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
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.
