Championing women in leadership

Senior Audit Manager Becky Branch reflects on her journey at Bishop Fleming and her experience of the Female Leadership Programme pilot, highlighting the value of empowering women at work.

Can you tell us about your role at Bishop Fleming and how your career has evolved so far?

I started at Bishop Fleming as a graduate in 2018, and the business has grown substantially since then, allowing me to grow with it. I am currently an Audit Senior Manager who specialises in corporates and academies. Over the years, I’ve been able to shape my role around what matters most to me – supporting the development of others and sharing knowledge through teaching and mentoring.

What inspired you to get involved in the Female Leadership Programme pilot, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?

I approached the programme with an open mind, as I hadn’t previously taken part in training specifically designed for women. I was keen to gain insight into some of the challenges women can face in the workplace, particularly those you may not always recognise, and to learn more about how to navigate unconscious bias and focus on areas within your control.

Looking back, which part of the session you attended had the biggest impact on you, and why did it resonate?

One of the most impactful aspects was being in a room with so many ambitious and intelligent women. It was inspiring to see how openly people shared their experiences. Everyone had different stories and perspectives, and hearing those insights made the discussion incredibly powerful and thought-provoking.

Has taking part in the pilot influenced how you think about your career progression or leadership ambitions?

The programme reinforced something important for me: while women can face barriers, sometimes ones we’re not even fully aware of, being a woman is not a limitation. In fact, it’s a strength. Women bring different perspectives, skills, and approaches to leadership, and those differences add real value to the conversation.

What key skills or insights have you taken away from the programme so far?

One insight I’ve taken away and try to apply every day is being more conscious of the language I use. The programme highlighted how women can sometimes unconsciously soften their language – for example, by using words like “just”. It made me realise how often I did this and that it’s rarely necessary. There’s no reason to diminish the value of what you’re saying.

What excites you most about the future of female leadership at Bishop Fleming?

What excites me most is seeing Bishop Fleming actively invest in developing female leaders and providing the tools and support needed to progress to senior roles. It’s encouraging to be part of a firm that recognises the importance of that investment and is committed to creating those opportunities.

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