Leadership In Banking: Insights From Dame Alison Rose | Feature Article
- Lindsey Schlandt
- May 21
- 1 min read
FINANCIAL-NEWS.CO.UK — Dame Alison Rose, the first woman to lead a major UK bank, is known not only for her historic appointment at NatWest but for her grounded, team-focused leadership style. Across interviews and events—including the Thinkin podcast, Women on Boards, and Leaders With Lacqua—she’s shared hard-won insights on leading through uncertainty, empowering teams, and staying connected to purpose.
During her time at NatWest, Rose led through the upheaval of COVID-19, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine. These crises demanded a hands-on, emotionally intelligent approach. She focused on creating a learning-oriented culture, staying close to customers, and building a strategy rooted in long-term value. For Rose, leadership meant showing up with clarity and humanity—even when outcomes were unpredictable.
She also advocated for decentralized decision-making, encouraging front-line staff to act on their insights. In her view, the strength of a business lies in the trust between employees and customers—not just in the boardroom.
To manage stress, she leaned on her team, stayed grounded in the bank’s purpose, and focused on what was within her control. Her belief in mentorship—especially for those navigating pressure alone—has been a cornerstone of her philosophy. Rose reminds future leaders that success isn’t about going it alone, but about building strength together.
