On being yourself: An interview with Bridget Snelling

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

Authenticity. I am a strong believer in what you see is what you get. Showing up as myself and being vulnerable when required has helped me to forge very strong relationships with colleagues and team members alike.?

Challenge. Being able to have crucial conversations with people, to help them get more out of themselves, or to coach them through an issue, is imperative. Tough convos are actually kind, if delivered with empathy.

Empowerment. I love empowering team members and guiding them to do the best work they can. I believe that I can get the best out of people.?

Are there any diversity goals at Xero? Why a diverse workforce is important to your kaupapa?

We currently have two commitments regarding representation that we have publicly disclosed. These are:?

By the end of FY25, we aim to achieve (and maintain) 45% representation of women among senior leaders, people leaders, and all employees?

By the end of FY27, we aim to have 10% of our workforce globally comprised of identified underrepresented racial groups

At Xero, we recognise that every person has a unique perspective and experience. So we aim to bring these individuals together into a global team, connected through habits, behaviours, systems and programming, that honour and encourage all voices to be heard and reflect the communities we engage in.

I wish I had know that ultimately, everything will work out. If you’re a hard worker, good to people, and run through doors when they open - opportunities will come your way.

Why is Xero supporting Powrsuit’s new membership network?

Although we’ve come so far, there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure real equity for wāhine in Aotearoa. Xero recognises that many female leaders in NZ’s small business community often lack access to the level of resources and expertise people in big businesses have, which is instrumental in enabling them to flourish in their work. We see an opportunity to plug this gap by supporting and guiding aspiring and existing women leaders in the small business community. Partnering with Powrsuit is one of the ways we intend to do this.?

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

I started my career as a corporate lawyer. I learned in my time at the big firm where I worked what leadership doesn’t look like, which is almost as important as seeing good leadership in action. I knew from the get-go that people come first for me and that to succeed in business, you need to start by taking care of the people who are doing the mahi. High performing teams consist of great care and great accountability.?

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known earlier in your career?

That ultimately, everything will work out. If you’re a hard worker, good to people, and run through doors when they open - opportunities will come your way. I used to worry far too much about ‘what’s next’. But I now know that if you do the best you can on any given day, and keep doing that, then great things will happen.?

How did you know the ‘best next step’ in your career? We assume it was a jungle gym over a ladder - what or who helped you navigate your path???

A jungle gym over a ladder is an apt description. My career is a tapestry of different experiences, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a firm believer in fate and that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, a door doesn’t open when you hope it will, but in my experience, that’s usually because there is something even better - or different and interesting - that happens next. Seizing opportunities when they come up is imperative - not being afraid to take a leap of faith and backing yourself even when it’s scary. Ask people you trust for advice - but don’t collect opinions and exclude your own. Trust your gut - that’s usually the best way to follow the right path for you.?

Bridget Snelling, Country Manager, Xero New Zealand?

Bridget is responsible for overseeing the execution of New Zealand’s go-to-market strategy, revenue, market share, and advancing Xero’s brand as a leading small business platform. She has over ten years of experience across global financial services, technology, and media. Prior to Xero, Bridget held various strategic marketing and leadership positions at TVNZ, Orion Health and ANZ. Bridget holds a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Law, with Honours in Media Law, from the University of Auckland.