TGt Meets...Kerry Saunders, Independent Financial Adviser at Baker Davies - IWD Special

International Women’s Day 2021 #choosetochallenge

Kerry Saunders is an independent financial adviser at Baker Davies. Read below as we spoke to Kerry to get her thoughts on International Women's Day 2021.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #choosetochallenge – what would you choose to challenge when it comes to gender equality or inequality this year?

This could be in business or life in general.

I would challenge the stereotypes in job roles. It is getting better; however there is still the assumption that men hold the most successful and professional roles in society.

Thinking of your own experience in the world of business – which inequalities, if any, have you experienced personally or witnessed around gender?

I’ve definitely been challenged on my place at adviser workshops and seminars. It was on the assumption that I was an administrator attending in order to take notes for my adviser. Our role is typically seen as a middle aged male in a suit. Thankfully this has changed dramatically over the last few years prior to Covid 19.

What do you think women offer in particular to the world of business?

I think women offer a different perspective. We tend to be softer and emotional in our dealings and maybe have a more pragmatic approach.

What do you think men offer in particular to the world of business?

I’d say more decisive maybe and potentially more of a risk-taking approach.

Can you name up to three women in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? 

Phoebe Stone (Head of Sustainable Investing at LG Vestra) she is a young and very well respected woman in the investment management field. She is passionate and knowledgeable and certainly a role model to show that women can do great things.

Susie Ma founder of Tropic skincare. She started her business at a very young age and featured on the Apprentice. She didn’t win but she did go on to work with Lord Sugar and now has a highly profitable and sustainable business.

Do you think women who start their own business experience more challenges than men? Can you explain why you think this?

I think they do. I think they probably have a harder time being taken seriously.

Now a little bit about being based in Poole and your Covid-19 experience…

Describe Poole in 3 words…

Diverse, scenic, popular

Where’s your favourite place for an out of office/remote meeting?

A Canford Cliffs or Sandbanks hotel café with a view.

What do you most love about working in Poole?

The sea views and nature.

How do you think Poole and local businesses will bounce back once lockdown is eased?

I think it will bounce back strongly as there’s always the draw of the beaches and nature for visitors and locals.

How has Covid-19/Lockdown affected your business and what are your plans for the year ahead as we start to move out of lockdown?

Thankfully our business has continued throughout the pandemic. The main differences are that I’ve not been able to visit clients or pick up/drop off paperwork on my way to and from work.

If anything, I’ve been quite busy as people have had more time to sit down and review their finances or situation.

Find out more about Baker Davies by visiting their website here.