A Leader's Journey: Embracing Uncertainty & Growth in Financial Leadership

Victoria Ursell has been with Investec Bank PLC for nearly a decade and is now a member of the Leadership Team in the Private Banking division. She adopts a straightforward, no-nonsense approach, and it is clear that she holds herself to exceptionally high standards in all her endeavours.

Victoria speaks of Investec's relationship-led approach to Private Banking, emphasising the organisation's ability to assist clients with both their personal and business financial needs simultaneously.

“I am fortunate to work alongside some truly fantastic clients, including business owners, hedge fund managers, and property developers. At Investec, we see it as our role to help clients navigate volatility, make their financial lives easier, and access the full breadth of Investec’s offerings with ease,” she explains. “I consider my job to be a real privilege,” says Victoria.

Outside of work, Victoria enjoys spending time outdoors. She has climbed to the base camp of Mount Everest and summited Kilimanjaro. However, as she is now expecting her first child, her hiking boots have been put away for a while.

In an insightful interview with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Victoria shared her thoughts:

How have your motivations and goals evolved over the course of your career?

I have always been determined and driven. Early in my career, this manifested as a strong need to perform and deliver results personally. I spent much of my time in banking in a front-office, revenue-generating role, and I thrived in the targeted nature of that position. However, as I have progressed, I have come to understand that I can have a far greater impact by empowering others to shine, and this is what motivates me now.

Can you share a specific moment that significantly shaped your career? What impact did it have on your professional journey? 

I have been working in the Financial Services sector for nearly 15 years. When I first started my career, I had a very clear plan for how I wanted to progress. However, it’s impossible to map out your career in the way we often envision when we are young and ambitious. In reality, opportunities arise based on the needs of the organisation you work for and as market changes create opportunities. It is essential to position yourself as someone who can meet those needs and adapt. For me, this has involved several international moves. I began my career in London and have since lived and worked in the Middle East, North America, and Latin America, because this is what the company I represented at the time required of me.

Which key lessons have influenced your approach to decision-making as a finance leader? 

Three things stand out. Firstly, always look to the data. What do the facts tell you, and how does that align with your ‘gut feel response’? Second, give yourself time to think. "Act, don’t react" is absolutely vital. Finally, it’s rare for something to be a totally new concept; it is far more likely that someone in your network has encountered a similar challenge. Seek input from those around you.

How has your leadership style evolved over the years? What qualities are essential for effective leadership? 

I think the ability to tell the story and motivate people is absolutely key in leadership. Explaining why we are doing what we’re doing, along with a clear articulation of short-term objectives and long-term strategy, keeps everyone aligned. Open and honest feedback is vital for performance, and that has to be two-way. I think my style is still forming and evolving; learning never stops, which is a great thing.

How do you navigate the demands of a leadership role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? 

Honestly, until this point, there has been very little balance. I have committed fully to work, as I love it. I see the role I hold as such a privilege, and it has brought me a great sense of purpose and satisfaction. However, my husband has a demanding job leading the investment team at a Venture Capital fund, and we’re expecting our first child, so things will have to change. I have no intention of taking a ‘back seat’ in my career, so while balance will be necessary, pushing forward is as important as it’s ever been. Planning and communication are absolutely vital. We want to teach our children that enjoying your work is a good thing; we don’t ‘go to the office to pay the bills’; we go because we love it, and it’s a part of who we are.

What advice would you give to women who may feel discouraged or face setbacks in their careers? How can they build resilience?

No one has had a linear route up the ladder. Recognising this is key. When something doesn’t go to plan, take stock, reflect on where you need to take accountability, consider how you could do things differently next time, and then go again. The ability to keep going is what sets people up for success. I also believe that viewing feedback as a tool for improvement, rather than something negative, is an important mindset shift that really helps along the way.

Message To Aspiring Women Finance Leaders on Seizing Opportunities

Seek broad exposure and experience, which may involve changing roles relatively frequently. I’ve only worked for two organisations, but I’ve held six different positions during that time. Most importantly, it’s essential to understand the value you bring to the company; it can be risky if you cannot clearly see your impact. If you identify a gap in your experience, take the initiative to fill it - for me, this has included pursuing additional qualifications and mentorship along the way. I have always used three key measures to evaluate my career: first, am I learning? Second, do I feel fairly compensated? And finally, am I happy? Ideally, all three of these criteria should be met, but you should aim to satisfy at least two at all times.