Natalie Finlayson, investment funds specialist and ESG Advisory Director at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies, tells her story on becoming a leader in her field, the importance of female mentorship, and becoming a mother.
Tell us about your role at KPMG
I lead the Capital Markets practice within the KPMG Islands Group as an investment funds specialist. I also head up our ESG practice within Guernsey. My role is quite diverse – working across both listed funds, private funds, and a variety of sustainability matters.
What got you into working in this field?
I originally trained in audit, and then worked in strategy at a South African bank. When I moved from my native South Africa to Guernsey, I became very interested in different projects within the Advisory sector. Gaining experience from these roles, I developed a split portfolio between audit and advisory, before finding my true passion in the latter.
What I enjoy the most about my role within Advisory is that it’s constantly changing, and every day is varied. Every job is different, and I love that we’re very client-facing with all our projects.
Do you think there’s a benefit to being a woman in this role?
I don’t think there is a particular benefit, and some may argue that it can make for a more challenging experience. When I first started my career as a young woman in this industry, I felt pressure to conform and fit in with my male counter parts.
However, I soon came to realise that being a female in a male dominated environment provided me with the opportunity to think differently and provide solutions and ideas that may not have been thought of previously. I had a female mentor at the time who told me:
“Natalie, just be you. That’s one of the strongest ways you can make an impact”.
That’s probably some of the best advice I’ve ever received – to just be my authentic self in everything that I do. I think men and women both bring different skill sets and thinking to the table, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone in this industry – whether they are male, female, or non-binary.
I personally would like to see more women come through the ranks in this industry. I know that takes time, however, and making sure we have strong leaders and mentors to enable that.
What advice would you give to young women wanting to progress in this field?
I would say firstly to find out what your passion is. Don’t be discouraged if there may not be many women in your field of interest. For me, personally – within investment funds – you attend a lot of conferences and there’s often only a handful of women in the room. But that is changing, which can only be good for the industry.
I’ve had some fantastic mentors – both male and female. Those mentors who are women – we’ve really stuck together and learned a lot from each other. So don’t be discouraged if you find a lack of balance between men and women in your chosen field. As long as you’re passionate about it, it will flow naturally. I’ve never felt disadvantaged by being a woman.
How else have your mentors helped you?
Having been mentored by both men and women, I’ve received a diverse range of viewpoints based on each of their experiences. The role my female mentors have played in my career development and helping me believe in myself has been tremendous. Especially now I’ve just become a mother and started maternity leave.
Whilst it’s certainly a new chapter in my life, I was a bit fearful at the thought of being away from work, and my passion, for so long. Of course it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to do so, but it’s also very daunting. Having spoken with women who have gone through it – and how there’ll always be a space for me at KPMG afterwards – it is really reassuring. I’ve also had the same reassurances from my male mentors. So it’s really positive all round.
Is there a particular woman in your industry who inspires you? If so, why?
I’ve had the privilege of working for some fantastic women in my field. My previous boss – Steph Coxon – who I learned a lot from when starting out, and my boss Linda Johnson, who has helped me greatly in my continued development. Both of them are really strong women who have helped me believe in myself and given me the opportunity to really grow and have the autonomy to ‘be me’, and to make a real difference in my sector.
How has KPMG supported you in your plans to become a new mother?
The company has helped in a variety of ways. KPMG has a great maternity policy, which provides mothers with six months paid leave whilst having the flexibility to come back sooner – or later – if I choose to. It takes a huge amount of pressure off to have such a supportive employer. There are so many decisions still to make and the baby has only just arrived!
Being part of a larger organisation and with such a strong team, it’s reassuring to know that continuity will still be there when I return and for me and my clients. I am not walking away with the fear that everything will crumble whilst I’m gone. That’s also a huge source of comfort.
My colleagues have been really supportive, both junior and senior. You very much feel like part of the family, even though you’ll be away for an extended period of time.