An interview with Sue Dawe

Sue Dawe is WIBFs newest patron and is also one of the judges for this years WIBF Awards for Achievement. Sue leads EY’s Financial Services Practice in Scotland and is the Managing Partner for the Edinburgh office.

Sue Dawe is WIBFs newest patron and is also one of the judges for this years WIBF Awards for Achievement.

Sue leads EY’s Financial Services Practice in Scotland and the Regions and is the Managing Partner for the Edinburgh office. She has been with EY for 31 years. She is a member of EY’s UK Financial Services Leadership team and a member of the EY UK LLP Board. Sue is on Scotland’s Financial Services Advisory Board (FiSAB) and is on the board of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE).

We asked Sue a few questions.

How did you get involved with WIBF?

EY has a long-standing relationship with Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) as a Corporate Sponsor and has been a member since 2013. EY colleagues across our UK firm attend a broad spectrum of WIBF events and participate in the mentoring scheme as both mentors and mentees.

I started to get involved when I took on the role of Head of Financial Services for EY in Scotland four years ago. I could see the important role the organisation was playing in helping to develop senior female talent within financial services UK-wide which is bringing greater diversity to the industry and the wider business community in Scotland. I am delighted EY has the opportunity, via our membership, to support the continued expansion of WIBF in Scotland.

What will you be looking for when you judge the nominations for the Awards?

I will be looking for people who inspire others and act as true industry role models. We need to celebrate people who drive change and are not afraid to go out of their comfort zone and face challenges head on. People who organisations – and the sector more broadly – can be proud of for raising the profile of women in banking and finance.

Why do you think gendered awards are still important, can you see a time when they won’t be necessary?

By celebrating the incredible achievements of women, and the men who support them, it shows what is possible for an individual to achieve but also demonstrates the extensive benefits to people, organisations and the wider business community from having diverse teams and leaders who want to reach their full potential. It will always be important we never forget how far we have come, and to celebrate it.

What advice would you give to young women starting their career in financial services?

Be confident, believe in yourself and what you offer. Don’t worry if that feels different to others, it will be your strength. Importantly, build and maintain your networks – it will stand you in good stead for the rest of your career.

How you think working in the financial services industry differs in Scotland to England?

We have a world leading financial services industry in the UK and one of our great strengths is how the different elements of the sector collaborate to take advantage of opportunities and deal with challenges. That level of collaboration is something that is very apparent in Scotland, where the industry has come together to set out a strategic vision for financial services. This will help ensure we maintain our place as a world leading financial services centre and the second largest UK centre outside of London.

What do you do to relax?

I love to spend time with my family, go to the gym and I do Pilates whenever I can.