The leadership lessons that shaped me

A career spanning more than two decades has given Kim Gibb a different perspective on what it means to lead. As CEO of Prescient Management Company, she believes leadership is less about the title you hold and more about the impact you have on those around you.  From learning to listen before leading, to recognising the importance of saying no and trusting her own voice, Kim reflects on the experiences that have shaped her career and shares her advice for the next generation of women entering financial services.

How has your definition of success changed throughout your career?

When I started my career, success was quite simple: work hard, qualify as a Chartered Accountant and build a career I could be proud of. Success was often measured by technical competence, meeting deadlines and progressing to the next milestone.

Over time, that changed. Today, success is much more about the impact you have on people and the legacy you leave behind. I’m proud of the businesses I’ve helped build and the growth I’ve been part of, but what matters most is whether I’ve made a difference to the people around me, my team, our clients and the broader industry. As I’ve become more senior, I’ve realised that success isn’t about what you achieve individually. It’s about what continues to thrive because of the environment you’ve helped create.

Was there a defining moment when you realised you were ready to step into senior leadership?

I don’t think there was a single moment where I suddenly felt “ready”. In fact, I suspect most leaders would say they never feel entirely ready. What did change was my perspective. Early in my career, I focused on the work in front of me. As I gained experience, I found myself thinking more about the future of the business, the industry and the people around me. Being part of a continually evolving financial services sector has taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about helping others navigate uncertainty and creating confidence when things are changing around them.

What is one leadership lesson you learned through experience rather than formal training?

That leadership is far more about listening than talking. When you’re younger, you often think leaders are the people with the answers. What I’ve learned is that the best leaders spend a lot of time listening, asking questions and genuinely trying to understand different perspectives. Some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained didn’t come from boardrooms or leadership courses. They came from conversations with colleagues, clients and industry participants with very different experiences and viewpoints.

The ability to listen, adapt and remain curious has probably taught me more about leadership than any formal training programme ever could.

How has being a woman in financial services shaped the way you lead?

When I entered financial services, there were significantly fewer women in leadership positions than there are today. In many meetings, I was often one of only a handful of women around the table. That experience taught me two things. Firstly, the importance of having confidence in your own voice. Secondly, that you don’t need to lead the way someone else does in order to be effective.

I’ve never felt the need to fit a particular leadership stereotype. I believe some of my greatest strengths as a leader come from qualities such as empathy, collaboration and creating an environment where people feel comfortable contributing.

The industry has made tremendous progress, but there is still work to do. That’s why it’s important for women in leadership roles to be visible, not because we’re women, but because representation helps others believe that those opportunities are possible for them too.

Are you more comfortable saying “no” today than you were earlier in your career, and why?

Definitely. Earlier in my career, I said yes to almost everything. Partly because I was ambitious and eager to learn, and partly because I thought that’s what successful people did. The reality is that as your responsibilities grow, your time becomes one of your most valuable resources. I’ve learned that saying no isn’t negative. It’s often necessary.

Every yes comes with a trade-off. Whether that’s time away from family, attention diverted from strategic priorities or less capacity for the things that matter most. Experience has taught me that saying no can actually be one of the most important leadership decisions you make because it allows you to focus your energy where you can have the greatest impact.

When you look back at your career, what achievement are you most proud of that goes beyond your job title?

The people I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’ve been fortunate to be part of an industry that has evolved significantly over the past two decades. But if I’m honest, what makes me proudest is seeing people develop and succeed. Whether it’s someone who joined as a graduate and is now leading a team, or a colleague who discovered capabilities they didn’t know they had. Business achievements are important, but watching people grow in confidence and achieve more than they thought possible is something that stays with you long after a transaction, project or title has faded into the background.

What is the one message you would want every young woman entering financial services today to hear?

Don’t underestimate yourself. I’ve seen many talented women hesitate because they think they need more experience, more qualifications or more certainty before putting themselves forward for an opportunity. The truth is that very few people ever feel completely ready.

Back yourself. Be curious. Ask questions. Take opportunities that stretch you. Most importantly, don’t try to lead like someone else. The industry needs diverse thinking, diverse perspectives and authentic leadership.

Your career won’t be defined by having all the answers. It will be defined by your willingness to learn, adapt, build relationships and keep moving forward even when you’re unsure. And remember that every woman who steps forward makes it a little easier for the next one to do the same.