By: Roberta Barr, Head of Value ESG at Schroders
Can you share some key milestones and challenges in your career journey that led you to a senior position in the finance industry?
I joined Schroders in 2016 as a quantitative analyst, but soon found my passion in value investing and sustainability. After years of championing sustainability within the firm, I was made Head of Value ESG in 2020, and launched the value team’s Global Sustainable Value fund in 2021.
How do you perceive the current state of gender diversity and inclusion in the finance industry, and what changes have you observed over the years?
Progress is never linear, but I certainly think the trend has been positive. I’m very lucky to work at a company that really prioritises and stands up for gender diversity and inclusion. While you’ll always find pockets in any industry or company where there isn’t sufficient diversity, or it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle, I think poor attitudes towards inclusion are becoming increasingly unacceptable. And we’re beginning to see the fantastic output of years of conscious efforts to improve gender diversity and inclusion. For example, we now have some exceptionally high-quality female role models, such as Johanna Kyrklund at Schroders, Sonja Laud at LGIM ,and Dame Anne Richards at Fidelity.
Balancing work and personal life can be particularly challenging in demanding roles. How have you managed this balance, and what advice would you give to other women aspiring to senior positions?
Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint! Yes, there will be times where you’re incredibly busy with work and that must take priority, but such times should be the exception, not the rule. I find my balance through a happy combination of cross-country running, a part-time PhD in a subject that I’m fascinated in (the circular economy) and always keeping Friday nights free to spend quality time with my partner.
Have you had mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How important do you think mentorship is for women in finance?
I’ve had mentors – and currently have an amazing long-distance mentor, Martha Metcalf, who works in New York – and have really appreciated their guidance both through challenging situations but also for day-to-day advice. I think having someone that you deeply respect as your sounding board, trusted advisor, and occasional reality-checker is incredibly important, whether that’s through formal mentorship like I have with Martha, or just someone you occasionally meet for coffee and a chat.
What do you believe are the most critical steps the finance industry needs to take to support the advancement of women into senior roles? What initiatives or policies have you found to be most effective?
One critical step that I don’t believe is talked about enough, is the importance of women actively promoting, supporting and championing other women – whether it’s their juniors, their peers who they might feel they are ‘competing’ with, or even their seniors. I believe it’s our responsibility as women to influence change in female representation as much, if not more so, than men, and I will always try to be the biggest advocator for other women. I’ve had other women do this for me, and I will always be grateful for this. I certainly make sure that I do the same for others whenever I get the opportunity.
Important Information: Issued in July 2024 by Schroders Investment Management Ltd registration number: 01893220 (Incorporated in England and Wales) is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and an authorised financial services provider in South Africa FSP No: 48998.
