Lucy Ellis-Keeler – Co-chair of the Future Leaders Shadow Board

Lucy joined the WIBF Future Leaders Shadow Board (FLSB) in November 2022 as a volunteer in the Thematic and Strategic Events programme, she was also involved in the Student Engagement strategy. She has recently become co-chair of the FLSB.

We asked her a few questions to find out more…

How did you get involved with WIBF and the Future Leaders Shadow board?

It all started with me stumbling upon WIBF when I joined Citi in December 2021; I had been involved in organising mentoring walk and gender diversity events in the past through Bank of America, and Vital Voices (global organisation focused on empowering women). When I heard about WIBF and its steadfast commitment to fostering gender diversity and empowerment within the finance sector, I felt compelled to align myself with their mission, and became a member via Citi’s corporate sponsorship model.

Around that time, I got wind of the Rising Star Awards by We Are The City. I was intrigued by some of the projects individuals were involved in, and one person that really stood out was Sarah Woodard. I messaged her out of the blue and we ended up grabbing coffee. She told me about the Future Leaders Board, which was a unique opportunity to pursue gender diversity and also gain board exposure. A few months later, a role popped up related to strategic and thematic events, which I successfully interviewed for- I worked with corporate partners delivering events on climate and gender, social mobility and AI. It was incredibly interesting and I loved getting to research new industry topics and getting to know the team.

After being in the mix for about seven months, I threw my hat in for the co-chair position, and I’m really enjoying it! WIBF has opened up some fantastic opportunities for learning, growth, and connecting with some truly amazing people. I’m excited to see how the rest of my time as co-chair pans out and build on all these great experiences!

What are your ambitions for the FLSB?

My ambitions for the FLSB are anchored in cultivating a culture of unwavering ambition while driving substantial progress in alignment with WIBF’s overarching mission. I’m all for getting things done and achieving remarkable outcomes—there’s definitely a practical side to my approach. Alongside this, I hold a strong desire to establish an environment where we challenge the status quo and embrace innovative approaches. And most importantly- I want the FLSB to pursue their passions and enjoy themselves- it’s voluntary after all!

For 2024, I’m excited to see how our student engagement strategy develops, as well as continuing to strengthen our future leaders’ network community. These avenues are crucial for nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape the industry’s future.

Moreover, I’m highly enthusiastic about fostering deeper collaboration within WIBF. By leveraging these connections, I believe we can amplify our collective potential and capitalise on a multitude of opportunities that lie ahead. My goal is to lead the FLSB to new heights while tangibly contributing to WIBF’s mission and creating lasting, positive impacts. Creating an environment that challenges conventions and encourages a fresh perspective is a key part of that journey.

Can you tell us a bit about your day job and your involvement with the EMEA Citi Women steering committee?

In my day job, I cover Commodities as part of Citi’s EMEA Markets Compliance Team; my role contributes to the success of Citi’s Commodities business by upholding regulatory standards and supporting the growth of the organisation. I also lead SEC/CFTC regulatory remediation workstreams, ensuring alignment with off-channel communications requirements. I enjoy the complexity and challenge of dissecting key regulations, and understanding the business environment and controls we have in place in order to sustainably operate and grow.

I’ve loved supporting the EMEA Citi Women steering committee- for the last couple of years, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we launched a “Power Walk” initiative, which paired 600 established and emerging women leaders to discuss how they can leverage their experience, access and skills to empower and uplift emerging women talent. One of my favourite aspects of life at Citi is our globality; it’s been excellent to connect and collaborative with colleagues all over EMEA, from Nigeria to Budapest.

I’ve also been leading the partnership between Citi and Smart Works, an organisation which gives women the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. I’ve organised a number of clothing drives within Citi to collect clothing which are used to dress Smart Work’s clients as they prepare for interview.

How did you go from a philosophy degree to a career in finance? Does the philosophy ever come in handy?

Applying a philosophy degree to a career in finance might not seem like an obvious match, but the critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical perspectives honed during my degree have proven to be incredibly valuable in my career in finance!

Firstly, a philosophy degree hones an ability to dissect complex ideas, analyse arguments, and consider multiple viewpoints. These skills are invaluable within my role- it’s important to be able to simplify complex regulation, assess risks, and help the bank to make the right decisions.

Philosophy frequently explores ethical dilemmas and encourages clear, persuasive communication. In finance, your ethical grounding helps you navigate the industry’s moral considerations, which is important when considering our Conduct risk within Compliance.

Finally, my degree involved examining diverse topics and integrating insights from various disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach enhanced my ability to understand complex financial ecosystems, adapt to changing market trends, and consider different perspectives.

There’s no one size fits all approach, and if you have completed a non-conventional degree, I’ve definitely found there are many ways you can leverage your skillset and expertise.

What advice do you have for a young woman considering a career in financial services?

Firstly, have confidence in your abilities: Believe in yourself and your capabilities. The financial services industry may seem male-dominated, but your skills and perspectives are just as valuable. Be confident in voicing your ideas and asserting your presence.

Secondly, continuous learning and networking. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, the financial landscape evolves rapidly, so staying informed and adaptable is essential. Network with professionals in the industry, seek mentorship, and build a support system that guides you on your career journey.

Who are your role models and why?

Citi’s CEO, Jane Fraser’s leadership philosophy is grounded in being a “bank with a soul”- she leads with kindness and compassion, which is inspires me; bank’s are people led organisation, so creating a good culture is vital to succeeding as a firm. Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest inspires me due to her unrelenting determination to get more money in the hands of women, and encouraging women to achieve financial independence.

What do you think is the most important thing that needs to change to achieve real gender equity in financial services?

A shift in cultural norms and biases within financial institutions, promoting inclusive leadership and equal opportunities for all genders. This breaks down to these key points;

Cultural Transformation: Financial institutions must undergo a cultural transformation that challenges and changes deeply ingrained norms and biases. This includes promoting inclusive values, breaking down stereotypes, and creating an environment that values and respects all genders equally.

Inclusive Leadership Development: Prioritize developing and promoting inclusive leadership that recognizes and leverages diverse perspectives. Actively seek out and advance women into leadership roles, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.

Equal Opportunity Promotion: Ensure equal opportunities for career growth, skill development, and representation for all genders. Eliminate gender-based barriers in recruitment, promotion, and training, and implement transparent practices to address gender disparities in pay and advancement.

And finally, how do you like to unwind?

I love being in the ocean- but unfortunately living in the UK that means I sometimes find myself in a wetsuit in the rain! I’ve been learning to surf over the last couple of years, which has been a new challenge for me. It’s both physically invigorating and mentally refreshing. It’s like a little adventure that helps me recharge and return to everything else with renewed energy.

If you want to find out more about WIBF’s Future Leaders network, email them at [email protected].