Trailblazer Naomi Macfarlane

Naomi Macfarlane is a dynamic and results-driven Senior Business Consultant with extensive experience in delivering large-scale transformation and change initiatives across the financial services sector. With a proven track record of aligning complex programmes to strategic business goals, she has successfully led high-impact deliveries involving mergers, platform migrations, and process improvements for major institutions including current employer Capco.

Recognised as a finalist in the 2023 Scottish Financial Services Awards (Skills & Inclusion category), Naomi is known for her strong leadership, stakeholder management, and ability to drive inclusive, high-performing teams. She combines analytical rigour with a pragmatic, people-first approach, ensuring measurable outcomes and sustainable change.

Naomi holds a BA (Hons) in International Politics from the University of Stirling and is currently on maternity leave and enjoying time with her young family — she’s mum to a five-year-old and a six-month-old.

How did you get involved with WIBF?

When I joined Capco in January 2022 I was keen to get involved in the Women@Capco network and sought out opportunities to learn more and build my network, it was through Capco’s WIBF membership I have been able to gain mentorship, insights into topics like imposter syndrome as well as build out my broader network.

What action have you taken in your career to help you find opportunities to develop and continue your growth?

The biggest action I’ve taken to create opportunities for growth has been to push myself beyond my comfort zone — especially in moments when I’ve felt nervous or unsure. This has meant applying for roles that challenged my confidence or experience level, initiating conversations with senior leaders both within and outside my organisation, and working to overcome my stutter by placing myself in situations that required public speaking and presentation.

One of the most impactful examples of this was creating a Women in Leadership programme, connecting mid- to senior-level women across Scotland’s financial services industry. The initiative focused on sharing skills, experiences, and practical strategies to help women progress into leadership roles. Through my own network, I was able to bring together inspiring senior women to share their insights, which not only benefited others but also greatly contributed to my own professional growth and confidence.

Do you have any helpful tools, methods or resources you can recommend to our members, such as books or podcasts for example?

I’d recommend attending as many networking events as you can – finding your tribe and then building on it. Over time, I’ve learned that the most valuable growth comes from shaping a network that isn’t just like you. Surrounding yourself with people from different backgrounds, with different motivations, experiences, and belief systems, creates space for challenging conversations — and that’s where real development happens.

In terms of resources, two podcasts I’ve found particularly valuable are Working Motherhood, which covers practical topics such as negotiating flexibility, and Wisdom for Working Mums, which really helped me navigate the feelings of “mum guilt” when returning to work after my first child. Both offer honest, relatable insights for anyone balancing ambition with family life.

What advice would you give to yourself at the outset of your career?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be that growth rarely happens in your comfort zone. The moments that feel uncomfortable – the stretch roles, the big presentations, the difficult conversations – are often the ones that shape you the most. Keep putting yourself in those situations until they start to feel comfortable.

I’d also remind myself that people are central to your success. Build relationships, stay curious about others’ perspectives, and invest time in understanding what motivates the people around you – because that’s where collaboration and opportunity really begin.

Finally, treat every role as a chance to learn. Even when a job doesn’t feel like your “forever role,” there’s always something to take from it – a new skill, a fresh perspective, or a lesson in resilience that will serve you later on.