Celebrating our female colleagues for International Women's Day with Emma Craggs

International Women’s Day is annually marked on 8^th 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.

This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction calls for rapid advancements in gender equality. It focuses on recognising strategies and tools that drive women's progress in education, employment, and leadership. This theme encourages collective efforts from governments, organisations, and individuals to remove barriers and foster an environment of equal opportunities for women.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we have interviewed three of our female colleagues, asking them about their career journey, what it is like being a woman working in finance, and what this day means to them.

Hear from Emma Craggs, Associate Director at Fairway:

What does an average working day look like for you? 
It’s always busy - I rarely look at the clock! Every day is different, as the matters I am working on can change with just one telephone call or email. My to do list is under constant review and re-prioritisation in accordance with the needs of my clients, the business and deadlines that need to be met. 

What part of your role is most enjoyable? 
It’s the development of staff, building and maintaining relationships and loyalty. I really enjoy learning about our clients, their families and becoming one of their most trusted points of contact.

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in this industry? 
I have worked in the private client industry since finishing school and have followed the route from Trainee Trust Administrator through to Associate Director over time and as my experience and confidence have grown. 

What is a significant milestone in your career so far? 
I would say it’s the longevity of the relationships I have with some of my clients who have been part of my portfolio for over 20 years. Whilst not a milestone as such, those long-standing relationships make me very proud.

How do you balance leadership responsibilities with personal life? 
This is a constant juggle for me with a husband in an equal role at another local Trust Company and a very busy 10-year-old daughter. Fairway is supportive of family life and have allowed me to work slightly reduced hours to help ‘spin the plates’ as it were. I have always wanted to show our daughter that if you want nice experiences in life you need to work hard for them -  I believe I do manage it well (most of the time!)

Have you faced any significant challenges as a woman in leadership? How did you overcome them? 
I think that times have moved on within the industry for sure, and in the nine years I have been at Fairway I haven’t seen my gender as being a barrier at all - we have had a number of females in leadership roles throughout my time with the business and all of our contributions are recognised. 

Have you had any female mentors or role models who have influenced your career? 
I worked with a strong female leader for nearly 20 years, and we worked through so much both professionally and personally during that time.  I learnt so much from that relationship. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 
I see it as an opportunity to celebrate women and all the different hats that we wear as leaders, employees, mentors, partners, mothers and friends. I do also believe it’s a time to remember the importance of gender equality both inside and outside of the workplace.