Business

Vicky Davies is Danske's first female executive board member in two centuries

In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Vicky Davies, deputy chief executive at Danske Bank and its first female executive board member in its more than 200-year history

What was your first job?

I worked as a barmaid in Wimbledon earning money during my holidays from studying at Cambridge University. I also worked at Barclays Bank in Wimbledon during the summer after my first year at university. I was responsible for processing cheques and back office tasks included placing statements in envelopes. Lots of manual tasks which are automated today. My first proper full time job was as a management consultant at Accenture where I worked for five years. My role was mainly based in UK but I also worked in Scandanavia and the US.

What qualifications do you have?

I am a certified bank director which I obtained from Institute of Banking; I studied at INSEAD in France and Singapore where I achieved my MBA with distinction and I have a first class honours degree in natural sciences from Cambridge University.

What do you attribute your success to?

Hard work, great mentors, supportive family, going outside my comfort zone, getting feedback and acting on it.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?

Determined, hard-working, team player, curious, inclusive and committed to driving diversity at every opportunity.

Who do you look up to in business?

There are so many! I’m surrounded by supportive and charismatic mentors whom I have learnt a lot from throughout my career.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

I’m proud to have great colleagues at Danske Bank and I place great importance on teamwork when leading, and being part of, a team. A shared vision, creating a supportive culture and constant encouragement are key.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

Be more diverse in every way. I am truly committed to equality and diversity. I am the first female executive board member of Danske Bank in its more than 200-year history and I am chair of Danske Bank’s equality and diversity initiative.

What website or app could you not do without?

LinkedIn – great for business news and staying connected.

What was the last book you read?

The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken

What car do you drive?

Volvo. It’s a lovely family car and there’s plenty of room for the dog.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I’m mum to four energetic boys ranging in age from 8 to 12 – the youngest two are twins – and we recently added a Cavapoo puppy, Barney, to our brood!

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

Playing tennis (badly) and mentoring entrepreneurs and individuals embarking on their careers. I am passionate about bringing out the best in people to reach their potential in helping them think through the barriers and feeling they can go for it and achieve.