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Women in Leadership
Name: Karla Ashton
Role: Senior Tools Manager
Company: Lloyds Banking Group
What is it like working in your company? Lloyds is a really inclusive place to work, from my decade of experience there. They are the sponsors of the government Women in Leadership initiative and really drive to ensure more women apply for and accept leadership positions. Flexible working arrangements are encouraged for people at all levels, regardless of their reasons for wanting it.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? After doing a law degree and my first year of 3 qualifying to be a solicitor, my job in a law firm was pulled during the 2008 financial crash. After initially working in retail to earn some money, I decided to start a job in the city doing admin work at RBS just to get my foot in the door. From there I have moved around lots of positions - so I arrived where I am by following my interests and transferrable skills rather than it being a job I'd always dreamed of having!
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? I required a degree level of education to initially get a job in banking, but since then my hands on work experience has allowed me to gain more specific skills to the position I have. More and more companies are offering apprenticeships now so the need for a degree isn't as high, which I think is positive.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? Problem solving, influencing people to win them round to my way of thinking and managing a team of people.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
Lack of self-confidence and imposter syndrome. Maternity leave and returning to work on slightly reduced hours.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? I believe that if you can see it, you can do it. If there are people who you resonate with in visible positions, then you are more likely to believe you too could have that role one day. There are many female leaders in Lloyds and it is great to hear about their different paths which got them to where they are, as well as how they overcame obstacles.
