Sylvia Ashley

As head of people and culture for financial services, I work collaboratively across the firm to create propositions that support clients and enhance their programme assurance approaches. I provide risk management assurance reviews, internal audits, strategic insights and continuous improvement support.

I have over 30 years’ experience in financial services working in business development, organisational design and development, people and culture, and transformation programmes. This includes work across a range of cultures and geographies including the USA, Singapore, Australia and Europe. My previous experience includes working in the banking industry as the regional head of business development at top tier investment banks, head of investor relations of an European bank and as senior consultant OD for a large global banking group.

My main specialism is supporting organisations to assess and provide assurance on their culture and people plan, and to establish its alignment with their stated values. Over the years, I have learned that organisations that promote cultures that are aligned to their strategy, collaboration and people are more likely to be sustainable and commercially viable. Taking a holistic approach to organisational effectiveness, I recognise the interconnectedness between the culture of a successful organisation and the wellbeing of its employees, ultimately leading to greater productivity. I have had the privilege of helping leaders to become aware of the relationship between their own behaviour and the success of employee engagement in that culture.

Outside of work I like to focus on my creative interests such as singing, reading, cinema, creative writing and comedy acting. I also love travelling and learning about other cultures/ethnicity as well as spending time with my family and friends or going solo having a good time sipping coffee and people watching.