IFSDG: How long have you worked
at Tesco Bank?
Julie: Since January 2010 when I joined
the General Insurance programme as Operations Training Manager. I
was part of the team that set up the General Insurance division,
and we trained over 700 people in four weeks ready for go live last
October. Since July 2010 I have been part of the Leadership and
Capability team, working with all our business areas to develop
Leadership capability.
IFSDG How many people work at Tesco Bank?
Julie: Around 3000 people now work
directly for Tesco Bank, with an additional population working with
us on a supplier basis. This includes Vertex in Glasgow who are
also located in the IFSD.
IFSDG: What is your vision for Tesco Bank in
Glasgow?
Julie: We are trying to do something
different in Tesco Bank which will potentially change customer
expectation in Financial Services, and it's very exciting to be
part of that. We're very focused on providing a service for Tesco
customers which fits with the Tesco brand. In Learning and
Capability, our vision is to find better, quicker and cheaper ways
of developing capability in our business, which supports developing
the Tesco culture in the Bank.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Julie: I work across a number of sites so
my day generally involves travel, and spending time in meetings,
developing relationships with my stakeholders and suppliers,
helping to share the vision of what we are trying to achieve. I'm
involved in a lot of project management right now which is really
rewarding. Often my day also involves supporting the activities of
Women in Banking and Finance Glasgow, and a couple of times a month
attending their events.
IFSDG: How many emails do you receive on an
average day?
Julie: Not as many as some of my
colleagues, although I recently worked out that I now have 6 email
addresses so I probably spend more time on email than I
realise.
IFSDG: Why did Tesco Bank choose to locate in the
IFSD in Glasgow?
Julie: Our Chief Executive Benny
Higgins believes that "in order to deliver high-quality service, we
need high-quality people, and the decision to build a substantial
presence in Scotland, and in particular in Glasgow, is a reflection
that we think there is a very strong reservoir of talent."
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow?
Julie: It's really close to some stunning
scenery, it has an airport, and it's a city full of really amazing
people, past and present.
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement
to date?
Julie: Undoubtedly being part of the
start up of Tesco Bank. It's been an amazing experience and I'm
really proud of what everyone has achieved to date, and in such a
short time. My team designed 53 days worth of training in 3 months
which was then delivered by over 100 trainers. Our rapid
development is testament to the hard work and talent we have
attracted to our business.
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Julie: My Audi! I wouldn't drive anything
else now.
IFSDG: Which business person or company do you
most admire and why?
Julie: I admire the vision of people like
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou who has revolutionised the airline
industry, and Steve Jobs for being one of the most inspirational
speakers in recent times. Most of all I admire leaders that have a
really clear and simple business strategy, that articulate it well
to customers and staff and who stick to it. They are usually the
most successful.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Julie: A Vet. Unfortunately for me this
meant 4 Grade A's in sciences and maths, and I was good at English,
history, economics and art. I also wanted to be a riding instructor
but my father thought I would be better off with a career in either
banking or insurance, so I started my working life at Pearl
Assurance.
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Julie: I have recently taken up
horse riding again, which was my main sport when I grew up, and I
also love hill walking. I'm fortunate enough to live on the West
Highland way so there is lots of great countryside on the doorstep.
I love just getting in the car and driving north to visit the West
coast too - you can't fail to relax with some of the views,
wildlife and sense of calmness we have there.
IFSDG: Blackberry or I-Phone?
Julie: I have both - Blackberry for work
and I-Phone for personal
IFSDG: Suit or no suit?
Julie: No suit, but smart stylish and
business like
IFSDG: Heels or pumps?
Julie: Heels, as they look more
professional
IFSDG: Wine or cocktails?
Julie: Wine, preferably from South Africa
or New Zealand, both places I have been to
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Julie: Sunshine - living in Scotland
means I need to escape for some sun on a very regular basis. Iam
lucky to have parents with a house abroad and so can use going out
to clean it as an excuse for yet another holiday
IFSDG: and finally, what three words to sum
you up
Julie: Loyal, talented and curious