Insights
Meet the judges: Caroline Michel
SFXV – recognising that success shouldn’t be defined by money alone
Why is it important for companies like Stonehage Fleming to embark on initiatives like Stonehage Fleming XV (SFXV)?
Our work and our lives should reflect the world we live in. We live in an extraordinary, diverse, and exciting world where women make up half of the world’s population, so it’s incredibly important to ensure that women have equal opportunities. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to explore different worlds, have different conversations with a broad group of individuals, and bring a greater understanding of different worlds to help ensure there are many conversations around making a single decision.
What is the value of communities like SFXV?
I am a great believer in putting people together who share common interests and goals. SFXV is interesting because it will create a group of people from diverse disciplines united by a single mission – one that is forward-looking and with the potential to build year-on-year.
What are you hoping to get out of being a judge?
I am a great believer in listening and learning. I have always learned so much when working with people from different backgrounds or industries other than my own. For me, half the joy of being on a panel is the opportunity to meet extraordinary people. Every committee I have ever been on I’ve formed a bond – a friendship that carries on through life. And I really value that.
What are you looking for in the SFXV candidates?
I will be looking for open-minded women who hear what others say and who are prepared to change their opinions. There is a big difference between listening and actually hearing. We live in such a fast-paced world, people are too quick to believe they have understood when they may not have quite. I think that happens a lot. I will be looking for candidates who consciously give others time to explore what they think, to speak and be heard.
Why is it important for people to consider their impact outside financial success?
Success comes in many different forms. One of them is understanding the value of the world we live in. That means appreciating the other influences one’s life or work has, like its social, cultural and intellectual impact. The SFXV will be made up of people who do not define success by money alone but who understand what it is to contribute truly to society.