Membership Directory - Individual
Claire Smith
Alternatives Director at Schroders
About
Bio: Claire is an Alternatives Director for Schroders, based in Sydney, Australia, where she distributes alternatives and private assets to institutional and intermediary clients. She has worked in a variety of roles within the banking and asset management sector, having spent 13 years at Macquarie before joining Schroders in 2017. Claire is Chair of the APAC SchOUT Committee, Schroders' LGBT+ group, and a member of the Australian I&D committee.
Claire notes that as we spend such a large portion of our lives at work, it's important to be able to be your authentic self and not hide your personal life. Inclusive cultures enable this, and empowers employees to be their best self at work.
Schroders have developed this viewpoint all the way up to senior leadership, and Claire comments that the CEO is a huge advocate of I&D. That commitment can be seen throughout the entire organisation, and knowing that the executive team are committed and prioritising I&D is inspiring.
Claire adds: "In the earlier parts of my career, I wasn't particularly out and open about my sexual orientation. I've tried to be more visible lately, because it's important for others to know that they can be comfortable in themselves. Visible role models and allies are important because it helps younger people coming through the ranks. I want to encourage everyone to be open about who they are, because it makes everyone happier and more productive, which enables businesses to thrive."
Claire notes that as we spend such a large portion of our lives at work, it's important to be able to be your authentic self and not hide your personal life. Inclusive cultures enable this, and empowers employees to be their best self at work.
Schroders have developed this viewpoint all the way up to senior leadership, and Claire comments that the CEO is a huge advocate of I&D. That commitment can be seen throughout the entire organisation, and knowing that the executive team are committed and prioritising I&D is inspiring.
Claire adds: "In the earlier parts of my career, I wasn't particularly out and open about my sexual orientation. I've tried to be more visible lately, because it's important for others to know that they can be comfortable in themselves. Visible role models and allies are important because it helps younger people coming through the ranks. I want to encourage everyone to be open about who they are, because it makes everyone happier and more productive, which enables businesses to thrive."