can support each other in practical, consistent ways.
– We can advocate for one another in rooms we’re not in.
– We can share knowledge openly instead of protecting it.
– We can recommend each other for opportunities and speak up when we see potential.
Support doesn’t always need to be loud or public. Sometimes it’s a quiet message of encouragement, honest feedback or simply making space for someone’s voice to be heard. When we choose collaboration over competition, we build stronger networks and create lasting change.
What impact has mentoring had on me and my career?
Mentoring has given me clarity and confidence at key moments in my career.
It’s helped me recognise my strengths more objectively and step into responsibility with greater intention. Having someone both support and challenge me has accelerated my development far more than trying to navigate everything alone. It’s also reinforced that leadership can be direct and compassionate at the same time and that authenticity builds trust.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to… actively invest time in mentoring and creating space for others to grow. By sharing experience, encouraging confidence, and opening doors where I can, I hope to contribute to an environment where progress is collective, not individual.
When we give intentionally, we strengthen the whole industry.
Nilima Begum, Evolve Business Finance
I am Nilima Begum, client manager at Evolve Business Finance. I am a commercial finance broker and it is my responsibility to ensure my clients are looked after and I find the right funding solutions for them, to support them in their growth and aspirations and help them thrive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Know your worth, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can do and achieve and trust your instincts.
What advice would you give women starting their career?
Be yourself, be curious and push for your own personal and professional development and don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something!
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to… share my knowledge and experience and be more supportive.
Macarena Blanco, Alfa
I am Macarena Blanco, director of engineering operations and head of team leads at Alfa Financial Software.
How has your leadership style changed over time?
My leadership style has evolved from being more hands-on and directive to being more focused on empowerment. I have got to a position in which the people I lead are highly capable, experienced people. I believe the best approach now is to provide the context and vision they need to make informed decisions in their teams. In my role, I can also provide them with a platform to share their ideas, amplify their impact, grow their profile, and promote collective learning.
What has enabled you to succeed?
Being curious, asking questions, and genuinely wanting to understand the bigger picture and other people’s perspectives.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is… to give ownership and leading opportunities for people to fulfill their potential.
Alexandra Tait, Lombard
I am Alexandra Tait, renewable energy relationship director at Lombard. I support the growth of Lombard’s renewable energy lending by partnering with businesses across the UK to finance innovative renewable projects.
What advice would you give women starting their career?
Comparison is the thief of joy: avoid measuring your success against others and focus on what will move you forward, not sideways.
What impact has mentoring had on you and your career?
Mentorship has been hugely impactful for me – it’s supported me in tackling challenging situations, having faith in myself to take career jumps and provided access to spaces I wouldn’t have considered a possibility.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is… to mentor other women who are beginning their career in the asset finance industry and champion their contributions and successes.
Jen Bodey, Propel Finance
I am Jen Bodey, director of compliance and conduct risk at Propel Finance. By day I’m a compliance director who believes in clarity, fairness and doing the right thing; by night I’m raising two teenagers who teach me much about judgement, resilience and patience.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to relax a little. Things do work out when you behave with integrity and keep your sense of humour. The moments you think are setbacks will actually become the stories you draw your confidence from.
What would be the collective noun for a group of strong and capable women?
I chose A Resolve of Women because it reflects the kind of strength I see every day in the brilliant women who work with me at Propel. They are consistent and anchored in purpose. In my world, resolve isn’t about noise or heroics; it’s about doing the right thing, staying steady under pressure and helping others feel confident to do the same.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is … to use my influence to lift others up, especially when they don’t yet see their own potential
Agnes Nairn, Lombard
I am Agness Nairn, director of asset finance at Lombard. I’ve worked at NatWest for 31 years, with the last eight incredible years spent leading a sales and support team for Lombard across West Central Scotland and Northern Ireland. I’m passionate about sponsoring, coaching, and supporting my people to be their best and grow into their full potential.
What advice would you give women wanting to step into a leadership role?
I strongly recommend having both a sponsor and a mentor when you’re preparing for your leadership role. I have been fortunate to have bot, and they supported me in very different but equally important ways.
My sponsor championed me when I looked at new opportunities and encouraged me to consider roles I didn’t initially think I was ready for. My mentor, on the other hand, focused on building my confidence and challenging me in the right ways so I could step into my next role feeling prepared and capable. I wouldn’t have made the initial jump without them.
What values guide you?
My values have been shaped over the years by my family and my community. The four I try to live by every day are kindness, resilience, honesty, and respect. These values have served me well especially when navigating difficult situations or moments of uncertainty. There have been plenty over the years.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to provide coaching and support to a female graduate joining my team in April on a 6-month rotation.
Kate Norton, Praetura
I am Kate Norton FCIPD, HR Director at Praetura. As a HR leader my role is aligning people strategy with business performance. My current focus is on building leadership strength, developing clear succession pathways and creating an inclusive and high accountability culture.
What do you think will be the key skills for the future?
I believe key skills for the future are adaptability, digital confidence, commercial literacy, and emotional intelligence. As automation and technology continue to reshape roles, uniquely human skills such as collaboration, judgement, ethical decision-making will become even more valuable. Leaders will need to navigate complexity while maintaining engagement and trust.
What advice would you give women starting their career?
I say this to my 3 daughters: Be intentional about building both competence and credibility. Do what you say you are going to do, deliver consistently, meet your commitments, and develop a reputation for reliability. At the same time, it is important to invest in relationships, make sure people know who you are and what you stand for. Seek out mentors, ask questions, understand how decisions are made, and learn the commercial drivers of the business. The more you understand how value is created, the more confidently you can contribute.
And importantly, don’t wait to feel “ready” before raising your hand. Growth often follows opportunity, not the other way around.
My one action to #GivetoGain in 2026 is committing to intentional sponsorship. I’ve seen how a recommendation in the right room or visible backing at the right moment can change someone’s trajectory. Progress doesn’t happen by chance it happens through advocacy. This year, I will use my influence to actively support others into meaningful opportunities.
Suzanne Taylor, Lombard
The Leasing Foundation 2026 Women’s Spotlight Series: I am Suzanne Taylor, partner and co-head of the financial services sector at Shoosmiths
I am a financial services lawyer specialising in consumer finance and asset finance supporting lenders, lessors and brokers to deliver their finance solutions to customers in a compliant manner.
How have you navigated gender bias (in or outside of your career)?
As a lawyer, I have experienced clients either (i) speaking to the less qualified male lawyer in the room on the presumption that I reported into him or (ii) telling me to bring a male partner to a C-suite meeting because it would increase my credibility of winning work. By building relationships and delivering advice in my style, these scenarios have become less frequent. Maintaining my confidence and continuing to be myself has been key for me in overcoming gender bias.
What does giving mean to you and how do you give?
I have a saying “look up and look out” which to me represents how I can positively contribute to others. In a pressured world of deadlines and transactions it is very easy to keep your head down and focus on the immediate issue on your desk. By looking up and out, we can see the support others might need from us and where we can make a change. It can be as simple as speaking to someone who is having a bad day but it can also have a bigger impact such as seeing the bias or challenges others are facing and highlighting issues so that they can be changed or reduced.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to use my experience and role to support others getting equity of opportunity in their careers.
Sally Kabbara, Simply
I am Sally Kabbara, legal counsel at Simply Asset Finance. I help the business navigate legal and compliance challenges while keeping things practical and manageable. In short, part legal adviser, part problem-solver .
What can women do to help women?
Women can start by showing up for each other in real, practical ways. That means supporting women-owned businesses, recommending other women for jobs or promotions, and giving credit openly and often. It means mentoring younger women without competition or ego, and being honest about lessons learned so others don’t have to start from scratch. I was fortunate to have amazing women who mentored me along the way, and I believe in paying that forward. Women can help each other by encouraging each other to negotiate pay, leave unhealthy relationships, pursue education, take leadership roles, and ask for help. Most importantly, we have to practice solidarity instead of rivalry, because competition between women is often rooted in systems that were never designed for us to thrive together.
What can allies do to help advocate women?
Allies who are friends or family can help advocate women by listening and taking women’s concerns seriously. If a woman talks about challenges she faces, an ally tries to understand and support her rather than dismissing it. They can also help by not falling into stereotypes or stigma about what women “should” or “should not” do. Allies in the workplace can make a real difference by supporting and recognising the contributions of the women around them. It is often the little things that count, like celebrating women’s achievements and helping women feel confident to speak up. When that kind of support happens consistently, it helps create a workplace where women feel valued and confident sharing their ideas.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to show up for other women, even in small ways, every day. That could mean sharing a useful contact, giving a shoutout for someone’s work, or just being honest about what I’ve learned so others don’t have to figure it out alone.
Sarah Cunningham, NACFB
I am Sarah Cunningham, head of compliance and assurance at NACFB. I run a team of eight people delivering compliance support to the commercial finance intermediary market and am the driving force behind the design and introduction of a broker oversight process which is rapidly being embraced by lenders and policy makers as the core standard. I sit on the senior leadership team of the NACFB responsible for defining the strategic direction of the association and am a regular contributor to Board debates concerning industry issues of the day.
I am about doing things the right way. I want to demystify compliance for our Members and turn what can be a complex and scary area into something that can be understood by all. I am about getting things done, cutting through noise and raising the standards bar across our industry. I am about my team, leading by example and helping them grow and develop, preferring to hire for attitude over experience. I am very honest and transparent, always looking to improve culture. I wear my heart on my sleave and I’m very passionate.
How do you overcome imposter syndrome?
I’m not sure I want to eliminate imposter syndrome entirely. For me, it’s often a sign that I’m pushing beyond my comfort zone and stretching into new territory. That feeling motivates me to keep learning and to prove myself worthy of the responsibility I’ve been given.
If it ever becomes overwhelming, I turn to trusted mentors who remind me that I am capable and deserving of my role. They also reinforce something important, that most people experience imposter syndrome to some degree. The real danger isn’t self-doubt, it’s becoming arrogant or entitled. A healthy level of doubt keeps me self-aware. Recognising my own gaps is critical to building a strong team that complements your strengths and offsets my weaknesses.
What do you think is the most important foundation for success?
Foundation really is the key word. Success is built on a balanced mix of trusted relationships, core capability, and genuine humility. It’s important not to make success the goal itself, but rather the outcome of pursuing your purpose.
Success is a result, not an ambition. When you focus on doing things well, treating people with respect, and staying aligned to your true north, success tends to follow naturally.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is supporting members of the team and our members and Patrons by sharing compliance insights, practical experiences, and lessons learned so we can continuously improve and uphold strong standards.
Angie Emberton-Smith, Athlon
I am Angela Emberton-Smith, the head of customer support at Athlon Mobility Service.
My teams focus on making things simple for our customers and those internally with all things ‘customer’ related. I like to lead by example and empower those around me to make good choices; at the end of the day you can’t do it all on your own.
What advice would you give women starting their career?
Be authentic and show what you are capable of by stepping into the role you want as well as the role you have. I have always progressed by pushing my boundaries and delivery at the next level. What I would also say is don’t hold back on living your life personally as well; work and home should not have to be sacrificed for each other for a women to succeed. I certainly partied hard (without showing myself up to much…) travelled and then had children when my career escalated the most. You have to juggle a lot but don’t sacrifice too much; being you is enough and both home and work are important.
How do you overcome imposter syndrome?
For me this is a tough one as never sure I really have; how did Angie end up here! But if I am ever in doubt I remind myself of my core values and that I know I can achieve most things if I put my mind to it. Don’t over think things, often your gut instinct is the right one; being genuine, fair and honest gets you through. Also if you don’t have the skill find someone in your team who does; working together often solves the imposter syndrome for me.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to empower others with knowledge and support so they can succeed in whatever they chose.
Alice Scoates, NatWest Group
I am Alice Scoates (nee Bartlett-Short) from NatWest Group.
How have you overcome imposter syndrome:
I’ve come to realise that almost everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point. For a long time, I thought it was a sign that I wasn’t ready or didn’t belong. Over time, though, my perspective has shifted. I now see that those feelings often appear when you’re stretching yourself, stepping into something new, and growing. Rather than trying to eliminate self-doubt entirely, I’ve learned to acknowledge it and move forward anyway. With experience confidence grows, but the key shift for me was understanding that feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you’re an imposter; it often means you’re pushing your boundaries in exactly the right way.
Recently, I attended a celebration lunch for International Women’s Day where the guest speaker introduced the idea of the “sod it button.” She described it as a three-step activation process: first, recognising the moment of hesitation or self-doubt; second, consciously deciding to press the “sod it button” and move past that hesitation; and finally, taking action and seizing the opportunity in front of you.
It really resonated with me. Imposter syndrome can so easily hold us back from opportunities we’re capable of embracing. Sometimes what’s needed isn’t the absence of doubt, but the courage to acknowledge it, press the “sod it button,” and step forward anyway.
How do you stay motivated and inspired?
What keeps me motivated and inspired is the business I work in, the team around me, the leaders I learn from, and the customers we serve. Being part of an organisation that’s constantly evolving means there are always new challenges and opportunities to grow. I’m also motivated by helping our customers succeed – supporting businesses to grow and delivering great customer outcomes is incredibly rewarding. Working with talented colleagues and learning from strong leaders makes that impact even more meaningful.
In 2026, my #GiveToGain action is to give more than I take. I’m committed to giving my time, experience and support to help other grow. Progress happens when people share opportunities and create space for others to success. By giving encouragement and collaboration, we gain stronger network, new ideas and lasting impacts.
Hannah Goodall, Praetura
I am Hannah Goodall, head of sales (soft asset and unsecured) at Praetura. I’m passionate about building meaningful broker relationships that drive long-term success. As head of sales, my focus is on strengthening partnerships and delivering great outcomes collaboratively. Alongside my role, I’m actively involved in our task force, championing initiatives that promote inclusion, opportunity and the continued development of an open and supportive workplace culture.
What inspires you?
In the workplace, I’m mostly inspired by leaders, colleagues and peers who create opportunity, share knowledge openly and genuinely want to see others succeed. I’m also inspired by growth, both personal and collective. Seeing someone develop confidence, step into a new role, achieve something they didn’t think was possible is incredibly motivating. In a relationship-driven industry like asset finance, success is rarely individual, it’s built through collaboration, trust and shared effort. More broadly, I’m inspired by environments where people feel comfortable being themselves. When individuals feel included and valued, performance and creativity naturally follow, and that’s something I’m really passionate about helping to create within the workplace!
What advice would you give women starting their career?
My biggest advice would be to focus on learning and relationships rather than trying to have everything mapped out from day one. Some of the most valuable opportunities come from being curious, saying yes to new experiences, and building strong professional relationships early on. Don’t underestimate the importance of reliability and attitude. Technical skills can be taught, but being someone people trust, enjoy working with, and can depend on will open far more doors over time. I would also encourage women not to wait until they feel completely confident before putting themselves forward. Confidence often comes after experience, not before it. Ask questions, seek feedback, find mentors and remember that progression isn’t about perfection, it’s about continuous development and being willing to step outside your comfort zone.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is – to actively mentor other women at the beginning of their careers, offering guidance, visibility and a safe space to navigate the realities of working in the industry.
Kerry Sanders, Liberty Leasing
I am Kerry Sanders, customer relationship manager at Liberty Leasing.
What would you have done sooner if you weren’t afraid to?
To have had the confidence in my abilities and knowledge in recognition for advancement in the workplace.
What advice would you give women wanting to step into a leadership role?
Establish what type of leader you wish to be and stay true to yourself, take time to regularly evaluate your leadership aspirations.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to give time, give opportunities which will provide a platform for growth.
Eva Lindsay, Finance Connect
I am Eva Lindsay chief operating officer, Finance Connect.
My role is to turn strategy into action, overseeing operations, supporting our team and ensuring we continue to grow and evolve whilst delivering the highest value to our entire community.
What advice would you give women wanting to step into a leadership role?
My advice would be to back yourself and not let imposter syndrome hold you back. It’s very common to feel like you’re not quite ready or that others know more than you, but those feelings shouldn’t stop you from stepping forward. Put yourself forward for opportunities, even if you don’t feel 100% prepared as good leadership often comes from learning and growing in the role. Having confidence in your abilities, being open to learning, and trusting that you’ve earned your place are all key. Self-belief is incredibly powerful, and sometimes the biggest step is simply giving yourself permission to go for it!
What has enabled you to succeed?
What has enabled me to succeed is having the right support around me. I’m very fortunate to have a supportive partner who helps share the mental load, which makes a huge difference when balancing both personal and professional responsibilities. I also work for a company who encourages flexibility, focuses on your results, and creates an environment where people are trusted to explore new opportunities. I’ve been encouraged to take on new challenges and given the space to learn while doing them, which has been incredibly valuable. Having that level of support and trust has allowed me to grow, build confidence, and continue developing in my career.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to actively lift others up — championing their ideas, celebrating their successes, and making sure their voices are heard!
Patsy Calnan, Finance & Leasing Association
The Leasing Foundation 2026 Women’s Spotlight Series: I am Patsy Calnan, company secretary and governance officer at the Finance & Leasing Association.
My role gives me the opportunity to engage with a wide range of individuals both within and outside of the organisation, from board members and senior leadership to delivery drivers and operational staff. This breadth of interaction has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels, adapting my approach depending on the audience, context, and priorities involved.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be simple: don’t rush. Focus on setting small, meaningful goals and give yourself the time needed to achieve them. Each step forward, no matter how small it seems at the time, helps shape the way you work, approach challenges, and build confidence in your own abilities.
Progress doesn’t need to happen all at once. By moving forward steadily and learning along the way, you develop resilience, perspective, and a stronger sense of what you’re capable of achieving.
Most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. No one succeeds entirely on their own, and there will always be someone willing to share their experience, guidance, or support. Being curious and open to learning is not a weakness – it’s one of the greatest strengths you can have.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is not just about personal achievement, but about how you support and uplift those around you. It means being adaptable in the face of change, supportive of others’ growth, and always treating people with respect. Success also comes from having confidence in your own value – recognising your strengths and contributions. True success is grounded in humility and a willingness to keep learning.
Most importantly, success is about sharing what you have learned along the way. Offering your experience, guidance, and encouragement to those who are just beginning their journey helps create opportunities for others and builds a culture where everyone can grow and succeed together.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to continue supporting my colleagues and helping them recognise the confidence and potential they already have within themselves. Sometimes people are far more capable than they realise, and a little encouragement or belief from others can make a real difference.
If I can play even a small part in helping someone believe in their abilities and become the successful person they aspire to be, then that is something truly worthwhile.
Eleanor-Russell-Blackburn, United Trust Bank
The Leasing Foundation 2026 Women’s Spotlight Series: I am Eleanor Russell-Blackburn, regional broker manager at United Trust Bank Limited Bank. I joined UTB 18 months ago to grow our relationships with brokers across Scotland and now also cover the region for our new tier 3 brand, Stance Asset Finance, helping brokers structure more complex funding solutions for SMEs.
Why do you think that International Women’s Day is important to celebrate?
I used to roll my eyes at International Women’s Day, as I’m sure many people do. But when you actually look at the data and the lived experiences behind it, you realise there’s still a huge amount of work to be done, not just in the workplace but across society. It’s not just a day to celebrate achievements, it’s a reminder that progress hasn’t happened evenly and that visibility still matters. Representation, opportunity and support all play a role in making sure talented people aren’t overlooked simply because of gender. Financial services has traditionally been a pretty male dominated industry but that’s slowly changing and it’s important the momentum continues. I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant women who have shown what’s possible and days like this are a good opportunity to recognise that progress, but also keep the conversation going about how we make the industry & society more inclusive for the next generation.
What would you have done sooner if you weren’t afraid to?
I would have trusted my own judgement sooner. Early in your career it’s easy to assume everyone else in the room has it all figured out and knows more than you do, so you spend time waiting until you feel completely “ready” before speaking up or putting yourself forward (I definitely still do this!). Looking back, some of the more difficult experiences in my career actually helped me realise that there isn’t a perfect moment where you suddenly feel ready. You learn by stepping forward, making decisions and taking responsibility for the outcome. If I could go back, I’d back myself earlier. It’s something I try and encourage in other women coming through the industry too.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to continue supporting women who are new to the asset finance industry. When I first started, and still now, having people who are willing to share their experience and answer the “no such thing as a silly question” questions made a huge difference. If I can do the same for someone coming into the industry now, whether that’s for advice or just being a sounding board, then that’s time well spent.
Katrin Herrling, FXE Technolgies
I am Katrin Herrling, CEO and co-founder of FXE Technologies. We are all about rransforming commercial finance with intelligent tools from distribution through to sanction and in-life management of portfolios.
What inspires you?
Having impact. Whether small or large. Not stopping at ‘I tried’ – finding another way, trying again, not giving up.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do something that scares you every day.
My one action to #GiveToGain in 2026 is to invest in and champion female colleagues building a career in commercial finance. Creating opportunities to network, connect, support each other.
