From background to breakthrough: Intersectional journeys in social mobility

Gail Thomson is an executive leader in financial services with over two decades of experience in governance, regulatory oversight, product and investment operations.  Gail began her career at 17, earning her expertise through hands on experience, professional qualifications, and a belief that potential is not defined by background.  As a senior leader, she has shaped high performing teams, and led major transformation across complex, multi jurisdictional environments. Gail is a committed mentor, sponsor and coach, passionate about financial education and helping others realise their potential.

As a Chief Examiner for the CISI and Vice Chair of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, she champions access, fairness and community impact, inspiring others to thrive and progress.

Helen Bradley is the CEO of Future Asset, part of Didasko Education Company. She has a background in widening participation to higher education and spent 9 years at The Prince’s Trust, developing education and youth work programmes, leading research and training projects, and driving the Trust’s policy responses. A mother of three, she is passionate about nurturing condence, self-belief, and resilience in young people, combining practical strategies with mentorship to empower them to explore their potential and forge their own paths.

Russell co‑leads Boost, Lloyds Banking Group’s colleague network championing social mobility, and the social mobility strategy for the Group’s Legal & Secretariat function, with the impact of both being externally recognised by the Social Mobility List and PRIME. A state‑school student who went on to study Law at Cambridge before building a successful career at a major international law rm and in financial services, Russell is committed to widening opportunity and driving positive change within organisations and beyond. Named LBG Legal & Secretariat Role Model of the Year 2025, he brings lived experience, strategic insight and long‑standing advocacy to accelerating social mobility. Alongside his corporate role, he served for 12 months in a non‑executive capacity on the Board of a leading mental health NHS Foundation Trust, contributing a strong public‑service lens to discussions on opportunity, wellbeing and inclusion.

Sam Tipple is a Senior Manager at Nationwide Building Society and is Co-Chair of the Social Mobility Employee Network. Sam grew up on a council estate in South London and was the rst in her family to attend University. Achieving a BSc in Sociology, Sam has been passionate about the subject of Social Mobility for much of her career. Using her lived experience she has driven a wealth of activities within the Network to support colleagues from lower Socio-economic backgrounds navigate personal and career development. The Network has been involved in many successful initiatives led by Nationwide Building Society, including the Accelerated Progress Programme and a bespoke Apprenticeship Programme, all contributing to us winning Employee Network of the Year at the 2024 Industry awards. Given the intersectional nature of Social Mobility, Sam is focussed on building greater collaboration with fellow networks, in particular our Gender Network as she believes we have an opportunity to amplify impact and drive greater results for colleagues and the organisation.