Brain tumour survivor on why Mission Include mentoring is so important for her

Jessica Jones

A year ago, commercial banker Jessica Jones underwent a life-saving operation to remove a brain tumour that left her unable to walk unassisted.

Since then, not only has the 38-year-old mum of three from Swansea returned to the job that she loves but she’s also embarking upon a journey of personal development by being mentored on the 30% Club cross-company mentoring programme Mission INCLUDE.

It was important to Jessica to explain this life-changing experience to her mentor at their first meeting in November. Her diagnosis 18 months earlier changed her outlook on life and her career and will be a big part of her mentoring journey.

At its core, Mission INCLUDE is a structured cross-company mentoring programme that expertly pairs senior business leaders with mentors outside of their industry to challenge and help them progress.

Jessica is a relationship director at NatWest with responsibility for financing SMEs with turnovers of up to £50 million. She has been paired with mentor Laura Pingree, a partner at accountancy firm BDO LLP, who specialises in energy and mining.

During their first meeting, Jessica revealed how the excitement of receiving a promotion in March 2020 was overshadowed, three months later, by the devastating news that she would require life-saving surgery.

“I didn’t want sympathy, but I wanted her to know the journey I’d been on and why I was so determined to get the most out of this experience,” she says.

Jessica explained to Laura that after suffering hearing loss, headaches and tinnitus since 2019, she saw her GP in June 2020, who prescribed migraine tablets. But when the symptoms didn’t improve after a couple of days, she was referred to hospital for a CT scan.

While waiting for that appointment, her blood pressure became abnormally high, so she attended Prince Phillip hospital in her hometown of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. After two days of tests – and while sat alone due to Covid restrictions – Jessica was given the devastating news that she had an acoustic neuroma causing pressure on her brain stem.

“I was in total shock. Hearing those words, ‘you’ve got a brain tumour’ was terrifying. I was absolutely petrified and burst into tears,” says Jessica.

Backlogs caused by the pandemic meant she had to wait until January 2021 for surgery.

During a gruelling 13-hour operation, which involved removing a section of skull from behind Jessica’s ear, surgeons successfully removed most of the tumour. They advised to leave a small part of the tumour which had grown around the facial nerve, so not to cause facial palsy. The procedure has left her with single sided deafness and a CROS hearing aid.

She was kept in hospital for two weeks. Covid restrictions meant that Jessica’s husband Mark and their daughters Ella who is eight, and five-year-old twins Emily and Lily, couldn’t visit her.

“I was unable to stand the first few days without vomiting due to the vertigo, and each day challenged myself a little more. Thanks to the support of the team there, I finally left the hospital trundling along on a Zimmer frame at the age of 37,” she says. “When I was home, I paid for weekly sessions with a neuro-physio who helped me build the confidence and strength to walk without the frame.”

Her diagnosis left her fatigued and sometimes unable to walk more than 2,000 steps a day, but in September 2021, Jessica was keen to return to the job that she loves.

Jessica's surgery scar
WhatsApp Image 2022-03-02 at 10.50.17

“Natwest has fully supported me since the moment I was diagnosed and on the path towards rehabilitation,” says Jessica. “We spoke about both my personal and career development and I explained that I thought that being mentored by someone outside of banking would help develop me as an individual. They recognised what I had been through – and the journey that still lies ahead – and I’m grateful they gave me special approval to take part in Mission INCLUDE.

“In the 14 years I’ve worked for NatWest, I’d previously been on excellent courses that were bank focused and I have always been very passionate and committed in taking responsibility for my career progression. I knew that I would benefit from having an outside mentor challenge me, hold me accountable and offer external perspective on my development.”

Jessica admits she was initially surprised by who she was paired with.

“When I first read Laura’s profile, I was unsure as to why we’d been put together as our experience looks so different on paper. But I soon realised we are so well matched. Our personalities are very, very different but whatever algorithms Moving Ahead use to match people, it definitely works!

“We are very open with each other about our lives and our experiences. You need that openness, otherwise the mentoring would be very scripted.”

At their most recent meeting in January, Laura challenged Jessica to apply to sit on a non-executive board during the nine-month programme – something that would help give her exposure to other business issues that could be of use to her in NatWest.

In preparation, she’s also been tasked with gathering 360° feedback from colleagues to see if the areas that Jessica thinks that she needs to develop align with those they suggest.

“I questioned who would want me on their board, but by sharing her own experiences, Laura was able to reassure me that I have transferable skills and that businesses in sectors outside of banking – and outside of my comfort zone – would welcome,” she says. “And I now realise the experience would greatly aid me in my development within NatWest.”

Aside from the one-to-one mentoring, Mission INCLUDE offers other benefits.

“The programme includes regular Zoom events with participants from around the world, masterclasses to get the best out your development, networking sessions with other mentees, and the opportunity to hear from fantastic, thought-provoking expert speakers,” she says.

A recent talk by coach Holiday Phillips on pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone resonated with her.

“On Christmas Eve, I received the news that the remainder of my tumour is stable and I’ll have yearly scans to monitor what is left of it,” she says. “Having the tumour has taught me is life is too short to be taken for granted and to keep pushing yourself, developing and reflecting. Sometimes that means doing things that you’re a little uncomfortable with, but you may never get the opportunity to do again if you don’t do them now. I want to push myself and do things that perhaps make me feel a little bit uncomfortable.”

Jessica can already see the benefits that the Mission INCLUDE programme will bring to her and NatWest.

“I am already learning lots that I can apply to my current role and future development. Having a mentor share their expertise and encouragement will also help equip me with new skills that I can bring to the bank to assist others,” she says.

And it’s not only at the bank that that Jessica wants to help others. Last month, she embarked on an ambitious 10,000 Steps a Day challenge to fundraise and raise awareness for Brain Tumour Research to help find a cure for the devastating disease as a way of thanking all those who helped her. She raised more than £2,500. If you would like to donate, click here for more information.

Where we are

The 30% Club has come a long way from when it was set up in the UK in 2010.We now span six continents and more than 20 countries. We’re actively expanding into more G20 countries

30% Club UK Investor Group statement on addressing racial inequality

COVER IMAGE - INVESTOR GROUP STATEMENT (9)

Challenge for change

The 30% Club UK Investor Group has issued a statement addressing the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in UK business and outlined the action it is taking to make positive change.

“As institutional investors, we can contribute to addressing these inequities by taking concrete steps to promote diversity and inclusion across our portfolios and within our organisations,” it states.

Members of the group who have signed up to the statement have more than £11 trillion assets under management. 

The group has sent letters to the FTSE 100 companies its independent research suggests have still to meet the Parker Review targets of at least one board member and executive committee member from an ethnic minority background. They were meant to have done so by the end of 2021.

The letter warned the companies that investors may consider voting against companies at their annual general meetings if they fail to take action.

The Investor Group is committed to actively engage with UK company board chairs, nomination committees and executive teams on the issue of racial inequality in their leadership ranks and workforce.

The publication of the statement builds on the UK chapter of the 30% Club introducing race and ethnicity targets in July 2020. Those targets include members of the Club across the FTSE 350 having at least one person of colour at board and executive committee level by the end of 2023*. And as the 30% Club campaign is focused on gender, we expect at least half of those appointments to go to women of colour.

While the 30% Club works directly with CEOs and Chairs to encourage change, the Investor Group’s been working on improving the availability of data on race equity within the FTSE 100 by engaging with ESG data providers and supporting the creation of new data platforms, such as through its partnership with Diversio.

The Group is also running a race equity training programme for its members to ensure that all investors, big and small, are equipped to take action with the companies they invest in.

COVER IMAGE - INVESTOR GROUP STATEMENT (12)

Diandra Soobiah, co-chair of the 30% Club UK Investor Group, said: “Diversity and inclusion in companies are integral to sound corporate governance and corporate culture. As long-term investors, we see the failure to take diversity seriously as a stark warning about the long-term sustainability of the company.

“Time is up for organisations that seek to simply tick boxes. The 30% Club Investor Group is putting FTSE companies on notice – the laggards need to do much better, and we’re willing to help.

“We all have an important role to play to ensure persistent race inequities in business and our society are addressed. As investors, we can have stronger dialogue with the companies we invest in, with a view to improving diversity and inclusion within companies in the UK.”

Ann Cairns, global chair of the 30% Club, said: “The 30% Club’s UK Investor Group issuing this statement is a significant moment for the UK investor community. With ESG rightfully gaining prominence in the board rooms and executive offices of the world’s biggest companies, addressing racial inequity is imperative for all asset managers.

“It could make a major contribution to delivering the change businesses, economies and societies so desperately need to see. I am tremendously grateful for the hard work done by the co-chairs and members of the 30% Club UK Investor Group to take a stand on racial inequality.”

*The 30% Club’s UK chapter set the 2023 deadline for the FTSE 350 as a stretch target for our FTSE 350 members to help meet the Parker Review target by the end of 2024.

Where we are

The 30% Club has come a long way from when it was set up in the UK in 2010.We now span six continents and more than 20 countries. We’re actively expanding into more G20 countries

30% Club UK Investor Group launches Statement on addressing racial inequality

London, UK, 1 March 2022: The 30% Club UK Investor Group has today issued its statement on addressing the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in UK business.

 

The Group, which is part of a global gender diversity in business campaign, has more than £11 trillion assets under management and has also sent letters to the FTSE 100 companies that have still not met the Parker Review. 

 

The letter warned the laggards that investors may consider voting against companies at their annual general meetings if they fail to take action.

The Investor Group is committed to actively engage with UK company board chairs, nomination committees and executive teams on the issue of racial inequality in their leadership ranks and workforce. 

 

Today’s announcement builds on the UK chapter of the 30% Club introducing race and ethnicity targets in July 2020. Those targets include members of the Club across the FTSE 350 having at least one person of colour at board and executive committee level by the end of 2023. And as the 30% Club campaign is focused on gender, we expect at least half of those appointments to go to women of colour.

 

While the 30% Club works directly with CEOs and Chairs to encourage change, the Investor Group’s been working on improving the availability of data on race equity within the FTSE100 by engaging with ESG data providers and supporting the creation of new data platforms, such as through its partnership with Diversio. 

 

The Group is also running a race equity training programme for its members to ensure that all investors, big and small, are equipped to take action with the companies they invest in.

 

Diandra Soobiah, co-chair of the 30% Club UK Investor Group, said: “Diversity and inclusion in companies are integral to sound corporate governance and corporate culture. As long-term investors, we see the failure to take diversity seriously as a stark warning about the long-term sustainability of the company.

 

“Time is up for organisations that seek to simply tick boxes. The 30% Club Investor Group is putting FTSE companies on notice – the laggards need to do much better, and we’re willing to help.

 

“We all have an important role to play to ensure persistent race inequities in business and our society are addressed. As investors, we can have stronger dialogue with the companies we invest in, with a view to improving diversity and inclusion within companies in the UK.

 

Ann Cairns, global chair of the 30% Club, said: “The 30% Club’s UK Investor Group issuing this statement is a significant moment for the UK investor community. With ESG rightfully gaining prominence in the board rooms and executive offices of the world’s biggest companies, addressing racial inequality is imperative for all asset managers. 

 

“It could make a major contribution to delivering the change businesses, economies and societies so desperately need to see. I am tremendously grateful for the hard work done by the co-chairs and members of the 30% Club UK Investor Group to take a stand on racial inequality.” 

ENDS

 

Contact: 30% Club campaign manager Laura Whitcombe, laura@30percentclub.org, or media@30percentclub.org

 

Notes to Editors

 

The 30% Club’s UK steering committee is made up of 18 individuals, seven are from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds (39%). 

 

There are three co-chairs of the 30% Club’s UK Investor Group and one is from a racially and ethnically diverse background (33.3%). Members of the Group are institutions rather than individuals. 

 

30% Club’s UK Investor Group signatories to the Statement are: AMP Capital (UK), Astarte Capital Partners, Aviva Investors, AXA Investment Managers, Baring Foundation, Barrow Cadbury Trust, BlackRock, BMO Global Asset Management, Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, Brunel Pension Partnership, Castlefield Investment Partners LLP, Church Investors Group, Eco Advisers Ltd, EdenTree Investment Management, Environment Agency Pension Fund, Fidelity International, Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), Federated Hermes, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Jupiter Asset Management, Legal & General Investment Management, LGPS Central Ltd, Liontrust Investment Partners LLP, Local Authority Pension Fund Forum, Local Pensions Partnership, M&G Investments, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, NEST, Newton Investment Management, Northern Local Government Pension Scheme, Quilter, Resona Asset Management Co., Ltd., Robeco, Royal London Asset Management (CIS) Limited, RPMI Railpen Investments, Sarasin & Partners LLP, Standard Life Aberdeen, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, T. Rowe Price International Ltd, The Health Foundation and West Midlands Pension Fund, West Yorkshire Pension Fund.


About Us 

 

The 30% Club is a global campaign led by Chairs and CEOs taking action to increase gender diversity at board and senior management levels of the world’s biggest companies. We set targets of a minimum of 30% female representation at the board and executive committee levels. This is the critical mass at which research shows minority voices are heard. However, the ultimate goal is parity.

 

Under the leadership of Global Chair, Ann Cairns, the campaign continues to expand its international footprint with presence in more than 20 countries around the world. We support diversity in its very broadest sense and while gender has been our starting point, we fully realise that considerations of ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background and beyond are all part of the journey – and that gender identities are themselves evolving rapidly. We believe that only those organisations that foster truly inclusive cultures – cultures that embrace women who look, act and, importantly, THINK differently – can reach their full potential to positively impact their people, their markets and their communities.

 

30% Club UK Chapter’s 2023 Targets

 

  • 1. Beyond 30% representation of women on all FTSE 350 boards, to include one person of colour. We support the Parker Review goals for at least one person of colour on every  
  • FTSE 350 board – in addition, we advocate for gender balance with half these seats going to women, creating 175 board seats for women of colour.

    2. Beyond 30% representation of women on all FTSE 350 Executive Committees, to include one person of colour. We advocate for gender balance with half these seats going to women, creating 175 executive committee roles for women of colour.

    3. Beyond 30% of all new FTSE 350 Chair appointments to go to women between now and 2023.

FTSE Women Leaders Review Launch

COVER IMAGE - FTSE WOMEN LEADERS POST (1)

UK closes in on 40% women at board level

The UK has climbed to second in the international rankings for women’s representation at board level. 

Almost 40% of UK FTSE 100 board positions are now held by women, compared with 12.5% just ten years ago. And there are almost 38% women on board across the FTSE 350.

The data has been published in a new report by the Government-backed FTSE Women Leaders Review, which monitors women’s representation in 24,000 positions on FTSE 350 Boards and in Leadership teams of the UK’s biggest companies, building on the success of the previous Hampton-Alexander and Davies Reviews.

 

What this new data from the FTSE Women Leaders Review reiterates is that we don’t need mandates - aspirational targets change not just the numbers but also the culture inside companies.

Ann Cairns, 30% Club global chair

Key highlights from the report include:

  • Almost 40% of UK FTSE 100 board positions are now held by women, putting the UK second in international rankings for board representation.
  •  
  • FTSE 100, 250 and 350 all improved the number of women in Leadership roles in 2021, with the Government’s and 30% Club’s voluntary, business-led approach paying dividends.
  •  
  • The new review also sets out bold recommendations to build on this progress, including a voluntary target for FTSE 350 executive leadership teams to achieve 40% female representation by the end of 2025. It is currently less than 20%, according to BoardEx data.
  •  
  • It is also asking FTSE 350 companies to have at least one woman in the Chair, Senior Independent Director role on the Board and/or one woman in the CEO or CFO by the end of 2025. There are just 18 and 48 at present, that’s 5 and 14% respectively. 
  •  
  • The Review has also increased in scope beyond the FTSE 350 companies to include the largest 50 private companies in the UK by sales.

The 30% Club welcomes the extended focus of the Review. 
Deloitte web post graphic (6)

30% Club Global Chair Ann Cairns said: 

 
“The 30% Club, The Women in Finance Charter, Hampton Alexander (now the FTSE Women Leaders Review), the Parker Review and most recently 25×25 and the FCA/Bank of England white paper all have similar and complementary aims. Strategic collaboration will make all the difference in seeing the progress we’ve seen in the boardroom play out at executive committee level and result in more female CEOs and significantly more leadership opportunities for women of colour. We are a multi-racial society, and it’s high time our boards an executive leadership teams reflect that. 
 
“What this new data from the FTSE Women Leaders Review also reiterates is that we don’t need mandates – aspirational targets change not just the numbers but also the culture inside companies.” 

Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: 

“UK businesses have made enormous progress in recent years to ensure that everyone, whatever their background, can succeed on merit – and today’s findings highlight this with more women at the top table of Britain’s biggest companies than ever before.

“However, we should not rest on our laurels, and the FTSE Women Leaders Review will build on the success so far of our voluntary, business-led approach to increasing women’s representation on boards and in leadership, without the need for mandatory quotas.”

Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss, said:

“It is excellent to see the progress being made, but we know there is more to be done. This Government is committed to levelling up all parts of our country, working to tackle inequality and promoting equality of opportunity, including at senior level, so everyone can thrive.”

COVER IMAGE - FTSE WOMEN LEADERS POST (5)

Here are the four new recommendations of the FTSE Women Leaders Review in full:

The voluntary target for FTSE 350 Boards & for Leadership teams is increased to a minimum of 40% women’s representation by the end of 2025

  •  
  • FTSE 350 companies to have at least one woman in the Chair, Senior Independent Director role on the Board and/or one woman in the Chief Executive Officer or Finance Director role by the end of 2025
  •  
  • Extending the scope of the FTSE Women Leaders Review beyond FTSE 350 companies to include the largest 50 private companies in the UK by sales
  •  

These recommendations aim to increase gender balance further, bringing new focus to the appointment of women at the highest levels of British business, particularly in those companies that are still lagging behind.

Where we are

The 30% Club has come a long way from when it was set up in the UK in 2010.We now span six continents and more than 20 countries. We’re actively expanding into more G20 countries

Deloitte and 30% Club reveal latest global women in the boardroom stats

Deloitte web post graphic

Progress but it's slow

Deloitte, in collaboration with the  30% Club, today released the seventh edition of  Women in the Boardroom: A Global Perspective. 

It includes updates from 72 countries on representation of women in the boardroom, exploring insights on the political, social, and legislative trends behind these numbers. 

It found that nearly all countries have local organisations or governments committed to increasing the number of women serving on company boards.

While these private and public sector efforts demonstrate steps toward achieving parity, the pace of collective progress needs to pick up.

People often ask why the 30% Club is not the 50% Club given that our aim is parity. I think this report answers that question, we are still far from the 30% tipping point in many geographies

Ann Cairns, 30% Club global chair

Key higlights from the report include:

Globally, only one in five board seats are held by women           

A smaller group of women are taking on a large number of board seats – referred to as the ‘Stretch Factor’

Report reveals a disconnect between women holding roles on boards and in the executive.

Globally, only 6.7% of board chairs are women, and even fewer CEOs – 5% – are women

A global average of 19.7% of board seats are held by women, an increase of 2.8% since 2018 compared to a 1.9% increase in the period from 2016 to 2018

Companies with women CEOs have significantly more balanced boards than those with male CEOs: 33.5% vs 19.4%

Only three in 10 board seats held by women in UK behind leaders France, Norway and Italy in boardroom diversity

However, UK enters into top 10 global ranking and could reach boardroom gender parity by 2027.

Deloitte web post graphic (6)

Commenting on the report, which includes commentary from 30% Club chapters, global chair Ann Cairns said: “With the FTSE 100 on the brink of attaining 40% women in board roles, I am encouraged by Deloitte Global’s finding that UK parity could be reached by 2027. 

“People often ask why the 30% Club is not the 50% Club given that our aim is parity. I think this report answers that question, we are still far from the 30% tipping point in many geographies.” 

She added: “One of the report’s most interesting findings is the real balance that female leaders bring. If women CEOs can have more balanced boards, there’s no reason that male CEOs can’t.

“Finally, on the stretch, this speaks to the fact that women have a harder time being appointed if they don’t have previous board experience. Chairs and CEOs should be encouraged to give women their first board seat. 

“There is plenty of talent out there who would make great directors. This is very true for people of colour too, many of whom would welcome the chance to make a significant contribution at the top of the corporate world but remain significantly under-represented.”

 

Sharon Thorne, Deloitte Global Board Chair and member of the 30% Club, said: “While it’s heartening to see that the world continues to make progress towards achieving gender parity, with the exception of a few countries, overall progress remains slow and uneven.

 

“The pandemic has further challenged progress in achieving equality, making it even more important to move past discussion and take concrete actions to ensure inclusion within and beyond the boardroom including gender, ethnic and racial diversity among other characteristics.”

 

She adds: “Increasing the number of women on boards is only the first step on a larger journey.”

Where we are

The 30% Club has come a long way from when it was set up in the UK in 2010.We now span six continents and more than 20 countries. We’re actively expanding into more G20 countries

Women are the most likely changemakers for climate action

Oliver Wyman web post graphic (5)

Stronger together

Diversity and climate are top priorities for CEOs and boards of directors, but almost none have considered how linking the two management priorities could accelerate their transition to net‑zero emissions.

As the Oliver Wyman Forum and the 30% Club prepared for COP26 in Glasgow, we set out to uncover what can be achieved when diversity, and specifically gender representation, is included in companies’ climate change plans.

The question was more difficult to answer than we had anticipated. For example, starting with large data sets, we looked at how corporate diversity and climate outcomes might be correlated. Relationships were positive but statistically weak. However, with so many factors at play, we felt that focusing solely on these high‑level numbers was a red herring.

As our research and interviews with more than 20 companies progressed, it became clear that not only are women often excluded from many high-level government and corporate discussions on climate, their role as climate-action changemakers is largely unrecognized and underestimated.

Yet businesses need to include female colleagues, customers, and investors if they are serious about meeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

We consider this report as just the beginning of research on what can be achieved if a greater mix of people — including women — is more explicitly included in companies’ attempts to reach net-zero emissions.

This report talks about action from corporations deliberately. Clearly, this must be taken together with action from governments, the third sector, civil society, and beyond.

Oliver Wyman web post graphic (6)

We are grateful for your understanding over this report’s limitations — for example, our focus on women in Western countries and a binary view of gender that is not inclusive of all identities and experiences.

We recognize that we do not cover intersectionality or other dimensions of difference, such as race and ethnicity, primarily due to a lack of data.

Despite this, we felt it important to continue and hope the report will have some impact in driving greater awareness and understanding of the critical linkages between these issues.

We thank and are grateful to the many colleagues who were willing to share their expertise and the companies we interviewed. We hope you find our initial research helpful as you consider your transition plans and look forward to continuing the conversation and research.

Rupal Kantaria
Partner, Oliver Wyman Forum

Ann Cairns
Global Chair, 30% Club and Executive Vice Chair, Mastercard

Where we are

The 30% Club has come a long way from when it was set up in the UK in 2010.We now span six continents and more than 20 countries. We’re actively expanding into more G20 countries

Coming Soon: 30% Club Podcast

Q&A WITH CAROLINE NAHAS, OUR LATEST 30% CLUB SCHOLAR

 

Q: Caroline, give us an overview of your career path to date.

 

A: I am a global Finance professional with solid background in FP&A, Business Development, and Investor Relations. I am recognized for innovative problem solving, self-motivation, and  an inquisitive approach, exceeding goals in deadline-driven and cost-containing  environments.  

 

I started my career at Edenred, a French company (former Accord Group) specialized in  prepaid corporate services. I then joined Deloitte as a consultant for strategy and operations.  In 2012, I joined Hidrovias do Brasil, a fluvial transportation company managed by few private  equities – among which Blackstone and Patria Investimentos. I was responsible for structuring  and leading the FP&A/IR function and processes to adapt them to the organizational growth  from startup to operational company.  

 

Finally, in 2019, I joined Mondelēz as a Finance Manager for the North America Region to  support the structuring and expansion of the External Manufacturing department; in February 2021 I moved to the Procurement and Commodities department to support Mondelēz for risk  management of Commodities and Forex volatility.  

Over my career, I have experienced different environments, ranging from start-up to  recognized companies with fully established processes. 

 

I know this award carries many opportunities and responsibilities. The most important is to define how I will carry this accomplishment forth in my career, and how can I support others in building their own path.

Caroline Nahas, 30% Club Scholar

Why do you want to study your chosen course? 

 

This industry and market diversity present in my professional trajectory provided me with the  ability to adapt across different business cultures and leadership styles. As I am always  seeking to grow and develop, I constantly challenge ways of working and, most importantly, my personal approaches to business discussions. Now I want to bring this skillset to the next  level.  

 

Working in fast moving environments, the ability to manoeuvre through uncertainty is key.  Through this course I am aiming to acquire analytical toolsets that will make me more effective  in bringing innovative solutions and harness soft skills that would enable me to navigate and  bring value to my organization.

 

What are you hoping it will lead to? 

 

Since I started working in finance, my career goal was and remains to professionally pursue growth to achieve my lifelong aspiration to hold a CFO role within a multinational company. Experiencing Chicago Booth EMBA will provide me with the knowledge and the enriching exchanges with peers and faculty members that will help me to accelerate my career. I am confident it will strengthen my foundation skills to achieve my professional ambition. 

 

Why did you apply to the scholarship? 

 

Chicago Booth and the 30% Club partnered to offer this scholarship to support high potential  female students. I was fortunate to be granted to this award and be part of the 30% Club, among other amazing female candidates.  

 

I know this award carries many opportunities and responsibilities. and feel confident to strive  for them. Most important is to define how I will carry this accomplishment forth in my career,  and how can I support others in building their own path. 

 

What encouragement would you give to anyone considering applying for a 30% Club  scholarship? 

 

I believe it is an accomplishment to be admitted into a leading business school and gain the  opportunity to advance one’s career.  

 

I have no doubt that all admitted candidates can rely on their own strengths and have the  confidence to work for their professional and personal aspirations. Applying to become part of  the 30% Club is a major step towards achieving them as it will provide the opportunity to be  part of initiatives on career advancement and enhance networking & exchanging opportunities.

Where we are

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Meet our new 30% Club Scholar

Q&A WITH CAROLINE NAHAS, OUR LATEST 30% CLUB SCHOLAR

 

Q: Caroline, give us an overview of your career path to date.

 

A: I am a global Finance professional with solid background in FP&A, Business Development, and Investor Relations. I am recognized for innovative problem solving, self-motivation, and  an inquisitive approach, exceeding goals in deadline-driven and cost-containing  environments.  

 

I started my career at Edenred, a French company (former Accord Group) specialized in  prepaid corporate services. I then joined Deloitte as a consultant for strategy and operations.  In 2012, I joined Hidrovias do Brasil, a fluvial transportation company managed by few private  equities – among which Blackstone and Patria Investimentos. I was responsible for structuring  and leading the FP&A/IR function and processes to adapt them to the organizational growth  from startup to operational company.  

 

Finally, in 2019, I joined Mondelēz as a Finance Manager for the North America Region to  support the structuring and expansion of the External Manufacturing department; in February 2021 I moved to the Procurement and Commodities department to support Mondelēz for risk  management of Commodities and Forex volatility.  

Over my career, I have experienced different environments, ranging from start-up to  recognized companies with fully established processes. 

 

I know this award carries many opportunities and responsibilities. The most important is to define how I will carry this accomplishment forth in my career, and how can I support others in building their own path.

Caroline Nahas, 30% Club Scholar

Why do you want to study your chosen course? 

 

This industry and market diversity present in my professional trajectory provided me with the  ability to adapt across different business cultures and leadership styles. As I am always  seeking to grow and develop, I constantly challenge ways of working and, most importantly, my personal approaches to business discussions. Now I want to bring this skillset to the next  level.  

 

Working in fast moving environments, the ability to manoeuvre through uncertainty is key.  Through this course I am aiming to acquire analytical toolsets that will make me more effective  in bringing innovative solutions and harness soft skills that would enable me to navigate and  bring value to my organization.

 

What are you hoping it will lead to? 

 

Since I started working in finance, my career goal was and remains to professionally pursue growth to achieve my lifelong aspiration to hold a CFO role within a multinational company. Experiencing Chicago Booth EMBA will provide me with the knowledge and the enriching exchanges with peers and faculty members that will help me to accelerate my career. I am confident it will strengthen my foundation skills to achieve my professional ambition. 

 

Why did you apply to the scholarship? 

 

Chicago Booth and the 30% Club partnered to offer this scholarship to support high potential  female students. I was fortunate to be granted to this award and be part of the 30% Club, among other amazing female candidates.  

 

I know this award carries many opportunities and responsibilities. and feel confident to strive  for them. Most important is to define how I will carry this accomplishment forth in my career,  and how can I support others in building their own path. 

 

What encouragement would you give to anyone considering applying for a 30% Club  scholarship? 

 

I believe it is an accomplishment to be admitted into a leading business school and gain the  opportunity to advance one’s career.  

 

I have no doubt that all admitted candidates can rely on their own strengths and have the  confidence to work for their professional and personal aspirations. Applying to become part of  the 30% Club is a major step towards achieving them as it will provide the opportunity to be  part of initiatives on career advancement and enhance networking & exchanging opportunities.

Where we are

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Meet our Mentees

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