Breaking Barriers: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

At F4S, we are passionate about connecting young students with industry leaders, particularly in fields where mathematics plays a central role. One of our recent highlights was our Virtual Assembly, featuring two senior women from Lloyd’s—Eleanor Bucks, Chief Investment Officer, and Uma Divekar, Senior Manager of Syndicate Capital. Their insights were nothing short of inspiring, and they left a lasting impression on the students who joined us from across the country.

A Day of Insight and Inspiration

During the assembly, Eleanor and Uma shared their career journeys, highlighting the key role maths plays in the finance and insurance sectors. Eleanor’s career, spanning over two decades, took her from Legal & General to Lloyd’s, while Uma brought her deep expertise in Syndicate Capital. Both leaders captivated students with stories of how maths is integral to success in their work, from solving complex problems to driving strategic decisions.

The leaders also discussed the vital skills needed to succeed—problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability—while emphasising how AI is shaping the future of their industries. Students were encouraged to embrace technology and refine their problem-solving and communication skills to stay ahead.

The Power of Problem-Solving and AI

A key takeaway from the session was the transformative impact of AI in finance and insurance. Eleanor and Uma shared examples of how AI is enhancing decision-making processes and transforming industries. By discussing the intersection of technology and mathematics, they inspired students to explore how these fields will continue to evolve and create exciting opportunities.

Both leaders stressed the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, encouraging students to embrace change and the possibilities that new technologies offer. Their experiences demonstrated that careers in finance and insurance are intellectually stimulating and full of potential for innovation and growth.

Inspiring the Future

This Virtual Assembly offered students the opportunity to engage with two powerful role models who showed them the exciting careers that can be achieved through a solid foundation in mathematics. Eleanor and Uma’s stories demonstrated the far-reaching impact of maths in finance, insurance, and beyond, and inspired students to think big about their own futures.

We are deeply grateful to Eleanor and Uma for their time, their insights, and their dedication to inspiring the next generation of leaders. Their stories show that with resilience, curiosity, and a passion for problem-solving, young people can achieve limitless success.

At F4S, we are committed to facilitating meaningful conversations between young people and professionals, sparking curiosity and building confidence. If you have a story like Eleanor’s or Uma’s, we would love for you to volunteer and help inspire the next generation. Together, we can break barriers and encourage young minds to explore new possibilities.

Teachers, if you’d like to bring inspiring leaders like Eleanor and Uma into your classroom, it’s simple—get in touch today and let’s empower the next generation!