Fiona: continually evolving

With a career spanning almost 40 years at the firm, Fiona has worked in multiple service lines and became one of the first non-fee earning partners in the firm. With a focus now on developing female talent, Fiona shared what has kept her here for her whole career, and what success means in a non-commercial role. This is Fiona’s story in her own words. 

Journey to partnership

I've found that staying curious and being open to new ideas and perspectives as well as being willing to adapt and embrace change has been key to my progression and keeping my career fresh.  I've always sought new opportunities and challenges, and I have taken advantage of the training, development programs and additional qualifications available through the firm. I have been fortunate to have mentors and peers who have helped me along the way, and I now try to do the same for others.

My path to partnership in a non-fee-earning role was unique and was supported by recognition that non-fee-earning roles were crucial to the firm's long-term success. I had the support of senior partners who understood the importance of the role and their backing was instrumental in navigating the traditional expectations of partnership. I focused on demonstrating how my work positively impacted the firm indirectly—whether through improving operational efficiencies, reducing risks, or enhancing the firm’s reputation.

Of course, not everything has been smooth sailing. There have been challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. Exams have never really been my “thing” so even getting my accountancy qualification was a challenge. Working in insolvency there were difficult client conversations, and times when with tight deadlines and heavy workloads, plus two small children, I didn’t always get the balance right in terms of work-life and wellbeing.

How did I work through these difficult periods? Firstly, I tried to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the bigger picture, looking for the learning opportunities and the feedback that I could get from each situation. Secondly, I sought support and guidance from others; my mentors, peers and sponsors in the firm who gave me advice, encouragement, and constructive criticism, and my friends and family, who listened to me, empathised with me, and cheered me up. Thirdly, I tried to take care of myself and my wellbeing.

Continually learning and developing

Throughout my career I have had many different opportunities, particularly in recent years with roles in the International Business Centre, as Head of Quality Operations, and as a coach. I always enjoyed taking on new challenges and expanding my knowledge and skills, so whenever I saw an opportunity to move into a different role or function, I expressed my interest and made a case for why I was suitable for it. I was fortunate to have supportive managers and mentors who encouraged me to pursue my career aspirations and helped me to navigate the transition process.

My career experiences significantly enhance my coaching role in several ways. Having navigated similar challenges and opportunities as my coachees, I can relate to their experiences and offer valuable insights, as well as share the mistakes and lessons I’ve learned along the way. Additionally, the skills and competencies I’ve developed in my previous roles, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership, help me to build rapport, trust, and engagement with my coachees. 

I strive to provide honest and constructive feedback while also showing empathy and appreciation for my coachees' efforts and achievements. This approach is rooted in my belief that feedback, when delivered with care and respect, is a powerful tool for growth. Having personally benefited from receiving candid but kind feedback throughout my career, I am committed to passing on that positive experience. This style helps me build trust and credibility, challenging them to step out of their comfort zones, and stretch their potential, all the while acknowledging their strengths and celebrating their successes.

Learning perspective

The best career advice I've received centres around embracing change and challenging self-imposed limitations. I was once told, "We don’t save lives", which helped me put work-related stress into perspective, allowing me to take on new challenges with a mindset of, "What’s the worst that can happen?". This advice also encouraged me to try new things, like getting involved in coaching and transitioning into different roles, with the understanding that if something isn’t working, it's okay to move on. I learned that creativity isn't confined to traditional definitions—just because I can't draw doesn't mean I'm not creative. It's crucial to question labels and limitations, asking, "What is the evidence of that?" and recognising that often these are just perceptions rather than truths. Ultimately, the encouragement to trust in my lived experience and capabilities has been invaluable in driving my career forward.