Celebrating our female colleagues for International Women's Day with Nicole Stower

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 Nicole Stower, Associate Director at Fairway:

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in this industry?
I can’t say that I set out to pursue a leadership role in the finance industry. When I was at school, I was set on becoming a teacher, right up until A-Levels, but then life took a turn and had other ideas. I started my career in finance in a back-office role when I was 18 years old, and I naturally progressed from there. I’m conscientious, I put in the hours and put in the effort without expectation, and I have then been rewarded with respect and progression, and that is how my career has continued!

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far? 
It is hard to pinpoint a particular highlight. I enjoy detail, analysis, and change, so over the years, being involved in the successful implementation of systems, new processes, and change has been my guilty pleasure. I’ve also been given the opportunity to travel and work in Singapore, India and Hong Kong.

How do you balance leadership responsibilities with personal life? 
I would be lying if I said it has been easy. I’m a single parent – my daughter is still in full time education, and I work full time. But I work to provide her with the best start I can and that is all the motivation I need. Working for a family focused company like Fairway means there is flexibility when it comes to sports days, open days etc. 

What advice would you give women considering a career in finance? 
Work hard, put in the hard graft to fully know and understand your subject, and care – this all leads to respect and acceptance.

What have been some of the significant challenges you've faced in your industry?
I have been working in the sector for a long time so recalling my early days in finance can be a bit fuzzy! However, I think any challenges I faced were overcome by truly understanding the subject I was working on. I’m not an outgoing person by any stretch of the imagination, I’m not very loud or extroverted, so I have attended some meetings going completely unnoticed! However, once people realise you have a great understanding of the topic or project at hand,  you gain their respect and are listened to. 

What initiatives or changes would you like to see to support more women in leadership?
I would like to see more initiatives being implemented by employers, such as our Promise Programme and our Management Training Programme, both in place to support career progression, build confidence and strengthen skills for our colleagues.  

Have you had any female mentors or role models who influenced your career?
Yes, for sure! My first role model is my mum – she was and still is at the age of 84 amazingly organised, methodical and thoughtful. There was also one lady I worked with at a previous employer, who has now very sadly passed away - she was a fabulous mentor. She was always there for advice, pushed me, encouraged me. She was the most selfless person I’ve met. I have to say, the ladies I am surrounded by at Fairway are also great role models – they work hard, are conscientious, care about their work and their colleagues, and build great client relationships.     

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the strength of women. In the past, the stereotyped goal for women was to get married, have a family and stay home - to be a wife and mother. Now we have proved that we can be mothers whilst building our own identity and maintaining a successful career.