Dame Alison Rose, the former CEO of NatWest Group, is a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs as she shares her experiences and leadership challenges in the banking sector. She has been a guest on James Harding’s ThinkIn podcast, where she discusses various leadership topics, including empowering female founders and supporting small businesses through Entrepreneur Accelerators.
During her time as CEO of NatWest, Dame Alison managed the activities of the UK’s largest business and commercial bank while also focusing on emissions-related goals. She emphasized the importance of communication with customers, regularly engaging in round table discussions to gain insights beyond data. Monitoring emissions activities and encouraging a culture of openness through the whistleblowing process were also key aspects of her leadership.
In pursuit of sustainability goals, NatWest under Alison’s leadership aimed to become net positive by 2025 after achieving net zero in 2020. The organization collaborated with carbon management solution companies, provided tools for measuring environmental impact, and incentivized sustainable practices for customers. This approach required collaboration across sectors and a focus on global targets, which NatWest actively supported through financial initiatives.
Alison and her colleagues set clear ethical policies and sustainability criteria to best protect customers, viewing data protection as a crucial aspect of their responsibilities. They invested significantly in systems and controls to prevent financial crime, acknowledging the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in the banking industry.
Reflecting on the UK’s position in the global economy, Alison sees the country’s business community as resilient and entrepreneurial, particularly in response to challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. She highlights the importance of SMEs in driving economic growth and emphasizes the need for continued support for diverse sectors to maintain the country’s competitive edge in attracting talent and investment.
As a CEO, Alison Rose managed the weight of her responsibilities by aligning her strategy with a purpose-led approach, fostering a strong team dynamic, and prioritizing effective communication with customers and colleagues. She emphasizes the significance of staying calm, maintaining transparency, and being adaptable in navigating challenges within the banking industry.
