In this special edition of Flex and The City, Dave Micallef engages in an eye-opening conversation with none other than Kirsty Watson, the powerhouse Chief Operating Officer of Advisors at abrdn.

Kirsty takes us on a journey from her roots in Dunfermline, Scotland, to her unexpected path into the world of financial services.

Drawing inspiration from leaders like Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, and Sheryl Sandberg, Kirsty shares her valuable insights on leadership, emphasising the importance of humility, bravery, and human connection.

As the conversation unfolds, Kirsty highlights the importance of diversity of perspectives and the transformative role of financial services in empowering individuals to make informed choices.

Tune in to discover Kirsty's pearls of wisdom on the importance of hard work, seizing opportunities, and embracing challenges. Plus, gain valuable insights into the vibrant culture at Aberdeen Advisors and their customer-centric approach.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bhagesh Malde, the Global Head of SS&C GlobeOp, for a great new Flex and the City conversation. From starting his life in Kenya and then beginning his working career in The City of London to his journey across multiple continents, Bhagesh's story is one of adaptability, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of diverse perspectives.

As an ethnic minority navigating the corporate world in the 90s, Bhagesh encountered unique challenges that fostered a deep appreciation for the richness that diversity brings to any team or organisation.

What struck me most about Bhagesh was his contrarian thinking and unbridled enthusiasm for breaking barriers and challenging conventional wisdom. He has an unwavering belief in the power of diverse teams and diversity of thought. He passionately advocates for creating environments where individuals from all backgrounds feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, ultimately leading to more robust decision-making and innovation.

So, if you're looking for a podcast episode that's packed with insight, inspiration, a real human leader and a healthy dose of spice, look no further than my conversation with Bhagesh Malde. Trust me, you won't want to miss it! 🌟

I had an incredible conversation with Craig Blair, the Country Head of Franklin Templeton Luxembourg on Flex and The City.  Craig is authentic, humble and thoughtful in his approach to leadership.

He speaks from the heart and believes that everyone can be successful. We spoke about his childhood in Belfast, the impact of the "troubles" and the strength of his mother often alone raising 3 children as well as his passion for travel, music and rugby.

Craig is passionate about cultural and neurodiversity having experienced this at different stages in his life within his family and in the workplace in different locations around the globe.

His career spans from the automotive industry to financial services and his passion for the long-term sustainability of the industry is clear. 

Craig's insights and leadership style are truly inspiring and serve as a reminder that one's past experiences can positively influence their future endeavours. His commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, as well as his dedication to ensuring the longevity of his industry, is commendable. 

We're excited to see what Craig Blair will do next!