Siobhan Archer: Pioneering Sustainable Investing with Vision and Diversity

An interview with Siobhan Archer ,Global Stewardship Lead at LGT Wealth Management .

As we celebrate Women's History Month, Siobhan Archer's journey in the investment industry stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her trajectory from Development Studies to becoming Global Stewardship Lead at LGT Wealth Management unveils a story of resilience, accomplishment, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Unexpected Paths

Siobhan Archer's career began with a deviation from her initial path. With a degree in Geography and Development Studies, she intended to pursue profession in development or international aid. However, she shares, "Responsible investing attracted me as a way of addressing those challenges in the nimble and faster-paced environment of the financial sector." This unconventional shift laid the foundation for her distinctive perspective within the investment industry.

Championing Diversity and Overcoming Challenges: A Personal Reflection

In the face of the traditionally male-dominated investment sector, Siobhan Archer openly shares the intricacies of her journey, providing a nuanced reflection on the challenges she navigates as a woman. She candidly reveals, "Being a white woman approaching 29, I tend to be more aware of age than gender, acknowledging the privilege of not having to consciously factor in my race."

This heightened awareness hasn't deterred her but fuelled a commitment to excellence. Despite holding a first-class master's degree from a leading UK university and accumulating 7.5 years of experience in a relatively new sector, Siobhan finds herself justifying her expertise. She shares, "I invest a significant amount of time in preparing for panels, presentations, and pitches, more so than my male counterparts." This admission not only highlights the additional effort women often exert in proving capabilities but also underscores the determination that drives her to be exceptionally well-prepared, ensuring she is the most knowledgeable person in the room.

This tendency to go above and beyond isn't merely a professional strategy for Siobhan; it stems from a protective instinct. She explains, "This inclination is likely influenced by imposter syndrome." Her revelation about grappling with imposter syndrome offers a relatable narrative for many women in finance who navigate similar internal battles. Despite industry accolades and awards, her vulnerability in sharing internal struggles brings to light the often-unspoken challenges women face as they ascend in their careers.

Fortunately, Siobhan draws strength from a supportive network of female role models, serving as a remedy for self-doubt. This acknowledgment not only highlights the importance of mentorship but also showcases the resilience that arises when women uplift and empower one another. Her personal reflection resonates with women in finance and serves as a call to action for dismantling ingrained biases and creating environments where expertise is recognised irrespective of gender.

Diversity in Action: Shaping Engagements for Success

Siobhan emphasises the role of diversity in shaping successful engagements within a stewardship strategy. "Embracing diversity of thought is crucial," she affirms, particularly when dealing with companies from diverse cultural backgrounds, geographies and traditions. In her role, Siobhan actively promotes diversity and inclusion, contributing to initiatives such as the UK 30% Club Investor Working Group or GAIN (Girls Are Investors).

Advice for Aspiring Women: Staying Informed and Embracing Mentoring

For aspiring women in sustainable investing, Siobhan provides practical advice. "Stay up to date and never be afraid of getting into the technical details," she advises. Siobhan stresses the importance of mentoring, emphasising that mentors come in various forms and sizes. "I've always found it important to have people from different backgrounds than mine offering their knowledge," she adds, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives.

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