2022

Anna Manz

CFO, London Stock Exchange Group

Increase the visibility of careers in STEM for young women. We need a schooling system that actively encourages girls to take on STEM. We also need more role models and mentors to take the initiative to inspire young women and help them to know that the sky is the limit. One of the beliefs I have is that people will generally rise or fall to the level of expectations that you have for them. Even a 15-year-old can sense when somebody believes in her.

In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?

In my view, there is no one way to be a “Power Woman.” Everyone has different qualities and women shouldn’t feel that they must conform to one or two specific traits to be successful. I believe the most important aspect is to be your authentic self. There’s no substitute for this and often, it will allow you to go much farther than trying to be someone that you’re not.

What benefits and advantages does a company with positive gender equality have over a male dominated workplace?

I asked my 15-year-old daughter this question. Her answer was a shocked “huh?” It made me smile that she had never considered a world without gender equality.

For me, it’s a no brainer. Gender equality and diversity across the board is crucial to any organisation’s success. Quite simply, companies with diverse workforces and an inclusive culture perform better.

Is there one particular issue in your life you are passionate about? Something that overrides all of your objectivity?

I’ve often found that while talent is evenly distributed around the world, opportunity is not. I hate unfairness and that’s why I’m particularly passionate about creating a culture where everyone can learn and be who they want to be. For me, this means ensuring that my team has opportunities to develop their talent and grow within our company. However, it extends beyond the workplace as well. Helping to provide access to a good education and opportunities for others, whether it’s through one-on-one mentorship or supporting non-profit organisations is at the core of who I a

What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take toward empowering women and gender equality? (e.g. affirmative action)? What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth and presence of women in high profile positions?

There are two areas that come to mind.

The first is increasing the visibility of careers in STEM for young women. We need a schooling system that actively encourages girls to take on STEM. We also need more role models and mentors to take the initiative to inspire young women and help them to know that the sky is the limit. One of the beliefs I have is that people will generally rise or fall to the level of expectations that you have for them. Even a 15-year-old can sense when somebody believes in her.

The second area is further embedding management styles at the top of business that cater to a more female approach. We need structural change for true gender equality. I know that we’ll have reached this point when I see that women on external recruitment long lists have the same salary as their male counterparts. This is currently not the reality, and as leaders we need to encourage women to negotiate their salary. I was once one of these women and I am so grateful for those who encouraged me along the way. I hope that I will be able to have the same impact on the next generation.

Can you tell us a short story in which you encountered a block due to your gender?

I’d like to share two stories, both of which were significant learning moments for me.

The first was when I returned to work after my first child. I ended an international assignment and was employed back in the UK. As there wasn’t an immediate role for me, I was placed in a more junior role and my salary was protected. I did my best to knock it out of the park – and was actually pretty good at that. However, when I asked my boss whether the company still considered me to have high potential and how I could progress back to my previous level, I got told that I was considered “needy.” I’m so grateful to the woman on the finance leadership team who called me, shared the feedback and then, coached me on how to navigate the situation in a more “male” way. It sorted itself out and at the end of the day my performance ended up being what mattered most. I owe this woman quite a bit and hope to pay it forward!

Secondly, when I was offered an international role, which involved extensive travelling. I’m sure if I had said to the hiring manager at the time that I intended to work in a way which worked for my family, I would never have been offered the role. I didn’t tell him, got the job and made it work for me, flexing my day when I wasn’t travelling so that I could spend more time with my children. The lesson here is to work in a way which works for you and if you do a great job… I promise you, no one will care how you got it done!

Do you think that asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the pay gap between women and men? Should we push for a nationwide ban?

That is an interesting question. I think there is great merit in a blind approach to screening etc to reduce bias. Another way to tackle the same issue is reporting on the gender pay gap, which is something that the UK has adopted. That form of transparency is powerful and achieves a similar outcome.

Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?

There have been a few defining moments and they were always when I was failing to perform or struggling with a role. These are the moments, which whilst painful at the time caused me to stop and look at my leadership and learn from whatever was holding me back. I am huge believer in constructive feedback.

Is “Education, education and education” one of the top three responsibilities of a civilized society? If not why not? If so why is it prohibitively expensive? Also who should decide on the curriculum?

Education is critical to not only professional success, but also personal success and with it, opportunities to be your authentic self can prosper. When we are ourselves supported by a foundation built upon education, incredible innovations happen. I don’t have all the answers, but I am a firm believer in nurturing learning and development at all ages and experience levels, giving back through mentorship programs and encouraging others to do the same so more women soar.

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?

I love logistics and puzzles. and I would love to spend a day programming elevators to more efficiently meet the needs of the people navigating a large tower block!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I have two. The first: there’s no such thing as gravitas. Being comfortable in your own skin is the best way to make a good impression and have an impact. The second: look after yourself. If you can’t be happy, you can’t make anyone else happy. The first flicked a switch in my mindset, and the second, I always need to keep front of mind.

What is your favorite book (fiction or non-fiction)?

To be honest, I tend to read books with pink covers that end with happily ever after. I need escapism!

What do you most value in your friends?

Trust, warmth, compassion and making me think differently or about different things!

Which trait do you most uncomfortable in yourself? In others?

Pride! While I am confident, I don’t have an ego – it always gets in the way of clear judgement.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Gravitas. As I said earlier, I spent quite some years trying to figure out what that was, and the moment I realized it didn’t exist was liberating! All I needed was to be myself.