Leadership Lessons from Leaving School at 16, Back Office, Banking, Tech to the Boardroom - Carole Layzell, NED, CX and Digital, fromer Managing Director at Barclays

In this episode of The Impact Room, Michelle Ansell is joined by Carole Layzell, an experienced banking, digital and customer leader who built her career from leaving school at 16 to becoming a Managing Director at Barclays before moving into NED and advisory roles.

Carole shares candid reflections on her 30-year career across Barclays, Nationwide, Salesforce and Medallia, discussing how customer experience, digital innovation, and people-first leadership shaped her approach.

She also explores what boards are really looking for today, how leaders can stay relevant, and why curiosity and continuous learning have been foundational throughout her journey.

We cover: • The realities of starting a career at 16 and navigating progression • Digital transformation and initiatives like Digital Eagles • What skills our leaders and future need now and what makes them future-ready • Why customer experience still defines organisational success • How Carole is approaching her new chapter as a NED and advisor

If you're interested in leadership development, customer strategy, banking innovation or building a portfolio career, this episode offers practical wisdom and real-world experience from someone who has lived it. Not sure whow to get the best from your own career then this is a must listen episode.

Powered by Douglas Jackson, helping organisations hire more diverse, impactful leaders who stay longer and perform better, for growth, scale and transformation.

If you would prefer to watch this episode you can do that here.

https://youtu.be/_pJd7fE1FAo

Connect or link with Carole. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-layzell/

Learn more about Douglas Jackson and their Banking Financial Services and Insurance Solutions for quality and professional Executive Search and Recruitment, helping you hire more impactful, diverse leadership for Permanent, Interim, NED and Fractional support. https://www.douglas-jackson.com/insurance-banking-and-finance-executive-and-professional-search-recruitment/