Advice, guidance and insights from our women leaders on International Women’s Day
At GLAS, we are incredibly proud of our diverse and inclusive culture. Across our thirteen offices in nine countries around the world, we champion diversity across our global business, and promote inclusion regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or religion.
As part of this, we are proud to be led by so many fantastic women.
For this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ it is reported that “at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity”, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
However, this is not reflective of our organisation.
We are incredibly lucky to have a 50/50 gender split across various levels of the organisation. We are one of only 5% of organisations that are private equity backed and women led, and two of our five Board members are women.
Across all levels of our organisation, we have exceptional women leading teams and business units, and incredible women working across every area of the business.
Ahead of International Women’s Day on the 8th March, we sat down with some of the women that play a pivotal role in making GLAS successful to share some inspiring insights, stories and advice for others across the organisation at different stages in their career – as a way to challenge, uplift and help empower us to create meaningful change.
Mia Drennan – Co-Founder and Group President
Mia is Ex. Bank of New York and Citibank, she founded GLAS in 2011.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
Trying to balance childcare without a nanny was very tough. There is always personal guilt about not being around enough. I worked in Canary Wharf and had a two hour commute each way and at that time had to be in the office 5 days a week. As a leader of a team and a Mum it was very hard and I definitely had to make sacrifices along the way.
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Never take “NO” for an answer! I always put myself forward for every opportunity that came my way, as it was always good experience. Also, build your network, internal and out and don’t burn bridges! My network certainly helped me build both my businesses, Square Mile Connections Limited and GLAS!
What are some key milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Too many to mention! One of my proudest milestones is to know that I have built a global brand, GLAS, which is fast becoming a market utility in global debt administration, employing over 400 people around the globe, who get up every day to deliver our brands promise! It is very humbling.
What steps do you think companies should take to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?
Look beyond the gender! I have always strived to find the right person for the job regardless of gender, race, sex, etc. Recruitment, promotions and recognition needs to focus on the best people for the role. Companies need to train their leaders in that skill, including bias and have checks and balances to ensure this is consistent. Mentoring is also a good opportunity to create an inclusive environment.
What message would you like to send to young women aspiring to enter your industry?
Be the best you can be and focus on your personal brand. If asked to do something say, “I got this!” and make sure you get things done so people notice you, and more opportunities come your way.
Joanne Brooks – Chief Commercial Officer
Joanne is Ex. Citibank
What message would you like to send to young women aspiring to enter your industry?
I want to emphasize that women are fully capable of excelling in any role, whether at home or in the workplace. My children have grown up seeing a strong, determined mother who leads by example, and this has shaped their understanding of gender roles. It’s important for young women to know that they can achieve their career goals and be leaders in their fields. Don’t be discouraged by traditional expectations or stereotypes. Embrace your strengths, pursue your ambitions, and know that you have the power to redefine what it means to be a successful professional and a role model for future generations.
Lorna Brady – Chief Risk Officer
Lorna is Ex. Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Building a strong network of women peers and colleagues is key to career development. Don’t focus on how being women might limit you but instead embrace the unique skills and perspectives it brings. Support each other, stay confident, and keep pushing forward.
Can you highlight a women role model who has inspired you in your career?
The women in leadership that I work closely with have been a constant source of inspiration. Their guidance and support help me achieve my goals and motivate me every day to strive for excellence
Arunima Misra – Head of Legal
Arunima is Ex. Ashurst and BNY Mellon
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
Being a disabled Asian woman I have had to confront and break down a number of prejudices throughout my career. As a result of this, self-doubt can often creep in, but every step of my working journey has been an opportunity for me to bring awareness and educate others, in order to shatter the entrenched biases and stereotypes which I and others face. It has been a tiring journey but very worthwhile!
Do you have any advice for other females for their career development?
Do not let anyone else dictate your strengths and capabilities. You know what you can achieve and you know best who you are. Listen to yourself and shut out the negativity. Try not to let self-doubt or imposter syndrome stop you from taking opportunities or achieve your goals. It’s normal to be a bit nervous but don’t let this get in the way of letting your talent shine.
What are some key milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Being given the opportunity to head up the Legal team at GLAS was a huge milestone in my career. I am so grateful for the encouragement, trust and support which GLAS has shown me. I feel blessed to be surrounded by other powerful female leaders at GLAS and find inspiration in the way in which they are leading their teams and our organisation to success.
Kate White – Managing Director, GLAS Australia
Kate is Ex. National Australia Bank (NAB)
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Choose to do something you genuinely enjoy – you will naturally pour effort into the role, and your enjoyment will be infectious to those around you.
Learn to ask for what you want: people are not mind readers.
Challenges/issues that arise during your career provide the best learning opportunities – make the most of them.
Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes – just go for it!
What message would you like to send to young women aspiring to enter your industry?
Believe in yourself and your potential to make a significant impact in the industry. Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, joining professional organisations, and connecting with peers. Find mentors who can guide you, provide valuable insights, and support your career growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced professionals for advice.
What steps do you think companies should take to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?
Encourage and cultivate environments where both women and men support the development and progress of younger staff. It is so important for everyone to come along for the ride and pull in the same direction. Recognise that there may be challenges and flexibilities unique to women in the workplace and provide an even playing field for all.
Louise Coffey – Managing Director, GLAS Hong Kong
Louise is Ex. Hogan Lovells, Kirkland & Ellis and OCP Asia.
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Before making any career-related decision, take a moment to think “what would a man do in this situation?” It can be a useful way to consciously examine whether you are undervaluing your abilities or do perhaps not have enough confidence in what you bring to the table. We can sometimes be our own worst enemies!
What steps do you think companies should take to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?
For many women (and men), one of the greatest challenges is balancing professional responsibilities with parental and other care-giving obligations. I think it is important that companies offer as much flexibility as possible to staff to enable them to create a way of working that helps them to succeed in both roles, rather than feel like they are failing at both.
For me that means a slightly later start to my working day, so I can spend time with my daughter before she goes to nursery, but employers need to be alive to the fact that every family is different, and no fixed approach will suit everyone.
Yana Kislenko – Head of Business Operations, GLAS Americas
Yana is Ex. Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
As a relatively new leader who is more introverted, my biggest challenges have been becoming more assertive, managing conflicts more effectively, feeling more comfortable when presenting to large groups, and promoting my own work and achievements.
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
I think it’s important to advocate for yourself, keep track of your successes and share them with confidence. Also network, network, network and seek out mentors. Finally, think about your own wellbeing and do things outside of work that bring you joy.
What message would you like to send to young women aspiring to enter your industry?
Be proactive, seek opportunities and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There will be many challenges, and you need to be confident and resilient. At times, you may feel overwhelmed but stay positive and open-minded and things will work out in your favour.
Fiona Gauthier – Head of Business Operations, GLAS Germany
Fiona is Ex. Natwest and DVB Bank
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
Maybe not the biggest challenge but one I think might resonate since women tend to downplay their achievements and expertise. After working across multiple countries and roles, I had to step into a global leadership role where I was (much) younger than many of my team members—including former supervisors!
I learned quickly that I had to confidently articulate my value because no one was going to do it for me!
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Lead before you have the title. Never wait for permission to take on responsibility. Focus on delivering results and creating impact. That’s what makes you a leader, not a job title.
Build a strong network and pay it forward! I’ve had incredible opportunities, not just because of hard work but because of relationships—mentors, peers, and sponsors who challenged me and opened doors. The right people can accelerate your growth in ways you can’t do alone and never forget that at any stage of your career you can be someone else’s support too.
Lorna Fleming – Head of Business Operations, UK
Lorna is Ex. ING and SMBC.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career to date?
Parenting and working full time are one of the biggest conflicts & challenges I’ve faced to date.
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
- Do not allow yourself to get distracted with what others are doing, Stay humble.
- Be true to yourself and your values – don’t be afraid to be different.
- Make yourself aware of how you can progress and grow in your career, do not leave it up to others – hold yourself accountable.
- Build resilience – reject rejection as redirection.
- Find a great mentor/coach.
What are some key milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Joining GLAS in its infancy – playing a key role in its growth. I’m enriched by so many learnings both positive and negative. Becoming a mum in amongst a demanding full-time career.
What steps do you think companies should take to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?
Better equality in the workplace for parental leave, whether that be following miscarriage, birth, birth loss & adoption – for both employed/self-employed, for both men & women.
Greater education provided to both men and women on the affects that menopause/perimenopause/menstrual cycles can have on a women, and women in the workplace.
Dianna Goodwin – Corporate Counsel, GLAS Singapore
She is Ex. Clifford Chance and Tokio Marine HCC.
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Separate issues from emotions. I’ve found it vital to acknowledge the emotions, however, it’s also been empowering to then put the emotions to one side and focus on just the issues, in an objective, solution focused way.
What are some key milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Leaving New Zealand as a young adult, to work in Yeltsin era Moscow. I had no idea about what daily life and work would be like. It was exciting and scary, logical and illogical, and it definitely felt adventurous! The experience and lessons I learned changed me in ways that I’m extremely thankful for!
What steps do you think companies should take to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?
Focusing on merit-based selection, training and development, appraisal, and promotion, where clearly defined soft skills and technical deliverables are the measure of success.
A more inclusive and supportive environment can be created by providing a diverse range of working options (relating for e.g. to location, times and team based bonding opportunities) for those who continue to successfully deliver against such merit-based criteria.
Can you highlight a women role model who has inspired you in your career?
I love seeking aspects to role model from a broad range of women, at all levels of professional experience, and in many different locations and walks of life. How lucky are we, to have the opportunity to do just that, to broaden and deepen our friendships and experiences, and work and learn as we go!
Jayne Mannion – Head Of COO
Jayne is Ex. UBS and JP Morgan
Do you have any advice for other females for their career development?
Believe in their own worth. Don’t be afraid of change. Fight the imposter syndrome. A bottle of water can be .50 cents at a supermarket, $2 at the gym. $3 at the movies and $6 on a plane, but all the same water. The only thing that changed its value was the place. If you feel your worth is nothing, maybe you’re at the wrong place.
Debbie Aldous – Company Secretary
Debbie is Ex. Vistra and Capgemini
Do you have any advice for other women for their career development?
Surround yourself by likeminded friends, both professionally and personally. Within my circle, I am surrounded by a powerhouse of women who uplift and support each other. We also help keep each other in check – no egos allowed.
What are some key milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I’m a South African who arrived at Heathrow airport with £500 in my bank account and a backpack with clothes. Twenty-something years later, being awarded Freedom of the City of London. In between, becoming a named Company Secretary at GLAS (17 entities and counting!). Not bad for someone who started a career as a temp (morning receptionist) trying to “make it in London”.
I’ve also had the opportunity of meeting inspirational women such as Martha Lane-Fox (Founder of Lastminute.com) and Fumbi Chima (CTO at Burberry 2016). More specific to my industry, Erika Eliasson-Norris (appointed as the Governance Assessor to the Post Office Horizon inquiry).
How do you think the role of women in your industry has evolved over the years?
Interestingly, the balance of qualified Company Secretaries has been relatively equal between men and women. The shift over the years has been that Company Secretaries are not seen as mere “minutes takers” but as the strategic advisors to the board by identifying governance matters that adds value to the organisation.
Koralie Grellier – Investment Director
Koralie is Ex. Stellantis Financial Services
What are some key milestones in your career that you are particularly proud of?
One of the key milestones was when Pristine had to reinvent its fund business in a competitive market. I rapidly upskilled and adapted to ensure we stayed ahead. Contributing to Pristine’s growth during this phase is something I’m proud of.
Can you highlight a female role model who has inspired you in your career?
Dominique Senequier, founder and CEO of Ardian, started her career at the French Ministry of Finance and later founded AXA Private Equity, which became Ardian. Her leadership and vision have driven Ardian’s growth, and she’s recognized for her commitment to responsible investment practices.
For more information on what it’s like to work at GLAS, visit Join GLAS.
For more information on International Women’s Day and this year’s ‘Accelerate Action’ theme, visit International Women’s Day 2025.
