Advice From A Female CEO: Tips To Accelerate Action For Gender Equality
07 Feb, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- Insights and advice from a female Chief Executive Officer.
- Ways to accelerate action for gender equality this International Women’s Day.
- Where the latest finance jobs are and how to apply for them.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who push boundaries and go above and beyond to defy expectations. The theme for International Women’s Day in 2025 is ‘accelerate action’ for gender equality for women everywhere.
In the finance sector, the representation of women in the industry is taking a step in the right direction, however there is still more to do to achieve gender equality. Although the number of female finance professionals has increased, the number of women in executive positions - such as Chief Executive Officer (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) hasn’t seen the same progress.
According to the Female FTSE Board Report, of the 793 women holding directorships on FTSE 250 boards in 2024, just 10 were CEOs, a 17% decline from 2022.
Kelly Autey is Chief Executive Officer of a manufacturing company with over 20 years of experience in the finance sector. As a leader, Kelly is passionate about creating positive change and giving women opportunities to thrive and progress in their careers.
In this interview, we uncover tips to become a strong female leader from someone who knows how, and ways to accelerate action for gender equality.
Tell us about yourself and your career journey
I am a Practice trained Accountant. I did an apprenticeship at 18 and was in Practice for a couple of years training graduates on accounts and learning everything I could on the job. During this time I gained my ACCA qualification.
I knew I was a natural leader and had excellent organisation skills, but I never really had huge ambitions. I was good at holding client meetings and quite early on I enjoyed the client relationship. I briefly set my sights on becoming a Partner in a firm then I realised this was not my ideal path, it was just the next thing available to me at the time.
I then moved into industry and joined a senior management team as Head of Finance. Some of my colleagues had more ego than skill, and I quickly realised that if some of these people think they can run the company – I definitely can!
Most of the senior management team left the company, leaving just myself and my colleague to handle all aspects of business and rebuild a new senior management team.
My role within the company progressed from Finance Director, to Chief Operating Officer and in October 2024, I was asked to take on the CEO role and to be the face of the company. The investors shared my vision and passion, and had every faith in me to deliver.
Describe your typical day and responsibilities as a CEO?
It sounds so cliché but there really is no typical day. I spend time in finance, operations, sales and marketing. My day is often reactive to what the business needs at that moment. I carve out time for things like budgeting and strategy work, but there’s not a single day where I go home and I’ve just done what was on my to-do list.
I always like to be there for my team. I have an open door policy and make an effort to check in on employees to make sure we’re a happy, motivated team. I go around the shop floor when I’m onsite, motivating people and getting feedback. People have good ideas and they’re not always heard or taken further.
We’re going to have some workshops this year to get different voices heard. It’s nice because I’m open to feedback and happy to learn and let others teach me. I don’t know everything! It’s important to acknowledge that some people have skills that you don’t have.
What traits do you think a great leader should possess?
I believe a leader is someone who is empathetic and really cares about the company and its people, not power-hungry individuals who only care about profit. I also believe in people being treated and rewarded fairly. A happy team makes great profits for you.
A leader should also be someone who is happy to stick their neck on the line for the greater good. I’ve had to make several decisions that haven’t made me particularly popular and I’ve had to have several conversations that caused me a lot of anxiety before and afterwards, but I do it. I’m ‘comfortable’ having these uncomfortable conversations.
What is your leadership style and what inspired you to become a leader?
I like to give employees a lot of autonomy. I hire great people to do a great job, so they don’t need me to tell them how to do it and the results speak for themselves.
An old Managing Director of mine was a great leader. Not traditional, a bit eccentric with a lot of personality but very effective at running his company.
What kind of challenges have you faced as a female CEO in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
We’re slowly getting to a stage where women are seen more as equals in the workplace but there are definitely still some people that don’t think I’ve earned my place. That’s fine, I just smile and keep on showing up as my true, authentic self each day. You can’t change people's opinions of you, but you can choose to hold your head high knowing you’ve worked twice as hard as the men who are usually favored for these positions.
The theme for this year's International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.’ What are some key ways to accelerate action for gender equality in your industry?
We need men to speak up, vouch for women and really show their support against the old-school mentality of those that still think we’re in the 1970s.
We also need to promote women in the workplace. I encourage capable women and men to go for that promotion and get their strengths across no matter what. I always advocate for people, but especially women as we’re not as great at believing in ourselves and shouting about how great we are. Instead we just get the job done, but we need to feel confident sharing our successes.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
My sole goal was to qualify ACCA – a huge goal for me as exams didn’t always come naturally and I had several re-sits. I got there in the end and that’s what matters. So my biggest career achievements are definitely qualifying ACCA and selling the Metalliform Group. Both were incredibly hard work and I’m so proud I achieved them!
What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?
I would love to see young women enter the industry with the same confidence and opportunities as young men. I would tell them to believe in themselves, have confidence in their abilities and feel safe to use their voice. Women have a lot of great ideas, if only we could stop being interrupted and start being listened to!
What are your plans for 2025?
I recently delivered the strategies to the senior management and sales team for 2025 and my focus was on culture. To me it’s so important to have the right culture. I want people to be happy when they come to work. They put a lot of hours in and they don’t want to be micromanaged. I want everyone to work together, to look towards the future and feel appreciated and valued. I know that when I feel valued I work twice as hard! It’s human nature.
What’s next for us? Growth! We are primarily an education manufacturer, but we’re looking at new markets and contracts. We’re just trying to branch out more and expand our team, so lots of exciting things are coming!
What were your experiences of working with Principal Consultant Shannon McGarry and using a recruitment agency?
Shannon McGarry is a breath of fresh air. She has lots of personality and is forward thinking which is a great skill to have.
Discover what Accountancy & Finance professionals are looking for in a job
As a specialist accountancy and finance recruitment agency, we understand how to support accountancy practices and private sector businesses in their mission to attract, engage and retain the best talent.
After conducting extensive research with accountancy and finance professionals, we compiled the What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2025 report.
The report delves into the key factors shaping job preferences and expectations within the industry and uncovers topics such as preferred salary, perks, benefits, work flexibility and work culture.
Read the full What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2025 report here.
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If you’re searching for your next finance job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
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Whether you’re searching for a Financial Controller, Management Accountant or Head of Finance, we will help you to find whoever you need to make your business and finances thrive.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Principal Consultant, Shannon McGarry on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
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If you work in the Accountancy & Finance sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Meet Shannon McGarry
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
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