08 March 2024
International Women’s Day is annually marked on 8th March and is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality. International Women's Day is an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to advocate for change, and to support women's rights and empowerment worldwide. The aim of this year’s theme, #InspireInclusion is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.
To celebrate International Women’s Day at Fairway, we have profiled two of our female Directors, asking them about their career journey, what it is like being a woman in the trust industry and what international women’s day means to them.
To start, we will be hearing from Caroline Brown, Director in Private Client.
Tell us about your career journey leading up to Fairway.
I started my working life at Reads & Co where I learnt all about Trusts and the Jersey finance industry. I moved to RBSI Trust Company which later merged with Coutts where I was for 18 years and progressed through the ranks. Then on to EFG as client director where I worked for 8 years before joining Fairway.
What are your career highlights?
Attending events at Buckingham Palace and St James’ Palace, representing the trustee of a charitable trust where I got to rub shoulders with a few celebs and meet Princess Anne and Queen Camilla.
What do you love most about your job at Fairway?
Developing relationships and building loyalty. I love learning about client’s journeys, their families and becoming part of their trusted circle of advisors. Finally, my colleagues – learning about what motivates them and becoming a work family.
Who is a woman that inspires you?
To pick just one is tough! I am surrounded by inspirational women. Family, friends, and colleagues - each of whom has faced personal and career challenges which have made them into the women they are. Each one has attributes that are truly inspirational and I’m lucky to have them in my life, each one willing to share their experiences so we can all benefit.
Do you think there is a benefit to being a woman in your industry?
Being a woman and being a trustee, I feel, is a natural fit. Our role as trustee is to give reassurance that the wealth they are being entrusted with, is in safe hands. A trustee needs a level head, to be calm and pragmatic, a good listener, who is firm but fair – traits that I feel, a lot of women who chose to work in the industry have.
What do you think we can do to pave the way towards a more inclusive industry?
In wider society, the gender pay gap needs to be removed. Equal pay for equal work is pivotal – why should it matter if the work is undertaken by a man or a woman? Within the trust industry, we need to ensure that statutory parental leave/pay truly reflects the value society should place on bringing the next generation forward, whilst supporting an environment which allows men to take an equal role in parenting.
Which message do you think is the most important to young women starting a career in the financial industry?
Accept no less than to be treated equally.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A day that honours the achievements of women and promotes women’s rights, whilst raising global awareness that there are still differences. Great progress has been made in achieving equality - but we’re still not there yet, highlighting the ongoing need for further progress and action.