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We need to embrace different ethnicities and cultures but parts of the south lack this diversity, so we have to ask ourselves why
For Shimmin, the gender question is as much about your own approach. “I tend to be a little less confrontational at times. My view of myself is that I’m a little more muted than some men. My instinct is to step back.”
Is that weakness in a leader’s armoury? “Some women see that as a failing, but I see it as giving yourself time to think, which is no bad thing. However, you must be prepared to stand up when you need to. It’s about the art of the possible – seeing what you can do.”
Your biggest challenge is often you
While she is relieved that “the tide is going out” on outdated attitudes to workplace diversity, some views continue to stick around stubbornly. “There needs to be more respect, especially for younger women.”
Women in Business and other networks are a “brilliant opportunity” to show women that they are stronger than they perhaps think they are, although in a perfect world they wouldn’t be needed, she says. “If women channelled their self-confidence in the same way men do, which isn’t always a bad thing, then they would feel less disadvantaged. Your biggest challenge is often you.”
Taboo subjects should be out in the open
Shimmin talks candidly about the effect work pressure can have on mental health. “I’m not alone in having phases when I have been incredibly stressed and didn’t know how to deal with it. It’s hard to admit that you are not alright. The firm has helped me with stress counselling,” she said.
She also believes that more attention needs to be given to specific women’s issues, such as how menopause affects women. “It is more debilitating for many women than people imagine. There needs to be a better understanding of it and more support given.”
Only your best is good enough
London-born Shimmin’s family moved, via Dartmoor, to the Isle of Wight when she was 11. Family values influence key elements of her work ethic and leadership approach. “Our family view is that the only thing that’s good enough is your best,” she said.
After completing a law degree at King’s College London, she joined ‘magic circle’ law firm Slaughter and May and embraced the hard work and long hours of an articled clerk. “I would never undersell the value of that experience,” she said. “I was given a lot of independence and worked on the privatisations of British Gas, British Steel and British Airways in the 1980s.”
She specialises in the banking and finance sector and has been involved in numerous high-profile insolvencies and corporate transactions.
Swapping City for South Coast
Her move from the capital to the South Coast coincided with starting a family. “I came to a point where I realised I couldn’t meet the demands of being the best I can be if I stayed in the City,” she said.
She says good fortune led her to Blake Lapthorn (which later merged with Morgan Cole). “They needed a lawyer to work on the British Rail privatisation, so I had the experience they were looking for. I immediately felt comfortable at the firm.”
After about two years she wanted to be considered for a partnership, but her second child was due. “My bosses said do what comes naturally for you, so I took maternity leave. While I was away they put me up for the partnership. That’s how progressive the firm is.”
Leadership is about being true to yourself
Shimmin notes that strong and assertive women can often be seen as aggressive. “I sometimes think I’m a dragon lady! – but being yourself is okay. You can fear you’re one when you’re not. You don’t need to have a persona, you don’t need to be one thing or the other, you just need self-belief.”
She draws on her parenting skills and the teamwork it requires in her leadership style. “You learn from being a parent. You want to make sure people have the opportunity to have a go and you are responsible for managing their progress. When they make a mistake, they know you’ll have their backs; that’s what makes you a good boss.”
Leadership is also about setting a direction and learning not to manage in minute detail. “Rely on your business culture to bring people along and to share in your vision,” she said.
Her own career inspirations are both law partners. “Slaughter and May’s first female partner was a ‘no fuss’ person and I learned from the way she handled situations. At Blake Morgan, Caroline Williams was our first female partner and a trailblazer for the firm.”
businessmag.co.uk JULY/AUGUST 2021
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