What does a chief people officer do?
My role focuses on aligning Ashburton Investments’ people strategies with its business goals. Unlike a human resources (HR) director, whose primary focus is operational HR functions, my role involves fostering a culture of high performance, driving engagement and building a cohesive environment for innovation and growth. It’s about enabling people to thrive while contributing to the success of the organisation.
What makes you good at the work you do?
I bring a balance of strategic insight and empathy to my work. As a chartered accountant with a PhD in social psychology, I have a unique perspective of both the financial and human aspects of the business. I focus on creating an environment where individuals can play to their strengths, supported by systems that eliminate unnecessary obstacles.
How does your work contribute to the company’s goals?
Ashburton Investments is a full-service, stand-alone asset management business offering bespoke solutions to corporates, financial advisers and institutions.
The company boasts one of the most diverse asset management teams in the country in terms of gender, racial and cognitive diversity.
I support this by ensuring we attract and retain top talent while fostering a culture of belonging, curiosity and excellence.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
My father instilled the importance of being financially independent early in my life. As a journalist, he directed me to study business, as he thought that would be a good way to achieve this. I wanted to be a CA before I even knew what an accountant did.
What important lesson have you learnt from making a mistake at work?
If there are no consequences for making mistakes, you don’t learn from making them. When I was a student, I worked as a bank teller and at the end of the day if there was a shortfall, you had to cover it from your own pocket. That quickly taught me not to make mistakes.
What do you look for when recruiting?
Critical thinkers with diversified interests, curiosity and a desire for continuous learning. Strong resilience and an ability to overcome adversity. A sense of humour helps as I believe that is a sign of intelligence.
What advice do you have for matriculants?
Prepare to get your hands dirty, no job or task should be beneath you when you start out. Read widely and be curious. Listen more than you talk, ask questions and be humble.
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