This is me—
Stephanie
My path has never been linear; from growing up in a fishing village in the north of Scotland to raising three boys in London. I built a career along the way, serving as a Global COO at BlackRock and later as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at the Financial Conduct Authority (the UK’s financial regulator).
Like everyone, I am not one thing – I’m made of many. But through every shift, one thing remains constant: people. They’ve always been at the heart of how I live, lead and connect.
This is me—
as a professional
I started out in accounting, but I quickly realised that the numbers were just a reflection of something more powerful: human behaviour. That insight led me to roles that bridged finance, risk, and talent.
I’ve run global business platforms, sat at the leadership table, and partnered with executives through high-stakes change. But the constant through it all? People.
My career wasn’t built from a blueprint - it evolved through curiosity, opportunity, and a people-first mindset.
This is me—
as a parent
I know how it feels when your child begins to separate but still needs you. I live the parenting tightrope; stepping in, stepping back, and staying steady through it all. I also support other parents navigating that shift, helping them step back with trust while their young adult steps forward with confidence.
This is me—
as a learner
I’m currently completing the Chief Human Resources Officer Programme at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School and the Level 5 Coaching & Mentoring qualification at the University of Aberdeen. After a career that spans decades, I’m still learning because doing the work means staying curious.
This is me—
as a mentor
Throughout my career, I’ve mentored professionals at every stage from early roles to the C-suite. Again and again, I saw capable people stuck in “passenger mode” doing what was expected, but quietly questioning whether it still fit.
For over a decade, I’ve also supported young adults (aged 16–25) as they begin their career journeys. What started as a personal passion has grown into a dedicated and meaningful part of my practice.
This is me—
as a pilot
This work is deeply personal.
I’ve lived my own shift many times - from a life I built to a life I lead. My own story includes an MS diagnosis at 28 and the life-changing arrival of my twins just before I turned 40. I’ve juggled personal and professional as a parent. I’ve stepped away and come back. I’ve rebuilt. I’ve redefined.
Passenger to Pilot is built from lived experience.
