Insights
SFXV – handing over the mic to inspirational women
Meet the judges: Vick Hope
Why is an initiative like Stonehage Fleming XV a good thing?
We are bombarded with images of what success looks like but there is a lot of work to do in diversifying what it means to be influential or inspirational. My work is always about handing over the microphone to those who have a story to tell. This initiative is a brilliant way to achieve that – to shine a spotlight on women and uplift their voices.
Why is it important for businesses like Stonehage Fleming to amplify the voices of women in business?
Traditionally, the financial industry has been male-dominated. That won’t change unless we actively work towards equal representation. You have to amplify voices to allow them to get to the same volume.
What is the value of building a community like SFXV?
Support, mentorship and networking are essential to building one and other up. That’s the only way we can prosper as a group. Often women are pitted against each other, encouraged to view each other as competition but that’s not the case. There is space for us all to thrive and having a supportive community is key to that. Nothing is insurmountable - whatever challenges you are facing there is always someone who has been through what you’re going through.
What do you hope to get out of the experience of being a judge?
The judges and nominees are from completely different disciplines and walks of life. I always look forward to meeting people from varied backgrounds, with diverse acumen – learning more about what they do and how they do. There is a whole world that I know very little about and I’m excited to find out more.
Why should influential people consider their social, cultural and intellectual impact alongside the financial performance of their business activities?
Because otherwise what’s the point? Personally, financial capital is at the bottom of my list of priorities in any endeavour that I undertake. I see it as the result of the other three pillars. Social and cultural impact matters to me. I want to create content that is enjoyable, entertaining, and informative. That brings people together and helps them to get through tough times.
When it comes to intellectual capital, there is nothing more stimulating that your mind being expanded by any given experience. When all of those pillars are upheld authentically, that’s where true success lies.
Vick Hope is a TV and radio presenter, journalist and published author. Sunday Times Style have dubbed Vick ‘a new voice of a generation’ after cementing herself as a BBC Radio 1 favourite presenting two national shows each week ‘Life Hacks’ and ‘The Official Chart: First Look’. Read more.