As part of our two-week Strong Body Strong Mind Programme, last Wednesday we were fortunate to attend a Female Leadership Panel event here in school, featuring WHS alumna and Chief Executive Officer of CAF Bank & CAF Financial Solutions, Alison Taylor and Kate Hamilton -Baily , a WHS parent and Executive Coach and Consultant, hosted by our Heads of Student Wellbeing, Alice and Matilda. Alison has a background in banking and finance, a traditionally male-dominated field, and before becoming CEO of CAF Bank served as Chief of Staff for HSBC. Kate, who currently works as a partner in a corporate search firm, previously served in the Army, an experience she says taught her many crucial leadership skills.
The panel explored a range of topics, including what defines female leadership and the unique strengths it can bring to the workplace. Kate asserted that “leadership is all about people,” explaining how her time working as a waitress taught her valuable interpersonal skills. She described leadership as an act of service, rooted in caring for others and enabling them to be their best. Alison echoed this view, advocating for servant leadership and emphasising that effective leadership should be grounded in humility, authenticity, and vulnerability, qualities that are neither inherently masculine nor feminine, but essential in fostering positive and productive working environments.
Discussing the importance of female leadership, Alison drew on personal experience, sharing that emotion is one of our greatest strengths rather than a weakness. Kate added that female leadership is not a new concept, pointing to historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I as evidence that women have long been powerful and capable leaders. Overall, both speakers conveyed that female leadership is equally successful and effective, and that we must embrace and celebrate diverse leadership styles.
To conclude the panel, both speakers offered valuable advice to sixth formers and specifically year 13s as we prepare to leave school. Alison emphasised the importance of taking time to enjoy the present and make the most of current opportunities, while Kate encouraged us not to fear failure, but instead to view it as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow.
Overall, the panel was an inspiring and thought-provoking opportunity that encouraged us to rethink what leadership looks like and how we might embody it in our own lives and future careers. Hearing from two accomplished women with such diverse pathways demonstrated that there is no single route to success, and that strong leadership is not defined by traditionally masculine traits. I left the experience with a deeper understanding and appreciation of female leadership, as well as an invigorated determination to break down barriers by striving in male-dominated fields and leading with emotion and empathy.
Our two Year 13 Heads of Student Wellbeing, Matilda and Alice, who hosted the event also shared their reflections, commenting, “It was fascinating to hear about Alison and Kate’s differing experiences as female leaders. We were inspired by their openness, especially when discussing the importance of failure as well as acknowledging their strengths as leaders. We are so grateful that they took the time to share the lessons they’ve learnt with us.”
Cecilia Simmons, Editor of Unconquered Peaks (Y13)
