On being seen and heard: An interview with Anna Scott

Anna, what are the most impactful leadership skills you use?

I think that communication is at the centre of good leadership. Communication is a two-way deal with one side being listening. And providing clear direction and decision making, with rationale, so that people know the why, where & how they best add value.

Are there any diversity goals and initiatives at Smartshares, and why is a diverse workforce important to your kaupapa?

Our investors are not a homogeneous group and so it makes sense that our team shouldn’t be either. In order to provide useful and valuable products and good client service you need to place yourself in your client and business partner’s shoes. The more diverse your team are the better you’re able to do that because, as a team, strength & depth lies in differences, not similarities.?

Why is Smartshares supporting Powrsuit’s new membership network??

As a female CEO in a largely male dominated industry it is important to show a pathway and be an example of? ‘see it to be it’ , if a role as a CEO is what people aspire to. Powrsuit is not only a network that will provide some of our Smartshares team with leadership development, but it also creates a cohort and network across our various internal business lines in a context separate from Smartshares. We talk a lot about ‘faster alone but further together’ and I think partnering with Powrsuit is another way to amplify our teamwork and leadership.

"By being curious, asking why, solving problems and making a difference have raised my visibility in each of my roles - which has meant that my name has been in the ring when new opportunities or challenges have come up."

Can you recall a specific moment or experience that shaped your leadership style?

I think my style has been shaped over the years of observing other leaders and colleagues and shaping that into something that feels genuine to me. And I’m not a finished product yet, I am constantly learning new leadership skills and adapting my approach.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve ever done to succeed in your career?

I think of myself as a ‘get stuff done’ kind of person and I think being curious, asking why, solving problems and making a difference have raised my visibility in each of my roles. Each time that has built a track record which has meant that my name has been in the ring when new opportunities or challenges have come up.

What advice would you give to women feeling a bit stuck in their careers??

Ask yourself what it is that you most like to do at work and where you think you add the most value. Go back to those fundamentals and then start to talk to people about those things and exploring a potential new role in those areas. I have found that opportunities come along when you start verbalising those things, rather than just thinking about them.

Anna Scott, CEO, Smartshares

Anna joined NZX in September 2023 as the CEO of Smartshares. Before joining NZX, Anna has held management roles in New Zealand and London at Hobson Wealth and JPMorgan as well as New Zealand directorships in financial service firms. Anna brings expertise in strategic development, leadership, operational & technology synergies & corporate governance and holds a BE(Hons) in Engineering Science from Auckland University.