Women in Leadership: Inspirational Group x HSBC

In 2023, women held only 10.4% of top leadership positions at Fortune 500* companies. Women’s representation in Senior Leadership roles in Banking and Capital Markets (BCM) stood at 21% in the UK.** Figures across the broader technology sector are equally low.   

HSBC has made specific commitments to remove barriers to women achieving their potential, with the goal of supporting an inclusive environment that will increase global gender representation in senior leadership roles from 30% in 2020 to 35% by 2025. With 34.1.% of SL roles being held by women at the end of 2023, the company was on track to exceed this target.

Since 2022, I have worked with Be Inspirational and supported the bank by training and coaching almost 90 women in various technology roles. The first level programme (TenacITy) is delivered in two parts over two months and sees women developing a range of skills and capacities, including:

·      Self-awareness to build more effective relationships

·      Strengths to improve personal impact and influence

·      Conducting courageous conversations and managing conflict

·      Enhancing problem-solving skills and making informed decisions

·      How to lead with confidence through collaboration

·      Inspiring and championing inclusion in the organisation

·      Building a framework for optimising well-being

During 2024, I co-designed and successfully delivered the follow-on programme (VeracITy) aimed at high-potential managers aspiring to senior leadership positions within the organisation. This is delivered in two parts across three months with a specific focus on:

·      Working effectively with stakeholders

·      Developing a strategic approach to problem-solving

·      Leading operational performance in line with department objectives

·      Championing personal performance through authentic leadership

Coaching is central to this journey. Women gain from personalised responses and tailored feedback. Many reported increased confidence and the successful pursuit of their goals and leadership aspirations following this programme.

*Is This The Age Of Women in Leadership? Forbes, Feb 5, 2024.

** Women in UK Banking Leadership, Deloitte, 2023.