In our debut episode of Summed Up podcast, we sat down with two accomplished leaders, Claire Spencer, Corporate Finance Partner here at PKF Smith Cooper, and Alice Rees, Partner at Nelsons, for a candid conversation about leadership, culture and gender representation.

Timings

• [00:0:45] Guest introductions
• [00:04:37] How the industry is moving forward on gender representation
• [00:11:47] Pivotal mentors or organisations that shaped their leadership style
• [00:24:48] Advice for someone who’s looking to take a key role in changing organisational culture
• [00:27:48] Current culture themes and hot topics in professional services
• [00:31:50] Factors that separate good businesses from great
• [00:34:53] Effective ways to build influence in a room where decisions happen
• [00:38:19] Skills or behaviours that have helped you gain influence at a strategic level
• [00:42:05] Rapid recommendation – A recommended resource or habit for women early in their careers who want to grow into senior roles

This episode gives listeners practical, honest insight into building a confident and resilient career in typically male dominated fields. Claire and Alice share how they navigated their own paths, what’s genuinely improving around gender representation, and the lessons they’ve learned about imposter syndrome, returning from maternity leave, and leading with empathy and authenticity. Throughout, they offer grounded advice on how to influence strategy, handle senior rooms and carve out a career that truly feels like your own.